What SOB 22-24, DFI (Opti, Etech) boat?

[Looper]

In all probablility I'm going to be in the market for a 22 to 24 foot single outboard this spring. I mostly family boat in somewhat rough saltwater, so interested in a 24 Pulsare or maybe a Superboat type, Progression, maybe a tunnel? Prefer a bow rider for the room, so probably not tunnels.

Want modern DFI, probabably 250 or 300 XS, or Etech. Yamaha would be preferable, but leery of the big HPDIs, since the 250 and 300s are about worthless so don't want one.

I'm coming out of years of saltwater fishing boats, current with an F200, had twin 200 HPDIs before, 200 EFI, various OMCs , Honda among others. Fastest boat owned ran mid 50s, but friends with Fountain, Scarabs, otherwise no high speed experience.

Don't want my family to get beat to death in 1-2 foot chop, but want speeds in 70s and good cruise efficiency. 80/20 salt/fresh water use so will need an aluminum trailer. Frequent wakeboarding, skiing, kneeboarding tubing.

With my criteria I know I'm looking at a 1 or 2 year old boat. What are my options and what should my realistic budget be given the current boat market?

[Looper]

Also, I'm not against a repower. What hulls would be a good candidates for repower? I'd like to find a 5 to 7 year old quality boat in need of minor updating and new power. thanks

[bworner]

Hey Looper, Just last night I was on Checkmates revised website, dude that new 24 BRX would be my choice if I were you, I feel that for the design,craftsmanship,styiling,fit n finish, and of course rigged price, nothing will be close to the Checkmate and I know guys on here and Checkmate-boats.net on I think the 21ft are getting really fast numbers.....I read that a magazine with the new BRX with a 250ho was getting just under 70, which was rather disappointing, Not sure how it was setup and if it was optimally propped, jack plate set back etc.......Wildman is a sponsor of this site and definitely the residend pro on this subject....Im a E-TEC guy, I sell Evinrude and Mercury, now if I were you today, and wanted the fastest 24, I guess I would have to purchase the 300XS with you, but Ive read about some problems that guys have had,typically minor...but before I bought the XS I would test a 250 HO,250 Pro XS or (XS) and the 300, im sure the speeds will be close, however you may like the quietness,maintenance needs and intervals,smoke free operation and superior torque of the High Output Evinrude E-TEC, Im sure the 300XS will be faster, but in most tests ive only seen 2-4mph difference, now that was on a Bass Cat puma bass boat, but I would call the guys at the factory cause from what I hear the E-TEC HO's Lightning 2 gearcase design (bullet) really works well with the hull on the Checkmate......Progression's website is so interesting, I read it twice in a row, if I had the money I was willing to spend it after reading, whoever worded it should be a defense lawyer, their design and construction seems exemplary, I see why the boss had his 'Stream re-done their....But they have to be like 20% MORE than a Checkmate??? Have fun shopping and I would travel to the Larger Boat Shows in your state to talk to the merc and Evinrude Reps that will be there with Engineers, Pro Staffers who abuse their motors more than racers,well sometimes....Plus you'll be able to see some boats, depending on the show......

[Looper]

Great info. Has a 24BRX been rigged with a 300 etech? I'd really like to read about it and see how much.

I agree on the BRX, and I've been all over Wildman's threads, website and videos. I really want a fiberglass floor. Can't deal with carpet again, which the BRX is, correct, i.e., inner liner?

Any threads on S&F about 300 etech repowers, vs 300 XS? Yeah, I will search. :D

[bworner]

300 etec is finally now available for a 20inch shaft, but remember a 250ho is the Exact same power head, different lower unit, I think youd want the HO because of the Lightning lower unit....Now if and when the 300HO comes out then thats what you would want....but the 3.4 liter is supposedly at its area for max HP, the 250 HO is no joke, last year it was a true 274hp and 300ft lbs of torque at the prop.....Now I would IM Etec1, he is here on S&F and races Etecs bone stock!!!!!! He even beats fully modded racing motors from Mercs racing division......They are very torquey.....Call me anytime if you need info, I do know a couple guys within BRP that gives me some "inside" info, sometimes....920-295-2069

[Pro300x24LD]

If you want a bow rider your best bet is a 24 checkmate.

I love my 24 progression, but I also didn't want a bow rider.

24x7 (superboat) is just a touch smaller cockpit then the 24 progression, not sure how either compare to the checkmate as I haven't been on the 24 checkmate.

All three are good choices for the motors you mentioned.

[WILDMAN]

Here's a 24 Checkmate at 77 mph with a 300xs.

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[GDM]

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i can only go by what ive seen


cat- 24 skater for sure with a single high hp outboard , remember dan the mans boat

v bottom- the boat that comes to mind is the 24 progression

if you really want a bowrider the 24 checkmate would probably be a great choice



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