Suggestions for big water boat (whats best)

[monigripp]

Time to start thinking about next years boat.
What hulls are generally considered the best on big water, I live on Lake Ontario and between weather and the million other boats which all seem to be 25 or larger turning the lake into a washing machine, I cant get out on a 16 as much as I would like to.
I need something that can run at speed (50-60mph) in the chop, but something still capable of 80 plus on the nice quiet days, is an outboard, less than 22' and seats at least 4.
Superboat seems to be the most logical solution, any other suggestions?
Any opinions on STV for the bigger water? I know it wont handle like a V hull, but I would really like a tunnel.

[sho305]

Check some threads like this: http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89454&page=2&pp=15 or you can go with something like a skater or maybe a mod-vp. There is another thread about all of them here I just saw last week. Tunnels can go fast but don't always do other things as well. What do you mean by rough water, how big of water?

[airpacker]

Lake Ontario and an STV don't seem like good bed fellows to me. An stv in 1 to 10 foot swells would be death. I won't run my 25 foot cat on Lake O if its windy. The swells become giant launching ramps and the landing ramps are not very friendly.

[Li'l Toy]

I went through this same thought process about a year ago. Started out thinking I wanted a Checkmate Starflight or Pulsar (I had a 14' 6" Hydrostream Vandall and was tired of getting beat to death in rough water). Though I knew I would give up some top end in flat water, I did not want a pad V because of the rough water factor.

After a lot of research on Scream and Fly, my mind was changed for me. I decided if you were looking at no more than 2-3' chop, the big 21' or 22' pod tunnels (or big Mod VP if you wish) were the best. These are the Eliminator 21, Cougar 21 or Liberator 21. Talon 21 is similar, I just didn't like the lines of it as much. Talon 22 was nice, much more money for the old boat I was looking for.

There is a nice thread about Liberator 21 vs. Skater 21 a year or so ago--seems to me the conclusion is if you want to go in a straight line in rough water, can't beat the Skater. Skater is a true tunnel. For turning, pulling toys or mid speed cruising, the Liberator was better. Skater guys will respond here that it is a rumor, or you just need to learn to drive the boat, but I have seen several warnings that it is easier to hook a Skater 21 in a turn. Also, seems true that any true tunnel tends to porpoise until you get to 80 or 90% of top speed--can be beat or held down with a big tunnel tab at the back of the tunnel. But for fit and finish, build quality and pure rough water speed they are best.

I ended up buyng an 86 Eliminator 21 with the huge Johnson 300 on it (what can I say, it was the motor on the boat). We have seen 88, I'm sure it has more as we are just learning to drive it. I ran it for several hours in a 2' chop at 75-80 and it was a dream. We got into more like 3-4', with lots of odd waves in South Biscayne Bay that were wakes not running the same direction as the rest of them, and that got nasty. Though truthfully, as I learn to drive the boat, I think I could get on top of that stuff and feel it less.

I don't know your price range--I was looking from November until June when I got the Eliminator, but I lost a job in the middle, and was looking low end--up to $15,000. If you want to discuss what I learned, email your number to me and I will call.

[monigripp]

Thanks lil toy
I guess I need a clarification then... What exactly is makes a boat a Mod VP? Others have said I would be crazy to run a STV on the big lake, but that is a Mod VP is it not?
There are a few Superboats, and Velocity boats up here, but really no Eliminators, Skaters etc. Which led me to rule the cats out.

[Pro300x24LD]

I have posted two threads which seem like they would answer your question pretty well. One is about skaters and liberators, and lil toys explanation is pretty much what I found. also the liberator is much like the eliminator, but gained 6 inches of freeboard along the way, which I like.

I have also posted a couple and read a million threads on SOB's. and have come down the conclusion that I would like a progression, but realistically will go with a used activator, or superboat. Other nice boats include the intimidator and the tuff, both originating from the challenger (also the superboat). Each of those boats have certain advantages over others....to me overall its a null point and one of those will fit the bill for me. I ruled out the velocity because I think its ugly.

