Hello!
I sold my Formula 292SR1 a few years ago and have had a small center console and currently have a small cuddy cabin I/0. I am ready to get another performance boat, but the closed deck style just doesn't fit any more. So, I was thinking of a mid cabin open bow, or possibly just an open bow single engine boat in the 23-30' range. I don't have a six figure budget, so new is off the table. I am looking at used boats under $50k. It seems like there are quite a few smaller boat builders that make these style boats and they seem predominately in the SW area of the country. So, I am not real familiar with these builders (like B&H Performance, Nordic, Conquest, Ultra, Advantage etc). Can anyone offer me any input on these different builders, time frames/builders/models/power plants that may have had issues, ?

Post this on riverdaves and you'll not only get advice you'll probably find what you're looking for!

I have a 28' Eliminator Eagle. We have enjoyed it for several years now and have been very satisfied with handling performance etc. we installed a 525 and 2"shorty drive. The boat will run low 70s all day. The wife likes it for the grandkids to get out of the sun but she also likes riding in the bow.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...227032365.html

Take a look into Donzi's ZXO, i have one in the shop for some misc touch up. Never had my hands on one before but these things are pretty cool and built very well in Donzi tradition. The one i have here is a 28 with twins and is pretty well layed out, damn good lookin boat (as all ZX's are )


this isnt it, file photo from somewhere . . . buy ya get the idea

The Nordic 25 rage and 28 heat make killer open bow cuddles. Tons of room and well made boats. My buddy has a 25 with whippled 496 that runs over 80mph and has a ton of room, especially for a 25.

Lots of these boats around for well under $50k. In fact my friend was selling his last year for $38k but decided to keep it.

MP

A Sunsation 288 or 32 Dominator (2004-2006 mid cabin) would in your sights. The newer Formulas and Sunsation both had McCleod interiors so it if you liked your 292 it may be worth a look. The 288 and 32 are identical from the dash back and both have fully enclosed mid-cabins (cabin doors can be closed) whereas some of the manufacturers are open at one end or the other. A 288 with a single 496 HO or a 32 with twin 6.2's both run 70+ (32 is slightly faster).

I have had a 27' Advantage Victory MCOB and currently own a 28' Advantage Victory MCOB. They are both great boats, built well and very roomy for their size. They will pretty easily run in the 70s and I personally think that they are a great value. Should be a few of them around for sale. My 28 is for sell at very slightly over your budgeted price.

I have a 2006 Advantage 27' Victory, MidCabin that I'm trying to find a good home for... We've loved the boat but just looking to go to a full cuddy. This boat is very solid, very well built. If your interested in discussing, feel free to call or text me 319-350-3402... We've found something we'd like to make an offer on, so kinda "motivated"...

http://loz.craigslist.org/boa/5225537749.html

Classic disclaimer!


... and the fine print... NO, I won't trade for an old car, moped, 4 boats that are disassembled, you're mobile home that was in a tornado, you're Nintendo & your X-Box & your Atari 2600 (even if they're in mint condition!). No, I don't want you to sell it for me... No, I won't take a money order or let you pay with PayPal, then have some unknown delivery company pick it up. No, I won't sell it to a deployed guy in the Navy unless you're spouse or parents bring me a stack of 490 - $100 bills (no disrespect to the military!!! that scam has been tried before too!). No, I won't accept a call from a company that is the middle-man because you're hearing impaired... IN OTHER WORDS... this isn't my first time selling something on CraigsList, so I've learned the games. I like to visit with people, so pick up the phone... If you're serious, we'll make an appointment....