Need help choosing a boat!

[tug*boat]

I am purchasing a boat this week and have narrowed it down to these two boats. I have a lot of boating experience, but only with I/O's and inboards. The two boats are as follows:

1994 Avenger Mod VP 20'
-540 total hours
-'94 Mercury 200 XRI EFI
-Electric jack plate
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/powerimg/m/9250/100_0285_50.jpg

1985 Laveycraft Tunnel 21'
-'85 Evinrude 235
-Hot Foot pedal
-No jack plate
http://www.gotwaterrentals.com/images/Lavey%20Craft%201.jpg
I am hoping you guys with O/B experience can give me some insight for making a good decision. I have heard a lot about Laveycraft, but am not familiar with Avenger.
Thanks

[cltch]

What is your goal and purpose for the boat? If I had the funds (which I obviously don't) I would have purchased the Stoker that is on the boards for 17k... From what I know (which isn't all that much) is I would rather have the the Lavey, since I'm not familiar with that Avenger hull... However, I would want the Merc instead of the Crossflow... Crossflow isn't bad, but it is very old tech and is hard to find parts for, whereas the Merc is easily upgraded if you want... But the real question is your intended use of the boat and the goals... Also, what are the particulars of each hull? Does either have stress cracks around the corners of the splash well??? Also, what are the cost differences of the boats? To me, there are a lot of variables to the choices, I have seen the Lavey on craigslist though... What I don't know is what the Avenger is hull is based on, some others may know that better.

[tug*boat]

My budget is around $8k. Both of these boats are in the same price range. I am looking for a boat that I can slalom behind, pull kids around on the tube and kneeboard, and then go out to cruise/race around a little. I mostly go to the Snake River in Idaho to play, but would like the option to visit some of the local lakes in between trips. Both boats have perfect gel coats w/o cracks. The Avenger is a one owner, garage kept boat. Anyone else know anything about this Avenger hull?

[afr]

if i had to choose i would take the avenger its newer and was kept inside

[toyomirage02]

deff, the avenger good lookin boat

[mach1magnum]

avenger much better motor for the money

[RIVERRUMMER 70]

Avenger looks good and newer and 200xri will run forever if not abused. 10 yrs diff is alot in boat years, and specially motor years;) 6500 offer on avenger and let them counter.

[JWTjr.]

Avenger looks good and newer and 200xri will run forever if not abused. 10 yrs diff is alot in boat years, and specially motor years;) 6500 offer on avenger and let them counter. This, excellent advice.

[RIVERRUMMER 70]

This, excellent advice.

JWT....AVENGER IS A COLE MFG YEAH? OR SUB OF SOME COLAB....? IE SPLASH? OR IS AVENGER THE MFG?:confused: ALL WEST COAST ANYWHO:D CAN YOU CLARIFY FOR ME AS I ALWAYS THOUGHT OF COLE AS TOP NOTCH WEST COAST CUSTOM ABOVE AND BEYOND LAVEY? OR EQUAL.... YOUR OPINION ? :thumbsup:

[Adam McKeon]

Both look like well kept boats. I would go with the Avenger / Merc if it were my choice.
You know you'll end up putting a 300hp Merc on it eventually and being a right hand drive it will be much easier to drive solo..... :)

[RIVERRUMMER 70]

Both look like well kept boats. I would go with the Avenger / Merc if it were my choice.
You know you'll end up putting a 300hp Merc on it eventually and being a right hand drive it will be much easier to drive solo..... :)

HA ....I WAS THINKIN 200 OPTI XS ROS WOULD BE OVERKILL......BUT SWEET 100MPH ANYDAY ALL DAY. 300 XS OR DRAG= SUICIDE....:nonod:

[ron aria]

Which one did you go with ?

[tug*boat]

I got back from CA last night. I purchased the Avenger. Had it on Utah Lake here this afternoon. With two adults, we had it at 5700 RPMs doing 62mph. Right now it has a four blade, don't know the numbers. I would like some more top end, but also need more low end. It is a long drag to get up slalom. Any suggestions for props?

[whipper]

21 pitch trophy otta do it for skiing. Cheep and good props for skiing. You can find a nice one for 200 or less. Just google it. The same prop wont give ya better top end. im thinking a 25pitch is going to be a good all round prop. You have to jack the motor up for more rpm and speed running. Should be good for 70-75mph with some more seat time and the right prop.

[RIVERRUMMER 70]

i got back from ca last night. I purchased the avenger. Had it on utah lake here this afternoon. With two adults, we had it at 5700 rpms doing 62mph. Right now it has a four blade, don't know the numbers. I would like some more top end, but also need more low end. It is a long drag to get up slalom. Any suggestions for props?

tell us all the details ...........how much did you have to give ?.......is it as nice in person ......any surprises? You will need two props ....one prop cant do it all. Merc high five 21" for skiing and a 25" tempest plus for rippen! Both props should be easy to find and good price. Does the boat have a jackplate? Congrats hope you have great times with your fam and friends on the new boat.

[ron aria]

I would call Hill propellers in Santa Anna 714-855-2986. The recommendations I have taken from them has been right on every time for me. I have no clue , but I am thinking a small hub Trophy , vented 24 pitch.

[barnal]

Avenger was made by CeeBee Manufacturing in California for over 30 years. The boat you are (or were) looking at is the tunnel hull version and it's a great boat. Avenger's were really well made and they're very fast and great ski boats. Surprisingly, the ride quality is incredible on them as well. they ride really stable and the comfort and maneuverability is awesome. I'd vote for the Avenger for sure. I'm biased though, I have one. The Laveycraft looks really cool and similar also, but that AVenger is sweeet. The Merc xri is a hell of an engine also. We have one and they're incredible.