[sho305]

To clarify; Mod VP (modified vee pad, or vee pad w/ outer sponsons), center pod tunnel, etc., all have a center sponson for three instead of the two (and hollow tunnel in the center) that a true tunnel has. That will typically shave some top speed off but give you better lower speed manners, better turning, carry weight better, etc. Some have a larger/longer/shorter/various height center sponson and/or tunnel heights, and pad widths; so that gives you more or less of the above handling changes. I guess really a Mod VP is more descriptive of a small OB racer than a 21' or larger range hull.

The STV while very capable is not the same as the SOBs. It is only 19' long and pretty low and sleek. That can make for problems if you get into swells. A deep vee like most of the SOBs and even a skater type hull are more offshore type hulls that are deeper, have higher tunnel heights, more bow, etc, for bigger water.

Years ago we ran these boats here that were challengers, but they were 24' vees with a cuddy and big block Merc I/Os. With a home built 454 we ran up to about 75 mph liquid speedo. They would run pretty fast (60+?) up to about 4' ers then you had to really hang on or back off. Sure was fun though and they flew nice. We built a better motor with dart ported heads/big cam/headers/etc, and ran ~80 on a good day. About a 4,000lb boat. 24' supervee it was called, but they were bought out and moved. They also made other boats, a pickle forked OB, a nasty 28 deep vee, a 30', even a few 24' with a tunnel type bottom that were faster yet.

Here we run Lake Michigan. I don't know it all, but I would not go out there in anything but a deep vee unless it was at or near 40' long. Unless you only run calm days. Any 21' is on the small side, 24' is a good minimum for there. I was out there when storms came up in a few minutes and we were real happy we could run flat out in rougher water to get in before it came.

I do remember running Muskeegon Lake and that might be like your lake. It is pretty big and can get rough with a good wind. Once we were racing a guy in a larger boat in a 24' challenger with about 425+hp. At 70mph or so it would get to dancing and with 4 people in the boat would have to trim down to slower speed...the other guy would get close...trim back up some and pull away, boat gets loose. So even in that lake we could not always run a big block I/O deep vee 24' at WOT and trimmed. We were only running 7/10 with people in the boat, but the prop kept coming out so I don't think we could have gone much faster alone anyway. Must have been over 2' chop and it was busy out there. It was pretty rare that we got beat by comparable boats, but sure a skater would blow us off the water in the calm. With those I/O's you had to be careful of cavitating as you could blow the drive out with a modified motor.

[EASY MONEY]

Being born and raised in ny on the water and haveing friends and family on the the big lakes I personaly wouldent be cought dead in any thing less than 30' IO. I LOVE TRUE TUNNELS AND MODVPS BUT FOR BIG WATER TRAVEL HOME WHEN A BIG STORM ROLLS IN BLOWING UP 8 FOOTERS A BIG HEAVY V WAS MADE FOR IT.

[mr.clean]

APACHE! there is no substitute :D

[sho305]

They made a 28' with a deeper vee than the 24'. They told us it was a 24' cigarette mold that they plugged up to a 28 so it was narrow. It had twins, and when you put the tabs down a little, trim up a hair, it would plow through all kinds of stuff. There is one here for sale. It goes the same speed as the 24 did, with the same hp motor except two of them. I remember going through waves higher than the bow and holding a beer at the same time, at an easy 60+mph in the standups. That boat was the cats ***! Then I rode in a 36' Fountain and it was much rougher ride than that 28' even on a little chop. Not sure about speed comparison as the motors were much bigger in that. The 28' did 80 with stock 525 blower Mercs. They also weighted the hulls for balance, when they got bought out I talked to the guy and he said he was at the new company...but was quiting because they took the weight out and it handled so bad he could not stand it. It went a couple mph faster in the smooth, but he thought it was dangerous. That is another thing to consider. Can't remember who bought them. If there are any waves you don't see anything but vees on the big lake.

