blownincome

Had several Checkmates good alll around boats .. the best I ever had was a 25 with a 502 or a 365 65-70 mph and will handle most anything you throw at it.. good cutty space as well should be able to find many in that price range...hard to beat in bang for the buck..the 24 is also a good boat but not in big water or even medium.. stay the course with a 25'
Welcome to OSO!
Bob

chuck21401

So the extra foot makes that much of a difference? I was reading a threat about Pantera history...the 24' seemed to handle rough water well. Then again all of the pictures I saw with the Panteras running in rough water had them airborne. Is it better to jump the waves or slice through them.

Nor-Tech380

The 24’ hull designs from Pantera, Superboat, Cigarette (and others) have all been around for several years and each have earned an outstanding reputation as an offshore race boat. The race records speak for themselves. Any of these are worthy boats in your size range.

Boating in the Annapolis area requires a robust boat. It’s not the wind blown waves and chop that will ruin your afternoon. It’s the endless string of 50’ Hatteras and similar boats plowing along at 12 knots that create a wake (and hole) from hell.

One more word of advise. These conditions wreck havoc on boats with a lot of fancy eye catching options. Sticking with a simple interior layout and reduce your maintenance.

Good luck on your search!

chuck21401

You got that right, though if you approach those wakes just right you can get airborne. In my younger years I'd follow those boats around in my 15' whaler. BTW, I emailed you. Later.

Chuck

Shanghied Again

I had a 22ZX, This boat was a sit down boat but I converted it to a bolster seats. Deeper then the 22 Classic. I ran big horespower 520hp 82mph.
I ran the boat in the NY poker run 2 years in a row the only 2 single engine boats that ran me down was a 27ft Activator with big power and Kramers 27 100mph Kryptonite. My 22 won the Radar shoot out in 2000 I ran every Poker Run on the East Coast with her and the boat was still my favorite boat. I now have a 26ZX and even though I love it.
I miss the 22 for her speed and her capalities of running rough water.
If you do look at a 22ZX buy a used one with a big block
a 454/385 or a 502/415.

East Coast B

1998 Baha Cruisers Mach1 26'
Bought new 6/2000, 135hrs, 454 EFI/310hp, Bravo3 duoprop, Docking lights, Stereo w/remote, bolsters, large cabin, U-shape seating with walk through transom, ladder, snap-in cockpit carpet, top mount throttle, hour meter, anchor locker, porta potti, fanatically maintained. You won’t find a cleaner boat!!!!
Custom FastLoad Trailer, Tandem Aluminum, 4 disc brakes, torsion axles, Stainless steel hardware. Nothing to rust!!! Center mounted heavy duty jack. Mounted spare tire w/cover. Garaged since new. All freshwater with exception of 3-4 trips to Ocean City MD.
$28,000
See http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/0/65914420.htm

For more pics... Send email to [email protected] and I can send you an invite to the boats piture album on yahoo.

chuck21401

Nice boat, but the budget I've negotiated with the wife is $25K for the inital purchase as there are other expenses (insurance, storage, gas, etc. etc) to consider. I was quoted $650 year insurance on a '23 formula with a 454. Storage will be like $1700/year at a boatel. I'm thinking $100+ weekend on gas.

mpally

I would definitely look at 25 Checkmates. They are fast and love the rough stuff. A late 80's or early 90's with a 454 or larger go for around that price. They are a true 25 foot boat, no swim platform included in LOA. It compares to a 27 of today.

blownincome

from My Earlier post ..Yes the foot does make a diff in a Checkmate completly different Hull and freeboard ..24 is a sit down boat and 25 has drop bolsters degree of rake in the hull is different and the cutty head romm is a lot higher,,and will handle some pretty rough stuff
My vote in this price range is the Checkmate
Bob

masi242

Chuck, welcome to OSO you have come to the right place lots of good people and knowledge. Personally I think you are on the right path. A formula is a great choice sit inside look around inside by far some of the best quality. If you go out an look at some of the boats take lots of pics an compare. If you are not towing to far go for the formula you will be very happy you did.