I am in the market for a boat with fairly specific criteria. I have been looking all over without much luck so far so I figured some recommendations may open up some possibilities. Here is the criteria:

- length in the 24-28 range
- single big block mercruiser, prefer to stay away from bravo 3
- cuddy for young kids to nap, very rarely two adults overnight
- I would like silent choice, but not a must
- rated capacity for 8, may have that many a couple times per year
- good rough water handling for trips on Lake Ontario
- top speed roughly 60, I want to be able to cruise around 45-50
- price under or around $20,000

I have been looking for formula 271 SR1's, active thunder tantrums, velocity 260/280 and similar. I'd like to avoid bajas simply because there are so many of them around. If there is anything I'm missing please let me know so I can open up my options. I'm in NY but can drive for the right boat.

Thanks!

i'll get right to the point... you are not looking for what you think you are looking for. you are in fact looking for a 41 apache project boat. you should be able to find a nice one without engines, drives, that caught fire once and was sunk to extinguish the flames, in you price range. buy it, then take it somewhere to have them expertly cut a dozen or so feet out of the middle of it and fiberglass the two halves back together. pm me if you want to know the best place to buy 55 gal drums of vinylester resin... rm

Cruise speed at 45-50 means to me top speed of75-80 mph

Single engine with that speed ??? Tough find!

Wellcraft Nova, PowerQuest. I doubt you will be able to find anything that will cruise 45 -50 with a single.

I am willing to compromise on a few things, I realize I'm looking for a lot here. I have a few buddy's with 70mph boats that I'd like to be able to cruise with down Lake Ontario. Slower could be ok if need be.

You got a few out there....budget is going to be your biggest obstacle. Look for 22 scarabs, some of the baja boats, and a few others. The other option is go with a really well kept older boat.

Poor guy, here we go again, RM ur a -ick but I like your humor, I spit Jack&coke out my nose.

Few things that stand out to me here......

Single?
Rough water?
Both contradict the 24-28' range.

A 24 with a single in big water is gonna kick your azz.....and a 28 won't fair much better.

Now find that for under 20k? Really!

No B -3? You're good to just over 500hp if you know how to drive.....and a B -3 will do fine forever behind a 400hp small block.....

Your cruise range is unrealistic......unless you plan on stuffing a big cube single into a GLASSTRON/hurricane bow rider......both garbage.

Do some research. Off shore is an investment that will cost you twice as much as you thought on day one. After that, the price keeps going up.

Start by doubling your budget.......to buy in. Then, open your wallet.

you too? Damn....