Starting to look for a Performance Open bow or Mid Cabin for our trips to Florida every year. I really like to look and performance numbers of the Baja Islander 27 or 29 want to stay in the $30-40K range for a good used piece. We usually have 6-8 people when the family travels so I need the space that the 28 Cigarette doesn't offer. We are usually on Anna Maria or Siesta key for a week at a time. Any thought or suggestions would be appreciated.

Slower option but have a friend with one around here that is great for this area.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...0-br-102999450

If you want an MCOB or WTOB, you should take a look at west coast performance boats. The guys out there got their stuff together on MCOB/WTOB boats. East coast builders don't cater much to the open bow crowd. I was looking at Checkmate, but they only offered one boat in MCOB, so I started looking west. I finally was able to narrow my choices to 3 brands, but couldn't find one that I liked (or was in my budget limit). Then, someone suggested buying a closed deck and have it converted to MCOB. Long story, but the Reader's Digest version is, I found and bought a primo condition closed deck west coast boat last year and had it converted to MCOB and couldn't be happier. CD boats usually go cheaper out there, as most everyone wants open bow. I got the boat I wanted at a very good price (which included a top end job), had it converted to MCOB for less money than buying an existing MCOB. May not be the way for you, but at least it's an option to consider.

Just have to make sure it can take the beating of not being on a lake. Some of the west builders keep builds to the waters they boat on and some don't. Some homework would have to be had.

27'-29' isn't too big for these parts as it is.

one westcoast builder can handle the ocean. Laver Craft.-- they also make 3 versions of hulls. Closed bow, mid cabin (MCOB) and full open bow. just saying.

That is true. There is a Shockwave 29' Magnitude for sale in Lantana, Florida right now, but it's a closed deck. There are several other builders whose boats can handle the ocean. Howard and Hallett to name two.

Lavey Craft was one of the 3 boats I was interested in. Their 2750 is a fine boat. When I was out there looking, I went to Lavey Craft factory to check it out. Small operation, which I like and they build a very good boat.

I owned a Checkmate 270 mid-cabin bow rider and it was an ok boat, but after riding in Donzi's version of the midcabin, the 28 ZXO, I would have to say the Donzi is a much more solid boat. They can be had in the $40k range.

Surprised no one has mentioned Sunsation.

Not going to find many Sunsation MCOB in that price range

I'll second the west coast boats if you're looking for a MCOB. Advantage, Lavey Craft, Hallett, Shockwave, are all great rough water boats. Don't listen to the "built for the lake" BS. All of those boats listed have been used offshore and I'd put them up against a Baja, Sunsation, Donzi, Fountain any day. Hell, theres a couple guys with 24' walk-thru open bow Lavey Crafts that have done Catalina runs.

Theres a couple of Advantages in your neck of the woods on boattrader, may be worth a look before you venture out west.