Opinions on best boat under 20'

[Captain Nick]

Which of these boats do you prefer as far as quality and looks goes Glastron, Checkmate, Switzer, Baja, or Hydrostream? Also it doesn't have to be the fastest. Lets not forget a Mercury or Evinrude outboard on it.

[quicklt1]

Looks hydrostream no doubt ... Quality probably glasstron or Switzer...always merc ..

[frederick55]

None of the above, but if I had to pick, it would be Hydrostream with a good core. Omc or BRP is my choice of motor. You might want to expand your options on the boat. There's a lot of better choices out there!

[quicklt1]

Agree... but was going on his choices

[ultrafast]

Reaction 19 with brp 250ho not the fastest 70 plus mph 100 mile range handles rough water like a much bigger boat talk to Frostman

[rockyone]

Are you looking for a war? this thread will be fun! get the popcorn!

[Captain Nick]

I'm not trying to start a war. I like the way those boats look with the low profile windshield. Especially from the 70s and 80s with the closed bow.

[steve123]

I agree Hydrostream and Omc. The perfect match.

[Corona Mike]

Find A Older Hydrastream V-King That Has Been Re-Cored Already. I'm A Fan Of Merc. Motors Cause' I'm Lazy And Cheep...Parts Are Easier To Find, And TO ME They Are Easier To Work On If You Have To Work On It. There A Couple On Here Rite Now In Classified...Also, Jay Jackson Has A Ventura That's Been Totally Rebuilt For $2000.00!! Jay Is A Great Guy To Deal With!!

[OFFSHORE GINGER]

None of the above, but if I had to pick, it would be Hydrostream with a good core. Omc or BRP is my choice of motor. You might want to expand your options on the boat. There's a lot of better choices out there!:iagree:

[hydrochicken]

I love my vking yt with my ol wore out 2.4 merc got a checkmate too with a gt 100 johnson good riding boat just slow not enough power but a good boat only put it in the water once last year its all on what you want I love the lines of a hydrostream my self

[rkmirage]

Depends on what you are going to use the boat for. If you want to take 4 people out then a Checkmate is a good choice. If you want speed and thrill and just you and a passenger, then a Hydrostream with a re done core is a good choice, but so is an Action with no core issues to deal with. Also depends of the depth of you pocket.

[bigbluechevy454]

ive never had a action but if they are anything like a hydrostream ventura the action would be my choice venturas arent the pretty but are growing on me but they handle the best out of all the ones ive drove

[mach1magnum]

18 action 200 merc

[rockyone]

18 action 200 merc

I like your thinking

[albypine]

No one said a euro yet lol how about a virage ;) with a diamond 280 ..

[Mr. Action]

Action marine 13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'

[Captain Nick]

Depends on what you are going to use the boat for. If you want to take 4 people out then a Checkmate is a good choice. If you want speed and thrill and just you and a passenger, then a Hydrostream with a re done core is a good choice, but so is an Action with no core issues to deal with. Also depends of the depth of you pocket.
I'm leaning more towards half the time it would be with 3 other people. The other time it would be just me. Again I'm not looking to be the fastest boat. Something that could go 50mph or more.

[stokernick]

:cheers:Stoker!! Gas and go, no core problems,transom problems, etc.!!!:thumbsup:

[rkmirage]

Going off your list, I would say a Checkmate Exciter with a 2.0 150 Merc.

[Chaz]

Bayliner ...

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4569412660297900&w=222&h=173&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7

and one of these bad boy's ... :thumbsup:

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.5042434531394336&w=134&h=174&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7

[Scott Gilmore]

Which of these boats do you prefer as far as quality and looks goes Glastron, Checkmate, Switzer, Baja, or Hydrostream? Also it doesn't have to be the fastest. Lets not forget a Mercury or Evinrude outboard on it.

I'd broaden my thinking a little. Consider a nice Pro Comp/Merc (the choices and prices are endless). You'll have a quick/fast well built nice riding/handling boat on a budget that anyone can drive. Scott

[RNM018]

Two , more that have been left off his list . 18' Allison and Action .
I'd love to own an 18' Allison , like the Orange one Jack , had restored , for a customer , a few years back .

Rich Martin 018

[quicklt1]

Going off your list, I would say a Checkmate Exciter with a 2.0 150 Merc.
You sound like its your first time with this type of boat so I agree with^^^^^

[clamponracing]

If your looking for a great all around boat find a
Laser 380 ray .

[Captain Nick]

Going off your list, I would say a Checkmate Exciter with a 2.0 150 Merc.
Actually the checkmate was on my list. I've always liked the way the Checkmate Exciter or Predictor looks.

[Speed Jr.]

If your looking for a great all around boat find a
Laser 380 ray .

