20' boat recommendations?
 

Hey all! I was hoping some of you folks might have some experience with slightly smaller performance boats and would offer some recommendations. I am looking into boats in the 20' range right now. I won't actually be going off shore, but the waters that I frequent in my area can get rough at times. Looking for something that can double as a family ski toy boat (needs a ski eye, swim platform and ladder) and can also do about 70 MPH.

So far I am looking at the Baja 20' Outlaw (found one with a 300 HP Merc) and the VIP 19' Vindicator. Both boats are around $30K. Anyone have any experience with either of these boats or can you recommend another model?

..it you step up a foot or two...Velocity makes a nice 22...Superboat makes a 21'...great boats...

there are others, I'm sure will be mentioned....

:cool:

If it were me, I would buy Nasty Habits 20' Cig.
Nice rig, new everything, plus, it's a Cig!

I was under the impression Baja wouldn't put anything bigger than a 260hp 5.0 in them. Where did you find this boat?

You can get an Eliminator Daytona in 19, 20, and 22 foot length. They can easily do 70mph.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Just paid for my membership, so hopefully I will be able to view the photo above some time soon. Not really interested in a tunnel or cat. I am looking for a V-hull. Again, thanks to everyone so far.

22 Classic Donzi.. will run those speeds easily

Originally liked the Donzi, but it does not meet the family boating needs. No swim platform, ladder and the motor hatch is gelcoat rather than a pad. Nice boat, but it won't multi-task.

The 20 Outlaw is a nice boat for the money where did you find one with a 300 though??


with the 305 it will do 65 easy;)

Well, the dealer only has one with the 300 HP motor, so if I publicize it then the inquiries might go up and the price won't be quite so flexible. It is a custom made Outlaw. He says it was made for one of the execs. at Baja and only has about 8 hours on it. Problem is that it has an Alpha drive.

300 hp and an alpha arent going to mix good with the skiing takeoff. Getting a boat to top off at 70 and pull you up will also be hard on the drive.

true.. but they do make a aftermarket swim platform and sun pad of the 22...

If you're really wanting a 20 to 22 foot V-hull that can be used for water skiing as well as performance boating, then take a look at my 22-foot Crownline with a Whipplecharged Merc 502 and a Bravo 3 outdrive. (Click on the red TWISTED below).

With the low end torque of the Whipple and the six-bladed Bravo 3 props, it has an awesome holeshot. I weight 200 pounds, and it will pull me up on one ski at half-throttle with 10 people in the boat! :eek:

The boat will also go over 70 mph (GPS'ed at 74 on a cool day with 5 people onboard). It is an awesome "sleeper". :cool:

I have over $60K in it, but I will sell it to you for $39,900.

Boat for sale

PM me! :D

That is a really nice boat, but unfortunately the extra couple of feet won't fit in my garage. I'm not even looking at 21 footers for that reason. Trying to avoid paying for off-site storage.

Unfortunately, you may not get away from the off-site storage for the criteria your trying to meet. Check around your area for the best deals on storage. It's not as bad as you might think.

With that said, I have the perfect boat for you. 1992 Baja 240 Islander. It's got everything your looking for. Ski tow eye, molded swim platform, and ladder. With the 502 mag and Bravo 1 it will run 70mph. The open bow makes for plenty of room for the kids.

Asking $19,900.

Here's a few pics to look over.... Contact me for further info. [email protected]

Thanks,
Travis

Cockpit...

Transom...

How bout a 24' Fountain ? You could shave the "beak " off the front and get it down to 20 ' !!!:D :D :D Just kidding guys ,I had too ............:p

How big is your garage ? Remember you got some trailer tongue and the outdrive to fit in also . And not all boats measure what they call them .

Pointerman

All the above are great suggestions, however you should look at checkmates also. My Attorney has a 2000 21 w/ 350mag and that thing really goes, we gps 65mph and it was hitting rev limiter. Awsome boat for the money.

WILL

My 22-foot boat requires a 26x11 storage location. If you have a "normal" garage, then you may only be able to get an 18-foot boat in it. :(

If your lake can get rough, then I would HIGHLY recommend that you look at boats over 20 feet! :eek:

It looks like KC Baja has a good boat for only $19,900.

If this is your first boat, then you need to spend some time test-driving several boats before you buy. I have never talked to a boat owner that wished he had less length or less horsepower, especially on this forum! :D

You may want to go to some other forums like:

Crownline Owners Club (my website)

Trailerboats Magizine

Good luck! :cool:

board member firewalker may have just what you need. An original challenger with a 300 promax on it. runs low 80's,great ski and rough water boat. (just ask T2x) He just spent 2 years doing a glass up resto on it and I can tell you its a beauty.

