Sleekcraft VS. Stoker Mod-VP Suggestions?

[Bay Boy]

I am looking at adding a mod-vp to my garage. I would like something that will run 75+ and still pull a skier. My boating includes light to moderate chop on river and inland lakes (Ohio/Michigan). I have six I/O's and they seem to keep getting bigger and heavier, and thus a hassle to tow and no good with the water toys. So far I have identified Sleekcraft/Stoker/Lavey/Cougar all having built Mod-VP's. Bigger is better for me, so as to be able to take bigger water (I noticed Stoker built a 22'). I would like a used boat, with an outboard and not spend more than 10-15K (less is better). What do you boys (and girls) suggest? Does anybody have anything like this for sale? I really appreciate the help, Brad.

[stokernick]

check out riverrat's Sleekcraft in the buy and sell forum.It's cherry and will probably answer your prayers!my Stoker would too,but it's NOT for sale!!

[specboatops]

Look for Baker as well, out of all the mentioned names, I prefer the Stoker hands down, there have been a few that have popped up on here, and if were geographically closer to me would have been in my garage long ago. I have been to Al's shop in Stanton a number of times, the man is VERY dedicated to his craft, A 20 footer with a stock 225 outboard will run 85+ right out of the box, and look very good doing it I might add.

Chris

[300x Stoker]

The Lavey's interior is larger by far. For rougher water you're going to need the Cougar or Eliminator Daytona 21'. If you could find a Stoker 22 for your price I'd get it.

[stokernick]

ttt,riverrat are you awake??hello!hello!

[Bay Boy]

Thanks guys for the info. What years were the Cougar/Sleekcraft/Lavey boats built? Are most of these boats based off of designs that were splashed/borrowed? Who started this style of boat? So far it seems that the Bakers were the earliest built. Is Stoker the only ongoing Mod-VP builder? Keep the info coming, as I have a alot to learn, Thanks.

[Riverratt]

I have a nice sleekcraft forsale. It even has a removeable ski pylon.
http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127799

[Bay Boy]

Thanks Ralph. How do you feel the Sleekcraft Mod-VP differs from the Baker and Stoker? Acceleration, ride, top end and build quality?

[Riverratt]

I dont know anything about the Bakers. What little I know about the Stokers they are a damn well made boat that would out perform the Sleekcraft but when you figure out the cost of the Stoker then the Sleekcraft would be the better deal if you are on a budget. I would think the Stoker is heavier because of the way it is built so it would probably ride better in the rough stuff but from what I have read it would still be faster but it would probably be twice the price of a Sleekcraft. Just my opinion.

[Bay Boy]

Thanks Ralph. Does anybody know anything about the Cougars? The bottom looks like the Stoker. I wonder if they were licensed to use the molds?

[300x Stoker]

Pointy bow boat they made. I never saw one except for a picture in their brochuer and it looked similar to a Stoker as I recall. They claim they never copied anything including the Eliminator Daytona that they patterned their MTR after and is what most people think of when you mention a Cougar but is nothing like a Stoker. Eliminator does the glass work for Stoker.

I can't remember if it was Taylor, Sleekcraft or Eliminator who claimed the patent of the T Tunnel bottom as it was first called. Ron Hills' Boatracing facts has the most info on this subject so you might want to check there. The Sleekcrafts were heavy boats except for the ones they made light for racing. The first Stokers had a bare hull weight listed at 750lbs which seems a little low to me. Racer feel free to correct me.


Thanks Ralph. Does anybody know anything about the Cougars? The bottom looks like the Stoker. I wonder if they were licensed to use the molds?

[Bay Boy]

Thanks 300X. There is a Cougar up for bid now on ebay http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29298-3840-0?uid=23801684&site=0&ver=ONA080805&lk=URL&Item=170100362393 (http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29298-3840-0?uid=23801684&site=0&ver=ONA080805&lk=URL&Item=170100362393)
Odd color.

[300x Stoker]

I would say that thing is a lot closer to a Sleekcraft bottom than a Stoker with the rounded keel being a lot lower than the sponsons and no notches or spray rails etc.

[Riverratt]

My Sleekcraft listed bare hull weight is supposed to be 800 lbs. I know it weighs 1678 lbs complete with no fuel and the motor is about 400 lbs of that so I dont know if the 800 lbs is correct or not.

[CLIMATEMASTER]

I can run my Riot in 3 foot chop at 85mph. It runs low 100s with a 2.5. There is also a nicely priced Daytona in South Dakota for sale here.

[Bay Boy]

Thanks Climatemaster. I am trying to stick with a modified V for insurance reasons. Also the acceleration/planning is better for water toys and shallow water depths (Some of my boating is in less than two feet)