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Boat Recommendation for Great Lakes

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Old 07-17-2014, 08:54 AM
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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.
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Old 07-17-2014, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by boomer
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.
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!
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Old 07-17-2014, 09:24 AM
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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.
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Old 07-17-2014, 10:42 AM
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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...


Last edited by scope1407; 07-17-2014 at 10:47 AM.
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Old 07-17-2014, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Superman09
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.

Last edited by low_psi; 07-17-2014 at 12:11 PM.
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Old 07-17-2014, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by scope1407
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.








A 25' boat for Lake Michigan is a back breaker, thats just facts unless you`ve never been in a larger boat.
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Old 07-17-2014, 03:50 PM
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I believe that LG classic 22 price is flexible...
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Old 07-17-2014, 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by ICDEDPPL
A "super deep cockpit" compared to what? I stuck out like a sore thumb out of that boat.








A 25' boat for Lake Michigan is a back breaker, thats just facts unless you`ve never been in a larger boat.
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.
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Old 07-17-2014, 08:27 PM
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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.
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Old 07-17-2014, 09:11 PM
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24 Pantera hands down for rough water
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