Offshoreonly.com - Boat Recommendation for Great Lakes

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I used to own two a 86 z-21 and a 88 z-22 it was a great boat but it the wind picked up in long island sound it was just to short to handle the waves, over all if you can find a Black widow 24 or z-25 you will like the boat. Just becareful you are looking at some very old boats and even when new had some hull issues 86-87 then Donzi was sold in 88 to OMC. Look for Stress cracks and look at the stringers, also there is a tube that runs the length of the boat for a drain form the cabin to the bildge if it gets block the water has no place to go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomer (Post 4154753)

Great info, thanks! Will try to get someone quite a bit more knowledgable myself when I go to check some out and will look and inspect these areas!

I would look for a 24 outlaw. They have good lines, freeboard and should handle the water most days. Keep in mind you may have to travel a bit to find what you want. 25 active thunder would be better but I don't think you'll find one in your price range.

Check out my 25' Active Thunder in the Classifieds or on powerboatlistings. A little above your price range, but its a great riding boat for a 25, ATs are known to be wave crushers. Deep V with a super deep cockpit. It has a 502 MPI.

I've ran it on Lake St. Clair and Huron for 4 years and it handles the lakes great. Don't listen to others in the forum...

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/...ps18d988ee.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superman09 (Post 4154715)

Great advise, liking this forum a lot already.... moves fast!

I have expanded by search geared toward the Baja's as well, few available! There are a couple nice Z21s and Z25s locally but I can't find any good info or reviews on them.

Z25: No Trailer, but I could get the boat in the water and get it to a local marina from their no problem. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...zi-Z-25-612661

Z21: http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/4523708310.html

Formula 242: http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/4521112161.html

Baja 24 but a little out of budget: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...tlaw-102280113

Nice Outlaw, but only a 20: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...tlaw-102298904

Of the boats on this list, for Great Lakes use, My vote is on the Formula 242. They are large for a 24. Not the fastest by any means, but probably faster than the others listed when the water gets nasty.. Also $24,900 for a 97 Outlaw 24 is a bit on the high side....... The 20 Outlaw will not be a fun boat on the Great Lakes. There are a few that run around here in the Detroit River, but once you hit the open water, that's a different story.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scope1407 (Post 4154824)

A little above your price range, but its a great riding boat for a 25, ATs are known to be wave crushers. Deep V with a super deep cockpit.

I've ran it on Lake St. Clair and Huron for 4 years and it handles the lakes great. Don't listen to others in the forum...
]

A "super deep cockpit" compared to what? I stuck out like a sore thumb out of that boat.

http://33outlaw.zenfolio.com/img/s3/...32167172-3.jpg

http://33outlaw.zenfolio.com/img/s3/...94835174-3.jpg

A 25' boat for Lake Michigan is a back breaker, thats just facts unless you`ve never been in a larger boat.

I believe that LG classic 22 price is flexible...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ICDEDPPL (Post 4154969)

My boat suffers from stick out like a sore thumb..... Ya feel cool. Then ya see a pic of you in your boat and you see your upper thighs..... Then you realize your not as cool as you think you are.

Try to ride on some of the boats that are being discussed, it will help you make an informed decision. The 25 Active Thunder is a really well built boat, as far as ride in rough water it is one of the best for that size boat.

24 Pantera hands down for rough water