I'm new to "big boats" (anything bigger than my 18ft v-drive flat I consider big) and having recently moved to the Holland MI area, we decided to start looking for something. I have honed in on 1980s Nova 26, Liberator 261, Formula 272, and the 27 foot offerings from Mirage and Mach 1. They all seem to have deep and steep heavy hulls and are well equipped for cruising and overnighting and can generally be found in good shape within my $10K budget (barely). Aside from the amenities that each individual boat offers, I'm hoping to get some firsthand responses from people with experience with these models running on the big lakes and overall impressions of ride quality and handling, comfort, ruggedness and overall satisfaction. I understand the arguments about single vs twin screw and Mercruiser vs OMC will go on long after we're all gone, so I'd prefer to stick with the boat itself. I'm not a speed demon, so the goal is to be able to run up and down the shoreline between South Haven and Grand Haven making stops along the way, maybe anchoring near the beach, etc. Any help would be great -- thanks!

Don't have first hand knowledge but have been told by a few people the 26 Lib and 27 Formula hulls crush water for their size...

I really like my 260 Powerquest Legend, it handles the big lake pretty good for its size. I run back and forth from Muskegon to Grand Haven all the time. I think some older 257's might be close to your budget #.

I will say that none of those are a boat that will be comfortable out there unless it is a calmer day. Certainly they can get out there, but alot of the time the west side is 3'ers or better.

I have personally had a 26' Baja, it was not big enough. Buddy has a Libby 261 it is no better. Baja 272 and 25OL are ok and I am sure there are others. I am just speaking from what I have experience in. Raizor brings up the Powerquest 260, and that is a big 26' boat.

If you want to be on Lake Michigan alot, look for a twin engine 28' or better. I know you said 10k is your range, but I would look to spend a bit more if you want to use it and be comfortable.

Maybe 10-12 years ago, wife & I were going from grand haven to bear lake tavern for dinner with my sister & bil. We pulled out from the pierheads & were faced with 5-6 footers. They were in a powerquest 270 laser. We had a powow off the pier about the wisdom of running up there for dinner. Decided to go for it { not my choice, bil is stibborn sob}. Ran north about 3 miles playing with tab & trim settings, next thing I know we are at the muskegon pierhead. Ran about 45-50 mph all the way (not far from top end) very comfortably in the 261. Was absolutely amazed when I looked over the side & realized how big of waves we were running over. Both of us sitting down in the seats & talking(yelling) to each other. Bil was at least half hour behind us. Last time I saw him , bow was straight up in the air. That was a fun ride.

I have a real nice 250 Wellcraft Nova with twin 302s, mildly built up to around 300 hp each, great on gas and built tough , newer interior,newer paint, motors have about 35 hours, trailer included , im asking 8500 or best offer, its turn keys and go

Very nice looking old Nova Rich. It looks like the hull is designed to cut through the waves, but I'm concerned how low it sits in the back and Lake Michigan swells might come right over if you're not careful.

I'd try to nab a formula. They have classic lines, and they seem like they will plow through anything. They're only really expensive if you make them expensive. :P

Not related:

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/2465549801.html

How would a 70s era Formula 233 Interceptor handle Lake MI? I heard it's a great design for cutting through waves, but maybe it's on the small side?