I am in the market for a 28'-30' boat and can't quite find all the answerslet me tel you my ipression and correct me if I am wrong anywhere and you advice would be great! I currenty own a '95 253 checkmate MPI/EFI does 70 gps. I would like to get a bigger faster boat. mid to upper 70's would be great! Also think about swim plattfrom lenght I want a true 28' boat at least 27'6"
-1st I looked at pantera very nice but heavy need alot of power to hit mid 70's and also doesn't have a great cabin and I have 2 kids cabin is important when there in the boat 30% of the time.
-2nd Fountian; to many out there and fit and finish on mid 90's just ok but I found a 29 fever for $52,000 with twin 502's thats should run 80mph , also the boat sits to low in the rear,just don't thimk it for me??
-3rd powerquest;, not as sporty and race lookin as as would like doesn't seem much differernt than my checkmate
-4th Bigger Checkmate: why go just a few feet bigger in the same boat and lot more power in a 28' to get it o go mid -upper 70s
-5th cigarette: love it can't afford it
-6th Active thunder: like the looks, some have said there having problems with hulls??? other don't seem not to know much and its hard to find a used one?
-7th velocity: I like the looks but think i need a 30' to feel bigger and people have said they chim walk at upper 70's quaility I don't know about but there are alot in my area so maybe if its the real deal
-8th sunsation: one of my best choices great fir=t and finish good ride, priced well but no twins in a 28'8 I would need a HP500 or blower I like twins
-9th and last Sonic 28 or 31ss I like this boat but its heavy but very well done needs alot of power to move her, but I can get twin 454's or 502's so to date the soinc is first and sunsation 2nd unles someone can help change my mind it is open
oh ya I need help finding one probably mid 90's for around $50,000 would be great

Thanks for the help

did you ever consider a superboat? They are made on long island. They make a 30' that is pretty roomey. Its also pretty quick with a single hp500. But can coem with any custom power you want. FastEddy races one in F1 and its pretty quick greta rough water F1 boat due to the size. I believe it would fit in your price range brand new. I think jon has oen available already biult waiting for a home if not he would be glad to custom biuld you one.

to my understanding the super boat has a 7' beam way to narrow for my useage thaks anyway

Puder, so you are staying I can buy a brand new 30 ft. Superboat that will do mid 70's for 50 grand? I can't believe that.

my bad

$64k -brand spanking new with a 496 and will run 70mph

I don't envy your dilema !

To go from a 25 ft boat to a 28 really doesn't make much sense BUT the jump to a 30+ ft boat is ALOT more money.
I know on the lake I boat on a 32 ft boat is all that is needed but for me a 32 ft boat would have to run in the mid to high 90's (I'm going 80 right now)well I doubt I will every be able or want to spend the money it will take to do that.
Well a 28 ft boat is way more affordable ,except it would take BIG power(being a single) to run that fast. It is a tough decision ,unless money is no object.
I think I would be happy with a 28ft Active Thunder with a single 800-900hp BB. They have a really roomy cabin for a 28 footer.
The Sunsation is a good choice to, a 32 with small blocks is pretty affordable,but only runs around 67mph.
Good luck

All I can say is good luck I think it's safe to say we all go through this kind of thing. It's not easy finding the "right one". You'll find it. Just need patience.

To get a true 28' Fountain, you'll need to look at 42's. Figured I'd say it before someone else did.

I think you'll wind up with a 28 AT or 31 Sonic, and you may have to increase your budget a tad to find a primo condition boat. If you have 2 kids and want room, I'd start with those two.

If you want speed, well, you can guess what I'd suggest

Go with the Pantera. They are heavy, but they handle extremely well. I owned a 28 and loved it! This boat now belongs to Griff. Pantea builds a sturdy rig!

That's right Whassup, go with your first instinct!

The kids won't care if the cabin doesn't have the amenities, but it is roomy.

If I didn't like mine so much, I'd sell it to ya!

I was going to buy that boat it was listed for $44000 but I snoozed and now its yours. I know you bought it a bit cheaper, want to make some money and sell?? I always liked that boat.

If I can find the right boat I save another 10,000-15000 for next year