I am looking into purchasing my first cat boat. What are the differences between the 25 and 26 foot Daytona boats? Do they drive and handle about the same or is the 25 lighter and fly better or at lower speeds? Is the 26 a deeper boat? Any info will be appreciated.

The 26 is really 26'10" vs the 25 which is 25'
The 26 will pack more air and run a little faster on the same power.
Ride is very close compairing my 25 to a friends 26 in sloppy water.
The 26 has the little canopy deals which I personally dislike due to the distortion.
The 25 is available with a wrap around windshield.
The 26 is deeper and has more cabin space where as the 25 is just a crawl under.

Thanks for the info.

So the canopies suck to look through?

What about wind at high speeds without the canopies?

Looking thru the canopies is no worse then looking thru a windshield of a 28'. In my 26 I just look over the canopie. Seems the 30' canopies are clearer then the 26' and no problem looking thru them. Yes when behind a canopie you have no wind in your face.

Looking through the canopies isn't that bad if they're clean and not scratched, if you're tall at all you'll be able to look over if you need to. At speed they do a good job of blocking the wind. Ride is better than the 25 IMO just from weight and bottom difference, seems to start to pack up at around 50-55. It is a deeper boat with a bigger (if you can call it that) cabin.

Get a 27'!!!!

The 27 has the 26 bottom (26' 10") with a different deck.

I have a 25 ICC with an ilmor. The boat flys very flat and I had it in some big water in Destin this year. Mine really starts to losen up about 65 mph and "float".

Im 6'4" and I can not see over my canopy, but they do block the wind well.

Thanks for all the great info.

Yes but the 27' makes about a 5-8mph faster boat!! I have seen and heard this from many 26 and 27 owners. Sounds nuts but its true. 27 by far is there fastest single! Even runs with the 22 for topend!!

Skydog