[Hot Shot Merc]

Call Jack Barsh at Full Throttle Power Boats.He's building 30 foot cats (Spectre) clone.Jack Barsh is one of the best in the business.You will see two of them in the near future in Florida. ;)

[monigripp]

I would love a 30 footer, but it would be uncomfortable to drive with my wifes foot in my a$$

[baja200merk]

http://www.progressionboats.com/home/27%20OB.html

[The Big Al]

Fountain!

27 ft Feaver!
Click below!

http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/Products/SportBoats/27Fever.htm

[The Big Al]

http://www.dcbracing.com/images/boats/f26/f26a.jpg
Daves Custom Boats!
http://www.dcbracing.com/home.htm

[baja200merk]

http://www.progressionboats.com/home/images/Boats/Outboard/27/1%20low.jpg

[Dregsz]

I sold my Sleekcraft '20 SST/Mod VP this summer. my back hurt every time I got out of it.
They say it is particularly good in rough water for a mod VP snd it sucked in anyhthing over 4 INCH chop.
For over 3' you need a 24' deep vee, maybe a Donzi 22 will get by, but pricey.
You could look at a 28 Pantera.
One boat worth looking at is a '24 Banana, which was out of the real Cigarette molds, not a splash, with Cig layups. Nice and strong. This is a true offshore race hull. They are popular in OB and twin OBs and there are findable in the North East states. One on Ebay now, w newer motors, and very high priced for a Banana. Usually in the $9k-$12K range but a fresh Merc or 2, under warantee will add to the price

[Tampa Cat]

Monigripp,maybe you need to ride in some boats.If it is to small it's just to small.

[TOP1GUN]

If Your Looking For A Good Rough Water Boat In That Range A 20 Foot Son Of A Gun Ciagrette Would Be My Number One Choice And If Your Willing To Step Up 2 More Feet Then A 24 Cigarette Fire Fox Or 24 Pantera . Also A 22 Classic Donzi . All Depend Your Money Range

Top1gun

[Dregsz]

OK, How do you add 2 feet to a 20 foot Cig and get a 24 firefox?

(Firefox's are extremely hard to find) The 24 banana came out of the same mold as the firefox but has a different windshield shape, Diamond shaped on the Banana, Horizontal on the Cig and the Cig is sit down the Banana has stand up bolsters. Bananas are easier to find on the east coast, particularly the N.E.

The '20 Cig is a very nice boat, I had a deal on one slip away from me last spring on the west coast, now it's for sale in Ohio for $13.5K (a few grand more then my deal).
The problem with the 20s is they are getting snapped up by Big Cig owners and converted to mini top gun decks with major restorations , (the original deck is much sharper). So they are taking higher prices and are harder to find.

The '22 Donzi with a big block TRS or Bravo drive is a good choice.
Original older boats can fetch $10-$12K, Sometimes less, They are back in production as "The Classic 22" and are $45K +/- for recent boats.
Look on Donzi.net for all the info you could ever want on old Donzis and classifieds.

The 24-28 Pantera is a very good choice.
Basically you are looking for any Off Shore style boat in 22- 28 foot.

Of course there are the Long Island SOBs (single outboards, Challenger, Activator, Progression, Superboat, etc. 22-28'

If you want to drop $70K on new, Howard's Custom Boats has a super nice Open bow or closed deck '27 Vee Hull that can do 105 mph with a single BBC sterndrive.
That's where I would go if I was buying new.

Velocity is a very good choice in 25-28 foot and very fast, and not too many around, but available.

There are MANY reasonably priced Scarabs in 21- 31 feet and the same goes for Bajas, I would look for a single big block power or at least twin small blocks or BBCs. Bravo drives over Alphas, they take more power and abuse, no volvos, no V6s. These are very plentiful and are good boats but lack the individuality of smaller production lines.

You can also get an older Cigarette, like an 1980s '35 Mistress for around $30K but plan on repower and dropping bucks into her.

