I boat on the Potomac River, Lake Anna (Virginia), and VA beach/Norfolk area.

Always had a Donzi in the past (7 meter and 22 classic). I'm researching our next boat and I'm interested in the tunnel/cats but I know insurance can be a problem. I'm not looking for top speed- dont really care about beyond 70mph, but a 45-50mph cruise is nice to have. Most importantly, it needs to handle confused chop in all directions. Be easily trailerable. Small cabin for the kid to nap in. Seating area for guests. Porta potty to keep the mrs. happy. And be "affordable"- as in under $40k used.

I'm leaning towards outboard power since winterizing is easy, and I believe the newer ones are more reliable and fuel efficient than running a BBC. Although I do have a whipple EFI setup in the basement for a BBC....

Ideas for what to research? Not ready to buy yet, just researching, so please don't take this as a wanted ad.

Before the cat idea, I'm also looking at the Pantera 24, superboat, etc.

no cabin but very family friendly is the Eliminator 27 fundeck. (or one of the other sized fundecks).

Most cats in this size won't have a cabin. A V hull is much better for an overall experience for this size. The fundeck I had experience with wouldn't handle any kind of waves like my 28 ZXO does. The bigger cats are a totally different beast than the small ones which is why you see the small cats out on west coast lakes and hardly any small cats anywhere on the east coast.

Also, a cats run very different than V's so if you haven't run one I'd definitely do that first. Coming from one of the most fun handling boats ever built (22 classic) it's quite a stretch.

I'll suggest looking at Formula, Donzi, Sunsation, etc. at either MCOB's or regular cabin boats as they will be found local to you, can be found in your price range, no insurance problems, and you'll know what you are getting in to.

HTM sr24 Best creature comforts of any cat near its size. I have had one for 6 years and love it.

Take a look at 26 Force cats or any of their boat for that mater. They are shallower inland lake kinda cats and wont be great in rough water but should be great for the area you boat in. I had this one in my shop for a hatch build and i was really impressed with the layout and built quality. Good size cockpit and a nice daycruiser style cabin, just had a really cool look,feel to it.

2010 Elininator 525's 90 hours. Call me. Boat can be bought cheap.

Sorry, Did'nt see the 40K part.

I'm not a fan of cats with pods, but I was grabbing for the phone if you were pushing that 2010 with 525's out the door for $40k or less!!!





To the OP, based on your critera I'd suggest you stick with the vee... I think you'll be a LOT happier.

I couldn't afford the engines in that boat. Beautiful though... Cheap is a relative term. I'm on government salary.

That can't be any worse than a boat sellsmans salary lol.... Good luck with your search.

Carey

There's a 3100AO in the classifieds for $48,000. A bit over your budget but OTOH it's got a big cabin with potty and bed. Cockpit seats six. Very good rough water cat as it was designed for Offshore racing.

You're probly not going to find a better deal right now. If I had the money it would be mine.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o38951-en.html