This might be the wrong methodology for choosing a boat but I tend to look at what boats the racers are running when considering a boat. I figure they have put the research into it and if a boat hull is good enough for the pounding they put a boat through it is good enough for me!

As far as cats vs v-hulls, it is just a matter of personal preference. Do you like to be able to stand up while you drive? If you do V-hull is the only way to go as far as I know.

Geeez cat,do you read before you post? I never said one handled better than the other. I said the daytona handles great.As for the talon being the best 25 foot cat ever designed,ever driven one? I have,compared them head to head and bought the daytona. Prettier,better ride and faster with identical power.(79.8 vs. 82.1) back to back test 5 minutes apart,similar fuel and passenger load. Both hp500efi powered. I haven't driven an AO 26 so I can't make that comparison.

HTMs are stand up cats right? So are the big boys, if you desire, Nor Tech and MTI.

Personally I wouldn't want a 29 ft V-Hull with twins. Extra engine = more weight - more fuel and usually less speed. I'd go for a composite 28 - 29 ft stepped single engine V-Hull. If you are thinking about the extra engine for dependability to get home - buy a SeaTow membership for $ 119.00. BH

Check out WPM
 

Pretty reasonably priced and their 23 would be a very fast boat with bravo type power. I hope to get one maybe next season. No cabin space though.

I could be wrong but I don't think the smaller, less than 30' cats, are stand up.

Older 25' Obsession Vortex hulls were equipt with drop out seats. Heavy hull is great on rough water but it takes a lot of power to get good "cat like" speeds compared to some of the newer models out there.

I know the AO isn't. Had a ride in one, and it was sit-down only.

The Sr-24s are standup.

Just go buy a 28 Sunsation and bolt on a blower if you want speed.