CLAY makes a good point. Keep in mind the extra space for the trailer!

Im pretty impressed with the performance of the 20.

As long as it's small block power, you won't have any problem at all with an Alpha outdrive, unless it's a very well-built hi torque 383 or 400.
Jim

Clay--- Thanks for the kind words. Pointerman is just the type of buyer I've been searching for. This boat would fit him to a "T".

If you want more speed, look at Hydrostream or Allison. A Hydrostream Voyager will run 70-80 MPH depending on motor. It's a 20 foot open bow. Beautiful boat that goes good too. They also make a closed bow called the vegas which is a nice ride. I wouldn't say these are ocean boats, but for rivers or smaller lakes, they're pefect. They are both "modified tunnel's", meaning a v-bottom with some air entrapment added in.

Top shelf in terms of outboard v-bottom performance in the 20 foot section is the Allison, made in TN. The Grandsport model, which I personally own, seats 4-5 adults and will run 90+ MPH with a 225 promax. I have a 2.5 EFI on mine and it will run 95-100 MPH any day of the week. It's a closed bow.

Do a search on www.traderonline.com for a used one. They are also both in business so you could go new. A new one of each, "loaded", will set you back $30,000-$40,000, depending on engine and set up.

Again, definately not ocean boats, but for moderate lakes and rivers, they work well. I've owned both.

Mike Sufka
St. Cloud, MN

I grew up in Knoxville, so I have seen a few Allisons. They are beautiful boats and VERY FAST on smooth water, but I think it could get a little scary on "rough water". Plus, they really don't have the room of a "family boat". (see the initial post).

However, since you actually own one, you would know best. :D

Just my two-cents... :cool:

My 2003 20 Outlaw is for sale. About 25 hours, with all the options, swin step, thru transom exhaust, fire ext system, 23 & 21 SS props, anchor, custom trailer with swing away tongue, disk brakes alloy wheels & spare. This boat is in like new condition and was just serviced. 260 HP 5.0 MPI, runs 65 MPH with 21 prop. Asking $25K OBO and still under warranty. 805-527-2161 / 818-590-22781.

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The 35 Cafe Racer behind is for sale too!

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Check out the boats for sale on this board. The WETTE VETTE runs 70 MPH with stock power and a Bravo short drive and has hydraulic steering. Let me know if you want more info. Oh ya it is 20'10" long.:D

pointerman,

I have a 95 baja hot shot. In 96 baja called the exact same boat the outlaw. The boat measures 20'4", I believe the same as the new ones. I wouldn't be too worried about the 300hp and alpha combo. I was looking to repower, and a relatively reliable (current racer and marine mechanic) source told me I was fine to around 350hp w/ the drive due to the boat being so light. One thing to consider is the deadrise is NOT 24 degree. Not the best in rough water, but a bit faster. If you are looking for a better ride in the rough, get a 24 degree boat. You can always go a couple feet bigger if the trailer has a swing away toung.

Well, I bought a 20 foot Donzi Minx, just because I've wanted one for quite a while. I can't say how I like it, since I haven't had time to put the engine together yet.:(

I have a solution to your problem for storage!




























































































































































































































































































:eureka: Build a bigger garage:p

I don't know if you're looking for newer or older boat, but I don't think you will ever lose money on a nice 20 foot Cig. I always buy used because I can't stand the $$$ hit on newer boats.

Here is another sweet 20 foot Cig for sale.

http://www.donzi.net/cgi-bin/ultimat...c;f=7;t=000230

I actually have a three car tandem garage, so if all I wanted to do was put a boat in there I could go as big as I want, but I want a car in there and all my other junk. I know, where are my priorities.

I currently own a 1988 21 foot Sleek Craft that is a mod v with small tunnels. It is a great "lake boat", but I have taken one too many waves over the bow and my 16 month old son won't be quite as tolerant of the moisture as I am.

My current boat fits in and I can barely get out my side door, so I know that I really can't go much bigger than 24' long with trailer and 8.5' wide. Anything larger than that and my garage becomes single purpose.

gotta check out allison, nothin comes close at that size

I would recommend a newer Baja 20 for the speed and interior room in the size you want. It has some freeboard which a Hydrostream (faster than hell) certainly won't. If you're looking used, my Formula 206 LS was a great boat (60 mph though, not 70)

Waterfoul is also selling his boat.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/m...nfo&userid=420

Velocity 22
 

sweet....