Would you rather? 27 Fountain, 25 Convincor, 25 Baja or a 23' Eliminator Daytona cat?

Let's just lump all the V boats with 496/502s together (fountain, checkmate, baja, etc) and compare them to a 23' Eliminator Dayona with a single 300hp OB.

Never had a cat before but I think the Eliminator can he had for about 50% of the V boats. Figure any Fountain, Baja, Convincor is going to be at least 25-28k, maybe more.

This will be a limited use toy and not looking to break any speed records, although north of 70mph would be nice. It'll be used in the Upper Chesapeake Bay and associated rivers. This will not be our primary boat but something to cruise around in when the weather and seas cooperate.

Thoughts on the vastly different styles of boats?

The checkmate will probably out handle the fountain at higher speeds but unless you are running stupid power the fountain is a better running boat. The checkmate hop sucks.

People will talk build quality of the checkmate being better. I currently own a 283 and. 27 fountain. The checkmate is a rotted out piece of junk. Center stringer was doomed from the factory. I’ll have to take pictures before I scrap the thing tomorrow for you.

All those V bottoms are good, more a case of personal taste. Baja and Checkmate probably a bit more interior space than Fountain but Fountains are typically a bit faster. They’ll all be a little slow to plane and I’d guess speeds closer to 60 than 70, maybe the Fountain will be high 60’s? Of the 3, I like Baja for simplicity and style - (Outlaw model).

A standard 502/496 should give many hours of trouble free boating. Modified engines, obviously faster but there’s a trade off, can be more temperamental.

Eliminators are nice (I love outboards) but perform best at speed, when she’s packing lots of air in the tunnel. Great fun in calm waters but not so great if you’re coming home with the wife in a nasty chop.

Age related issues, same for every boat….. Rot in the transom and stringers, check it out carefully and get expert advice if you’re not sure.

happy shopping. 🙂

RR

Have you checked prices on an Eliminator?

For a fun toy, I'd go with a Daytona but I don't think you are going to get one cheaper than the V bottoms you mentioned.

The V bottoms will be more practical with cabin space. The cat will have a rough ride if water kicks up.