I've owned a couple Bajas in the past. Looking to get another but I've been searching nationwide and can't find anything I like. I'm being pretty picky. So I'm wondering what other brands might be out there that have what I'm looking for.

I want an open bow, standup / dropout bolsters, switchable exhaust, 21-25 ft, something that will run at least 60. Wanting 2001 or newer and not wanting to spend more than 40k.

Thanks everyone!!!

Have you considered the 288 Sunsation?
The integrated swim platform is part of that overall measurement, so the boat is comparable to a 25/26' boat with a bolt on platform. I think you might be able to find one to suit your fancy and in your price range. This one seems to fit:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...ob-o64303.html

^^^ Agree. but i am partial.

Most boats in the range your looking for don't seem to have stand up bolsters, You have previous boating experience so possibly the 288 sunsation wont seem to big.

Trust me they get smaller as you drive them and still easy to tow in that range.

I love the Sunsation, but my main reason for staying 25 or less is that I live in the Phoenix area and a couple of the lakes I go to are up in the mountains and I have to go through some tight twisty roads. Plus our lakes aren't all that big here. The hardest part is finding something with the stand up seats. I like to stand or sit high so I can actually see.

You need to Move... Just kidding. Done Havasu but not the Phoenix area lakes.

Howard Custom Boats makes a 25 Bullet with a mid cabin and semi- stand up bolster . Good luck on your quest!

example of recent sold one http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/38128

I don't think you would notice a difference towing a 288 Sunsation compared to something like a 25 Baja.
If you get into a boat much smaller than that, you are not going to be able to find a 24 degree deadrise, which isn't affording you the "vertical volume" in the boat for it to be a stand up cockpit. I think once you cut over to the "west coast" style lake boats like Howard, Nordic, Eliminator or the like under the 26-foot range, you are going to find 21-22 degree deadrises which are going to be boats that don't have as much freeboard, and hence they will be sit down cockpit. A 22* boat is going to ride noticeably rougher than a 24* boat as well. If you are planning on a fair number of passengers at times, you are going to want the smoother ride, regardless of water conditions.

You may look into one of the "west coast" style deck boats if you never plan to he on anything rougher than Havasu. (Mind you, I've personally seen 5' chop and white caps on Havasu in my lifetime, but you are not going to be boating on days like that.)

Take a look at the http://www.nordicboatsusa.com website and compare models, specs, AND deadrise when it comes to the V-bottoms. You may find something you can target on www.searchtempest.com, River Dave's Place (website), HotBoat (website) and some of the other 'west coast' centric forums.


FWIW, I bought my 37' AT from a guy who lived in Gilbert, and he took the boat to Havasu, Powell, and a few other places up y'alls way. It's doable.

Depending on what you are looking for, Checkmate made many drop out bolster 2001 and up 25 foot open bow boats as well.

Don't be scared to trailer a bigger boat. they follow you just fine and are for the most part back up much easier than the shorter trailers