After a lot of research, I have decided to go with a 277 islander. Boats I also considered were a sunsation 288 and checkmate 270. Does anybody know top speed for the islander 277 with any of the power options?

Here you go, my guess was 60 mph with 400+ BBC, I was spot on

http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_video.aspx?id=1424

Congrats - personally I think its a great choice, wish I could afford one. Definitly go for the W seating in the back if you can find one with it. Most had it. My wife loved riding in the front of the 247, with the lounges.