Check the Offshoreonly.com classified section there are 800 boats there, 2/3s over $100K

[sho305]

Hey with gas prices you should be able to get a deal now I would think. There is a nice 28' with twin BBCs here, been out there for a couple weeks. I can stop and get the phone # off it if you want. Those ran 80 w/525s, and would go through near anything. The newer ones have a stepped hull, this one does not. I think it was a Don Aronow hull. Might be overkill for what you want though.

[Dregsz]

28 foot boat made by who?

[SUPERBASH]

http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/8649/img0368small9qc.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[sho305]

Its a Challenger, but they were bought and moved to MO or where ever it says on their site. They changed hulls in '95 or so and now it looks to have a step in it. Yeah it looks pretty much like that pic above. This one for sale is older must be before 95 and is like an original cigarette deep vee. It runs over 4's+ like they are not there. You can hold a beer in hand when the waves are taller than the bow in Lake MI at 60mph. Maybe not the fastest, but you will never have problems in rough water. We beat these boats hard back then, never had a problem with the 28' or 24'. 28' ran over 80mph with stock twin 525 Merc blowers, 454ci.

http://www.challengeroffshore.com/

This guy bought them: http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/1998/05/25/smallb1.html

New version of 28': http://www.challengeroffshore.com/performance_model/4/d-dc-28-cuddy

The SV-24 was a great boat too. It would run ~67mph with a stock 365 Merc (454ci) back then, easily over 75 (80?) with a real 500hp 454 (a 454 with a 502 cam and good parts). Was not quite as deep as 28' but took water pretty good, turned on rails. Don't know if they changed the 24' hull since or not. If you did it right the thing would holeshot very hard for that size boat. Someone had one with a 502 (they were new back then), and a 540 bulldog but never heard what they did. There were lots of cheap parts for 454s then so we used those. They were running over 70 with stroked 454 motors, but our mod 454ci was faster. If I wanted that kind/size of boat I would find one of those for sure. Today's motors would be better yet. For all-around use it was great and fast. The baja outlaw is roughly a copy of it IMHO.

[heath brinkley]

I LOVE TRUE TUNNELS AND MODVPS BUT FOR BIG WATER TRAVEL HOME WHEN A BIG STORM ROLLS IN BLOWING UP 8 FOOTERS A BIG HEAVY V WAS MADE FOR IT.


deep vee's eat up big water.

[sho305]

They sure do. Hey I think I'll go by there tomorrow so I'll try to dig up my little camera and take a pic if it is still there. The challengers come up around here as they sold lots of them when they made them here.

[TOP1GUN]

OK, How do you add 2 feet to a 20 foot Cig and get a 24 firefox?

(Firefox's are extremely hard to find) The 24 banana came out of the same mold as the firefox but has a different windshield shape, Diamond shaped on the Banana, Horizontal on the Cig and the Cig is sit down the Banana has stand up bolsters. Bananas are easier to find on the east coast, particularly the N.E.

The '20 Cig is a very nice boat, I had a deal on one slip away from me last spring on the west coast, now it's for sale in Ohio for $13.5K (a few grand more then my deal).
The problem with the 20s is they are getting snapped up by Big Cig owners and converted to mini top gun decks with major restorations , (the original deck is much sharper). So they are taking higher prices and are harder to find.

The '22 Donzi with a big block TRS or Bravo drive is a good choice.
Original older boats can fetch $10-$12K, Sometimes less, They are back in production as "The Classic 22" and are $45K +/- for recent boats.
Look on Donzi.net for all the info you could ever want on old Donzis and classifieds.

The 24-28 Pantera is a very good choice.
Basically you are looking for any Off Shore style boat in 22- 28 foot.

Of course there are the Long Island SOBs (single outboards, Challenger, Activator, Progression, Superboat, etc. 22-28'

If you want to drop $70K on new, Howard's Custom Boats has a super nice Open bow or closed deck '27 Vee Hull that can do 105 mph with a single BBC sterndrive.
That's where I would go if I was buying new.

Velocity is a very good choice in 25-28 foot and very fast, and not too many around, but available.

