Hey all,

Been boating in a Checkmate Persuader 23' open bow with a 454 for a while and am ready to move up. Moving up to something bigger for a cuddy cabin, 502, and mainly a better RIDE QUALITY!!! I get beat up around weekend lake traffic in that very light weight open bow of mine. I'm tired of it.

I'm looking at 25 outlaws and 272's right now... not really swinging in one direction or the other just yet. The 272 interior looks a little roomier?

Again, I'm mainly concerned about how these two boats handle the chop and ride quality at cruising speed and top end.

Who can help with opinions on these two in that area?

def more room in the 272 up top and I think a little less down below. 25OL handlews the water well for a true 25ft boat

The 272, and 25ol are so close in design that you could argue for either one. Matter of fact is they both fit on the same trailer.

What XT said.

The 272 is a little heavier, so I've found it likes waves better than the 25. But the diff. is so small, it dosen't really matter. The 25 is a touch faster. Try both and see what you like. I like to be out of the wind in the 272 with the windshield, and the more agrassive feel and look of the 25. All in all, the 25 is a bit more "hardcore" feeling and looking than the 272. But it's all about looks and comfort, not a performance thing. Potato/potahto I guess.

What they said. Same with 29 OL / 302, 342 / 33 OL.

Thanks all for the info.

So... no real size difference in the cockpit area, specifically the room in between the bolster seats and rear seat, etc???

More room in the cockpit of the 272, but nothing major. I think the 272 has about 3-4" more space between the rear seat and the bolsters, and a bit less head room in the cabin. The 272 is a bit longer over all, because of the fiberglass swim platform, Many 25's have a tubular one though. Why not just go and have a look and see what you like. You are the one who must live with it. Some like the 272 and others like the 25.

Moving up to something bigger for a cuddy cabin, 502, and mainly a better RIDE QUALITY!!! I get beat up around weekend lake traffic in that very light weight open bow of mine. I'm tired of it.

A 25 or 272 is goinhg to ride better than your 23 footer BUT if you drive where there is alot of chop,/giant wakes etc you are still going to get thrown around/banged up as these 20 something foot Bajas are pretty light boats and not really great rough water boats. Drive one if possible, Smitty

I was impressed with my 95 272 that I owned. Still no 33 outlaw in the rough but it held its own for the size. I really liked the modern look of the interior. The 25 outlaw is also sweet. Whatever you find the best deal on is going to be the best choice!

Have you considered a checkmate Convincer also

I like the 25 OL but went with the 272 because of the swim platform and windshield. The swim platform was more user friendly to me, and it is nice to be able to sit down and get out of the wind behind a windshield.