WOuld an older (198?) Cig cost less in insurance with the same power then a newer strait bottom cug?

slower old - faster newer

I've found that to be true. Probably has to do with declared value????

or no steps pad or stuff

replacement value on the older boat is much lower then a new boat so Ins is lower.
I'm paying $400 per year on my 89 24' ob through progressive.

With an older boat you can get a solid hull, but get it surveyed to make sure it's solid, and then buy some real motors for it.
If you go much older then 88 you may be getting TRS drives and not Bravos. TRS are solid and can handle power but sit much deeoer then bravos and were rigged deeper back in the day as well, causing more drag, less speed.
I'd be looking for older w newer Bravo refits

good luck
E