First question besides looks what are the differences between the 26 and 27? and what is an honest speed with 4 peoiple in a 26 with a merc 525? with a xr drive. Thanks for your help.

Single biggest difference between 26 and 27 is felt when performing any maintenance. 27 looks a little more modern in the back, BUT it's very hard to get in and out of that engine bay.

27 is a P I T F A to work on compared to the 26.

You say in performance. How??

Dallas, I was being kind of "jokey". But in all seriousness the 27 sucks to work on in comparison to the 26. It's got a tiny engine compartment cover.

As far as performance expectations go...

26 with 525 4 adults and full tanks 79-80
Half tanks or less approaching 85.
I've heard that with a -2 drive lower, low gas, 2 adults... 90 MPH.

But what you'll really love about this combo is your throttle-back cruise speed. You should be able to effortlessly cruise at 55

Great combo!

Randal I see you on OSO! ha

There's no hiding from you Harley!!!

IMO the 27 is the best looking between the 25, 26, and 27. The 27 does have a tiny hatch compared to the 25 and 26.

Look for one with an ilmor if you can. Way better speed than the merc 525. Trust me......

o.k. on the 26 vs. 27 daytona comparing. ive owned both.. i had an 2004 daytona 26 with a 525efi and xr drive. the 26 would run 87 mph on gps with a labbed 28 bravo, i sent the prop out and was promised another 2-3 mph out of it. i have a 2006 27 daytona currently with a 496 ho, it runs 78-79 mph on gps with a 28 labbed bravo prop...... the biggest difference in the 2 boats and people that have owned them, they will agree is the cockpit area... the 26 has alot more room... not alittle but alot. the 27 does have smaller engine compartment but that is because on the 26 the top part of back seat gos up with hatch and on the 27 it does not and hatch is smaller..(27 harder to get in and out of). but the 27 has a totally different top deck design... from rub rail up, its taller and nicer looking, dash is also nicer. i personally loved my 26 with the set up i had. but i lost it in a house/garage fire, but i also love my 27 for the more popular design and re-sale. so they are both great awsome boats just depends on what you want. hope this helps.

The 27 daytona, standard deck, is a sweet looking single engine cat... That would be my choice.

The new 565 pkg would be a sweet choice, I was also thinking recently how cool an Ilmor 725pkg would be to have too.

Been trying to talk randle ^^ into a 700sci for his 27. Ha