Okay, so I have the bug now. My 272 is a great boat and I love it do death but I'd love to bring another Skater to the lake. I'm looking for some advice on what to look for.

Here's my question - There are several 24 and 28's on the market that look pretty sweet, but can I get away with running the Shangri-La corner / mouth of Duck in a 24? I'd rather hang with a 28, but they are more $$$. Is it worth saving for?

On my just-out-of-college budget, I'm looking for something under $50k or so. I'm willing to re-upholster / wrench on the right one - that doesn't scare me at all. Just want to start with a solid hull with good tanks.

Jim, BLee - Any ideas?

Thanks guys!

Insurance will be a killer. Figure $3 to $5K a year if you can even get insurance.

That said, the 28 is worth saving for over the 24.

Von Bongo,
Thanks for the reply! I'm leaning towards a 28, but just don't know much about 24's. Insurance isn't too much of an issue for me as I'm a marine underwriter for several syndicates at Lloyd's and have contacts at Markel.... Although marinas and other wet property are my focus, I think I'm covered on that end.

I'm really just interested in the best choice in boat as I do want to keep it for a while.

Thanks again!

JZ

Skater's are nice boats but with your budget why not get something like an American Offshore 31? More boat, small cuddie, and better ride on big water?

Not knocking skaters in any way but with your budget there are alot better bang's for the buck out there in my opinon...

Something like this http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o29733-en.html

With your budget look for a 30 Motion or 30 Spectre. Both great boats and will actually handle the rough water better than the 28 skater.

28 Skaters are fun!! Look me up sometime and I'll give you a ride!! Jim

That would be awesome!! I'll give you a call sometime!

I've driven "Apache21s" 24 Skater before, which was a really nice one. I wouldn't want it for Grand Lake, and especially to keep for a long time though. I would definitely wait for a 28, if you're not ready to get one yet.

I would also take the advice that a few have already given, and look around at some other brands too. A Motion, Spectre, or even a 3100 American Offshore would be in your price range, and offer you just as much, or more boat for the money you have to spend.

Good luck!

BLee,
Thank you for the input!! I think you are correct about a 24 - it doesn't look like it has the freeboard to get up over the chop like the 28 does. I've looked at a few American Offshores (there are still quite a few in the area) and it seems like they do not have the freeboard of the 28 either. One boat that does interest me is a cat that sits at TeraMiranda. It is very rarely used and I think the owner may be interested in selling. It appears to be a 30 Chris Cat or similar with #3 speedmasters. It has a stepped hull - should be fast. What do you think?

I'm going to keep my eyes open and throw some money to the side for when something comes along. I'll definitely be looking for some driving tips as I know you guys have more time in a cat than anyone else around!!!

I would look for a Chris Cat 31 or a Shadow Cat with speedmaster drives.. you wont be sorry!!