Ready to get back into boating, we bought a place on the Elk River in Maryalnd last year, need something that's going to be able to handle the Chesapeake on occasion as we like to go to the Naughty Goose in North East and hang out at Lloyds Creek and once in a while run down to JellyFish Joels. Wife fell inlove with a 202 Baja Islander which I quote from the add"2003 Baja 202 Islander bow rider sport boat in good condition and runs well. It will get up to 70mph with the 260hp MerCruiser 5.0 MPI. " I need to be able to at least run mid 50's with my buddies boats. Also looking at Baja 236's and Wellcraft Excalibur 23(my compromise) as they have cockpit room that I can convince my wife to accept. Last boat was a Baja Force 22 and had no room to move if we had a few friends on and it beat you in rough water on the bay.

Forgot to add, price is an issue as $12K to $13K is my limit.

My 24 outlaw fits your criteria

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o48852-en.html

I do not have any of those boats mentioned, but I do have a 2006 20 ft larson with a 5.0 MPI, and I can tell you that we run a best of 55. So unless the Baja is that much lighter I would doubt seeing 70 in that thing ever. I really like the Wellcraft excalibur, they are a deep, large boat for their size. I have been out in big water in my boat, but there are always going to be those days when a 20ft boat is not big enough to be out. Good luck on the search, there is a lot of equipment out there and it is a buyers market.

Maybe a 24 Formula SS or LS from the late 80s? Those boats are nice, and can handle the water, I think you could probably find a 27 if you looked hard enough even at that price range.

Not sure I could tow a 27, using a Jeep Cherokee at the ramp, wil probably have in brought in or if I can find something within 100 miles or so borrow my brother in laws F250.

Take a look at that 24' Pantera in the classifieds. (I think it's in MD too)

Not a ton of cockpit space, but comfortable for 4 people, and will give you about the best ride you can find in a 24' boat. Will also run the speeds you're looking for.

And by not a lot you mean none

I'm sorry, those 24x7 boats have to be the worst for day time pleasure boating.

They are however great performance boats.

Ran the snot out of my 24x7. Loved it! Five people- no problem. Get out in some rough stuff and people aren't bouncing around the cockpit like some other boats.

Tough enough trying to switch her from a bow rider to an enclosed cabin, no way she would go for a Pantera.