I'm not too familiar with the bigger boats. I am just learning what's out there. I guess I should be asking what performance boats are out there in the 23'-25' range with an open bow. I'll definately be buying used. Hoping to find something in the 30K or less range.

Check out BoatTraderOnline.com for used boats.

The Velocity 260 is only a 24' boat. That is the old 240 and the old 260 is now the 280. They just included the swim platform in the measurement and called it 2' longer. Just keep that in mind when comparing boat sizes and speeds.
Eddie

Good point on the added "length" of the swim platforms.

If the front bowrider area is a must and you still want a performance hull it narrows down the choices quite a bit. If you do not need mid cuddy seating as well then there are a couple of mint Howard 22 Offshores in open bow format. They are super high quality. I personally think that if you are looking for the best "all around" the Warlock 23 XRI is the shortest hull that offers front AND mid seating and can still do 70mph with a 496HO package. I have not yet seen a hull that is less then 24' that offers the Warlock's flexibility.

I only wish they made it in a closed transom OB format!

When I was looking at that size range boat in a bowrider, I narrowed it down to the Howard OB 25 and the Nordic Rage. I think that the Howard is the faster hull.

When I decided to go bigger, I chose the Nordic Heat because of its increased freeboard and larger interior (I have five kids). I am sure the Howard would have been faster, but in the 28 size boats, it is a much smaller boat than the Heat.

I think that the best 25 is still the Howard.
I would choose the Rage as number two.

Chris

I assume that you are referring to the Howard 25 Bullet? Incredible hull but as he is on a budget and wants less then 25' I was suggesting the older Howard 220 Offshore with open bow format. Standard 8' beam, 24 degree V and great build quality. Next bigger would be the Warlock 23 XRI, and then next bigger would be the Hallett 240-S mid 90's vintage.

Again, the assumption is he wants a boat that is 24' or LESS and about $30,000

I also liked the Nordic's when I was looking for a new boat. It is very hard to get on the bow from the cockpit. Low freeboard so you can't really stand up in rough water.

The Velocity isn't as pretty, but has lots of good features.
Deep cockpit, stand up bolsters, easy to walk around outside edges of boat, flat sun platform, larger cuddy with more headroom, flies nice and level, has a great racing history. And it will be much faster in any water.
Get in and drive them both, I did. I bought the Velocity and love it.

Thanks for all of the help guys. I now have a better idea of what to look for. I wont be ready to buy til at least this time next year. I'll have to try to find some of these local to look at. I live near Pittsburgh, PA. I have not seen any of these boats around except for a Nordic Heat, which is a little bigger than I need/want.

there is a velocity 260 for sale in Weirton wv with a 540

i boat on the monongahela, dock at mile marker 27.5. I hope to have my 2002 velocity 260 delivered by friday. It has a efi 500hp and a xz bravo. take a trip up the mon and check it out.