Hello,My first post.I have been reading the posts on ofo for years so I feel like I know some of you guys.Thanks for all the great info.

I do have a question that I think A lot of people would want your professional opinions on.What size cat for offshore?.What is the smallest I can get away with?


I have an Old 22 Chaparral villain 3 that I have run a couple times in the gulf.It does quite well but Thats only a 60mph boat.

I am far cry from wealthy but have built some great jet boats, drag cars ,and even rebuilt a few outboards.

I am really liking the outboard cats.But the 30 foot hulls are relatively new and expensive.I see that skater made a 28 for yrs but this price on them is crazy might as well buy a 30.

I have no problem with a knock off,splash or a liberator but those are usually 24 feet.Who made a 26 or 28 foot cat hull?

Here is my idea to purchase an offshore cat the least expensive way. a used 25-56 foot hull (if any one even makes that size hull)and I see a lot of bass boats for good prices with big mercs on them. 2.5, 225, 250,..I think it would be cheaper to buy two bass boats with matching power and hang those on a cat hull.Am I barking up the wrong tree here?..

I am relocating to Port Charlotte So my primary use will be the gulf of mexico in good weather.Would love to do the poker runs with the fast guys around that area.I am not afraid to be the little fast boat. Been there done that for years on the lakes/rivers in Illinois with my jet boats..

Can anyone give me a list of companies or builders of any year cat hulls.It certainly is not an easy google search..Thanks.....

Pete Ocala Florida

Do you plan on sleeping/overnighting on the boat? There are a lot of 25 to 28ft cats. Mostly west coast boats. Not very many have comfortable cabins. You mention liberator...they have a the knock-off skater that you are looking for. The west coast center pod boats are questionable for offshore use...dependent on water size

overhere we race in U.I.M. 3C 23 foot cats at 100mph....

No Sleeping on the boat.I will be living nine miles from the water.weather permitting boat.Nice days only.

A Skater 28 Then....

I'd look for a 24 Skater, personally.

[QUOTE=chris@uga;3648260]I'd look for a 24 Skater, personally.[/QUOTE I have found a couple of 24 Skaters for a great price even with power..wondering the difference in a 24 to say a 30

A single engine Skater 21 might sound too small, but it would get you started in the right direction, and it answers the original question.

Yes, A 21' Skater (or knockoff of one) is a Very Capable offshore boat. After all, it was built to race offshore.

[QUOTE=sankanother1;I have found a couple of 24 Skaters for a great price even with power..wondering the difference in a 24 to say a 30[/QUOTE]

The difference is huge. I made the same jump from a 24 ob cat to a 30 I/O cat and it really broadened the type of water conditions I can comfortably boat in. Go for the biggest you can afford.