I have been around boats for several years because of my dad or friends boats. i have never owned one myself and well i keep getting cold feet. I have a budget of about 20k and i really like the style of a 24' pantera, or similar boat. i found a 22 checkmate herewhich i like but im scared it wont go through the waves good. i will boat on the upper chesapeake bay which gets rough on the weekends. Can anyone help please?

thanks,
Bill

That would be a great lake boat, but anything more than 2 footers and you are going to wish you were on the trailer.

thanks, i'll pass on it then. i want something that i can at least tolerate on the river.

28 cig for 25k if interested....

Get a 24 Pantera...nothing even close to it in rough water.

no thanks, a 28 is a little more boat then i want.



cant find one in my range. im also considering a baja outlaw.

I was in the same situation you were in, and I just found a 24 outlaw for that price range.

Maybe a nice Formula 242 or 272 you could find in that price range and do a little work my .02.

Yeah... I love those.... but the 24 has a higher transom and maybe better balance point. Also good if you can find it for wave crushing under 28 feet is a 26 Chris Craft Stinger/Scorpion.

To have a decent ride and stay under 28 you need a heavy straight V. Probably an older boat. Newer means lighter.
Stay away from 27 Fountains. (although they are fast)

Maybe an older Scarab.

as long as it has a good hull with no cracks or rotten areas and a good motor im ok with it. i also want to stay with one engine because of gas. and everyone around here with a formula 242 thinks they're made of gold. lol. but the are beautiful.