I'm in complete agreement on this one.....

[David]

Used? The best condition you can afford. Centreline length on my Allision SS2000 is less than 20 feet. It's what I bought, so that's my vote. The Virage would be better for family boating.

[mach1magnum]

a virage ;) with a diamond 280 ..[/QUOTE]
+1 sick little boat

[SCT]

All the boats you mention are good boats. It's like having a new girlfriend.....some are cuter than others, some perform better, some you can dress up and others not. Its user depends what you are looking for in a boat. That's why you should test drive as many boats (and girls) before you buy...
Good luck-

[quicklt1]

isnt it all about budget..see what comes up..

[rkmirage]

Giving opinions based on what kind of boat you have is not what this guy needs! It would be real easy to say.. get a Mirage Ski racer but this is not what he's looking for. An Allison or Hydrostream for a rookie boater is not a good choice. You graduate to that kind of boat.

[delawarerick]

I agree with Rk it is hard to beat a checkmate they can take a lot of beating as for motor what ever comes on it. Maybe not the fastest but I have seen them run very respectable and just keep going and have a decent resale.

[Rayzor]

Giving opinions based on what kind of boat you have is not what this guy needs! It would be real easy to say.. get a Mirage Ski racer but this is not what he's looking for. An Allison or Hydrostream for a rookie boater is not a good choice. You graduate to that kind of boat.

The boat in your avatar would be my first choice for an experienced driver - I'd have to go with a 20' Stoker for a newbie. I just couldn't recommend a V bottom to anybody for a performance rig - unless they wanted it for rough water.

[frederick55]

I've owned a 16' Predictor in the very early 80's. With a 140hp they run 63-65mph.... perfect for a beginner. I ran a 200 Crossflow at 80mph. Switched to an 18' Action. Didn't see any significant speed change,
but the difference in the ride was night and day. For a beginner, the Action would be my choice. The Checkmate could get real squirrely with extra horsepower without the right setup.290220

[Captain Nick]

If I end up getting a Checkmate Predictor I'm going to just stick to the stock horsepower. If not what the maximum horsepower rating for the boat.

[David]

An Ally is fine for a newby. I let my not much boating older brother drive mine. He can't control it at speed, so it's like sending him out with a speed governor.

[OFFSHORE GINGER]

SCT , with all do respct , i have delated my previous posts concering C/M - boats for the pure fact it can and always will turn into a pissing match on the quality of there build ( Check - Mate ) which at this point in time i have no desire to discuss . Thank you - out .

[rkmirage]

He is only looking to do 50mph, An Action or Ally would be a waste of a boat.

[Captain Nick]

Thank you there rkmirage the other boat I've been comparing the Checkmate Predictor to is the Glastron CV16

[steve123]

Thank you there rkmirage the other boat I've been comparing the Checkmate Predictor to is the Glastron CV16

The Glastron/Carlson CV16 is a great boat. I had a brand new one in 1973. Powered by a 1968 Evinrude X-115 Race motor.

[frederick55]

He is only looking to do 50mph, An Action or Ally would be a waste of a boat.
:iagree: You are probably right.

[toyomirage02]

smh thats all

[David]

Sure 50 is fast now for him, but it won't be in a year.

[frederick55]

Sure 50 is fast now for him, but it won't be in a year.
It will probably be within two weeks, or the first time somebody smokes right by him! I know that's what first did it for me lol. The last few years I've been gettin' smoked by all the Allison's and STV's so all I'm interested in is gettin' faster.

[rkmirage]

I'm sure when he gets 50 he will want more..and more, most of us do. I'm just giving my opinion based on what he asking now.

[Captain Nick]

Let me rephrase 50 mph minimum to 65 mph max. With a 16' boat I really wouldn't want to go above 65mph than the handling would probably be scary in a boat of that size.

[racerx]

My son has a 16-18ft open bow Baja with a 175 Yamaha matching year package runs a bit over 60 and is a choice boat not a stress crack in it been a garage queen super nice boat he is gonna sell it in the spring if you want a near mint boat just let me know,,don't need a transom don't need an interior don't need a trailer painted don't need a detail just needs a owner who will enjoy and still get compliments..

[racerx]

And its in Elburn...

[Captain Nick]

I'm sorry not looking to buy a boat right now. It's gonna have to wait 1 to 2 years. I do have a Baja as well a 25 Outlaw. Once I get my tow vehicle I would like to bring my boat to the Three Lakes Chain in Wisconsin once more. The reason I want to go down to 16' is that I can store a boat of that size in a two car garage. I'm also looking to stop going boating on the Illinois chain. Too many no wake zones and too crowded. Instead I'll boat on the Illinois River and Three Lakes Chain. It's also easier on the money and towing.