New to this site and seeking advice and knowledge

[DONFL64]

I'm considering buying a tunnel hull and have been researching boats in the last couple weeks. I think I'd like either a STV or a Mirage. I guess I'm looking for a way to get in with a local crowd within a few hours of the Florida panhandle so I can get smarter. I recently sold my Baja Force 216 with a 400 HP I/O and have the itch for a real sport boat. There seems to be a lot to learn on these tunnel boats so I want to go in with some education or this could be costly. I've never had an outboard boat. There seems to be a lot of people on here with a lot of knowledge so I figured this would be a great place to start.

Also if anyone knows of any nice STV pro comp, Mirage ski racer, or other 4 seat boat, please point me in that direction.

Thank you.

[Li'l Toy]

Depends on the water you run. There is a thread on here recently in general boating discussion about a guy who wanted to know how an STV would handle a chop. Won't repeat that here--go read it. If you are on rivers, probably the boats you describe are fine. If you are running the Gulf or the waters behind the barrier islands, may need more boat.

[Tom Foley]

In 2004 I was where you are right now . I bought an STV Euro and can't be happier , after learning the limitations of the hull . You can run most any river or lake and near shore flats as long as the wind is 5 MPH or lower . I also owned a Mirage River Racer and it handled crappy water a little better than the STV but the wind rule still applies .

[onerew1]

Where ya at in the panhandle?
REW

[dt63vette]

I have sent you a private message, please check it.