Hey guys. Looking for some honest opinions on the topic thread. I was a seasoned offshore racer on local and national circuit (Lil Miss Dangerous, Predator, Chemical ReAction) with World and National championships, so I have experience in offshore. I want to re-enter offshore pleasure boating sometime this fall or perhaps next spring, but due to the crap economy in Michigan, I am going to be searching in the 24-26' single BB, $20k-$30k range (to be safe with all the job uncertanties here). Given the choice (I realize I'm in the Pantera forum) which one would be wise choice for quality, handling, performance and resale? I've driven the Convincors and they are a big boat with a nice ride. I was a passenger years back in a 24 Rocket and it was impressive. I read through the many threads here describing level flights, affordability and inexpensive purchase price on a 10-15 year old 24' Panteras, so that is why I'm asking. Any thoughts or advice? I'm sure the other owners will chime in, but that is what these forums are intended...to share knowledge and advise. Thanks.

I will say this...my .02
That if you are looking for a "proven" offshore race boat hull that has won numerous races through out the years and has withstood the test then Pantera is the number 1 choice.

But that being said I will say I have never riden a 24' Sunsation but love their lines and think they look awesome.
All of the boats you mentioned have their pros and cons but for racing, Pantera is your best choice.

stay away from a rocket, in my opinion, and im a sunsation fan.. Better off sticking with a Pantera. Or upgrade to a 288 Aggressor.

Don't forget about the 24' Superboat, I hear there's a nice 2000 model in the classifieds here

thats true, his is a great buy and its an awesome boat. He loads his family up in it and hits the big water on the weekends here and comes back all smiles..

It depends on what you're looking for in the boat. The 25 Outlaw and Convincer are the largest boats and feel a lot bigger. One of them would be my choice.

24' Pantera beats 25' Baja for ride quality..but the 288 Sunsation would be a nice "stretch"....just my .02...

24 Pantera, 251 Convincor, 24 Rocket and 25 Aggressor are smaller boats. The 253 Convincor and 25 Outlaw are much bigger boats.

I would say the Pantera and Convincors would be the best in rough water. But you can't really go wrong with any of them.

But you know what I would choose!

I have been in the 25 Sunsation and it does not compare to the ride in the 24 Pantera. Same size boat, much different construction.

Had a 240 Baja sport, nice boat. But Every one has one. And maybe thats not bad. Every one had a mustang GT in the 80's also. Why because they were fast, worked well and were cheap. Had a 251 Convinsor, nicer boat and built better. Also a faster boat with the same power. It did porpose at cruising speed with out trim tabs. Now I own a 1979 Pantera and still can't believe how great this boat runs!!!!! Its built so much better then the others I have owned. Its a mini offshore boat. Solid as a rock. Its a much smaller boat then the others and there is less room everywhere. But when driving the boat it feels larger then the others with the way it handles.

But the truth is I loved all these boats at one time. Still smile when I think about the good times I had in them. You really cant go wrong with any of them. And I'm sure there will be another boat after the Pantera. But it will be a 28 Pantera!


Russ