Considering a 21-24' SOB

[Fullthrottleguy]

Hello folks,
I'm considering selling my Hydrostream as the type of boating I find us doing has changed. 14 month old son and just moved such that we are a 2 min drive from the boat launch of a 30km (20 mile) in diameter lake that can get quite rough. My brother wants the hydrostream and i'd keep the 225 promax. I've been considering a 21 cougar, 21 superboat, 21-23' checkmate amongst other things. I've even considered I/O's and big bowriders to appease the wife and the fact that she doesn't share my need for speed (but then I came to my senses). I've just came across a 24' Cigarette/Superboat and would take off the 200 merc that it comes with and put on my 225.... but one day it will need a 300x or 300xs.

I figure it should be a great rough water boat, have somewhere for our son to nap, be able to carry more passengers and with the promax run high 60s.... be it along way from 104 in the Hydro.

Looking for some feedback from the interweb.... thoughts?

[David]

Much as I love Cougar boats, they don't have much freeboard. An Ally is a much better rough water boat than your YT (I used to own a ZT), but my SS2000 is often no match for lake Simcoe.

a 21 SOB would be better. I drove a 21 Tuff over cruiser wakes a long time ago - much better than my SS.

24 seems like too much boat for a 225

[Coryc]

21 challengers are very good. Or any of their splashes like Superboat, rally sport, Hustler, shadow, etc. the 22 Activator and 22 progression are also good boats to look into. That extra foot makes a difference and both are very well built. If you go for a tunnel hull I recommend the Talon 22 XL. Great boat and beautiful to look at. Also check out the 24 progressions or their earlier 237's. Also great boats. I personally love the 25' powerplay. I'd say if you can find one of those buy it on the spot. They are absolutely stellar boats. That is..... if you can find one. Howard boats also made a few smaller V's that people say are great too. Hope this helps.

[vnemous]

the 24 superboat with the cabin for your small family is a great choice and will run across most any water. Bigger the motor the better.

[altamate]

You didn't mention what your budget is, 21' Checkmate Pulsares with 225-250hp will do 70 -80+mph in either closed deck or bow rider. Since they started making the model in 95 the older ones can be found for around $10-13,000. But they may need the floor or more to be gone through if not looked after. They are only OK in 1-2' waves and not happy in anything bigger. But they are a really great family boat and the bow rider is roomy, 8 people is easy.

The 24' Pulsare is much better in the waves and even more roomy but they are newer, harder to find and a lot more money.

[Fullthrottleguy]

I've got about 12k Canadian to work with. I could make this 24 superboat/cigarette work if i sell its motor and put on my promax, selling my hydrosteam without the motor. Or there is a 23' Checkmate enforcer closed bow for sale around here that has a 300x that would fit into that price range too.... but it needs a full interior and the side of the hull is a bit marked up.

[mragu]

Let's see some pics of the Hydrostream. I have a 24 pulsar that I am selling. Maybe we could work a trade. I need a small boat and a big boat

[Fullthrottleguy]

Let's see some pics of the Hydrostream. I have a 24 pulsar that I am selling. Maybe we could work a trade. I need a small boat and a big boat

http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?292838-Hydrostream-Valero-YT-100-MPH-VIDEO

[Fullthrottleguy]

http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?248902-Hydrostream-Valero-YT-core-stringers-and-transom-replacement-questions

correct me if I'm wrong - but I don't believe a YT has ever gone faster with the same power. I built it to last and haul ass. Appreciate the feedback everyone.

[TooStroked]

As usual, I'll put my vote in for a 22' or 24' Progression. Great rough water boats and built to take a beating. My 22 runs 77 MPH (on GPS) with a mildly modified 2.5 / 200 Mercury outboard. My son grew up in the boat and still loves it. (He's 24 now.)

[blacktruck]

Hello folks,
I'm considering selling my Hydrostream as the type of boating I find us doing has changed. 14 month old son and just moved such that we are a 2 min drive from the boat launch of a 30km (20 mile) in diameter lake that can get quite rough. My brother wants the hydrostream and i'd keep the 225 promax. I've been considering a 21 cougar, 21 superboat, 21-23' checkmate amongst other things. I've even considered I/O's and big bowriders to appease the wife and the fact that she doesn't share my need for speed (but then I came to my senses). I've just came across a 24' Cigarette/Superboat and would take off the 200 merc that it comes with and put on my 225.... but one day it will need a 300x or 300xs.

I figure it should be a great rough water boat, have somewhere for our son to nap, be able to carry more passengers and with the promax run high 60s.... be it along way from 104 in the Hydro.

Looking for some feedback from the interweb.... thoughts?

Given your criteria, I know a boat that checks those boxes. If you'd consider a Stern drive. A23 Mirage Trovare. (232) 24 degree V, cuddy, big for it's size, wife will like it. There was one for sale in Canada near you, recently. In your budget. 454 magnum. 65MPH +

Or, the 21 Pulsare is a good choice in your budget. Pretty good all around boat.