There are MANY reasonably priced Scarabs in 21- 31 feet and the same goes for Bajas, I would look for a single big block power or at least twin small blocks or BBCs. Bravo drives over Alphas, they take more power and abuse, no volvos, no V6s. These are very plentiful and are good boats but lack the individuality of smaller production lines.

You can also get an older Cigarette, like an 1980s '35 Mistress for around $30K but plan on repower and dropping bucks into her.

Check the Offshoreonly.com classified section there are 800 boats there, 2/3s over $100K

SORRY I MEANT MOVE UP 4 FEET MY BAD

[sho305]

I went by there today but forgot my camera and had frozen food in the car:rolleyes: Anyway that Challenger 28 and another boat were there but they pulled them back off the road and took the signs off them so no number. I'd guess they did that for the holiday as they would be gone. I should be down there again soon and get a pic.

[PHISH]

Lake Ontario is a great lake. I don't mean that in a good way either, I mean it is part of the great lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario). It is definately not a lake to mess with guys.
Tuff marine (21footer) would be one of the safest boats for you and they are about to come out with a '28 which would probably be even better. They aren't that far from you either. There boats are really sharp looking, and the price might be decent since its a Canadian manufacturer.
http://www.tuffmarine.com/

[sho305]

I don't care what boat anyone buys mind you, but I spent time in these and they are good boats. I got a ride on a 36' fountain and it did not ride as nice as the 28 challenger. It was faster at around 90mph but the motors were much more hp so can't compare. I think about 700-800hp each. The challenger does not have a big pad like Reggie's boats do though; likely why it rode nicer. That 28' would take about anything within reason that Lake Michigan had. It was the safest speedy boat I was ever in out there when rough. A lot of boats got broken; seats broke loose, wiring fell out, doors fell off, cracks in hull, etc., but we had no major problems with them. One guy did crack a spot on a 24', but he ran it aground.

[The Big Al]

If your looking at boats inthe performance area with inboards, Fountain is one great built boat. And reggie does care about his name on it.


If you are in the Great Lakes area, it would be worth your wild to look up Power Quest. They have some of the finest built boats out there. Quality and detail.

http://www.powerquestboats.com/

Also if you have a open check book!

DCB boats, IE: Daves Custom Boats

http://www.dcbracing.com

Fountain
http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/

[sho305]

Fountain is not a pos, though some think it is. I have heard of some problems with them but not a lot. It has a larger stepped pad plus a long beak that makes it go faster for its size/class. They do ride a little harder with the pad plus the bottom is in essence a size smaller hull. IMHO that is not so bad with a large boat like 36 or more on something like Lake Michigan, but if you go smaller than that you will not be happy in rough water when comparing to like size hulls. There are some new hulls out but use to be in good enough water for its size a Fountain did very well speedwise.

It is not a fair comparison for boats that race really, as a 36 or more foot boat will run nice in a lot of different water up to really nasty...but with a smaller 20-28' boat that many people buy it is a different story. With a smaller boat even at sane speeds either you can run or you can't at some point unless you want to get beat up and trash your boat. A plain old deep vee will let you keep going in water that is more than you like to run, others do not but a small boat still has its limits. Hope that makes sense, though likely any of you that been on bigger water know that.

[Scream And Fly]

http://www.progressionboats.com/home/images/Boats/Outboard/27/1%20low.jpg

-- My personal favorite.

[BRB]

The stv euro wont do it. I loved mine but it was rough. Ive had bajas & I like my american offshore 26. It handles rough water great and its very user friendly with out some of the other tunnel characteristics. mine runs mid 90s gps 3 adults full tank all day (650hp 540). you can get these boats mid to low $40s range. Good luck with it.

Brian.

[amahan02]

If you are running big water you do not want any cat under 30'. You are going to want a nice deep v around 22'+ Look for @ least 23degrees or moore. If you want something smaller that you can poor the power to and handle the rough stuff, find an old Donzi classic, or an old cig sone of a gun:D :D. Oh yeah NO BEAKS ether.:p

[mrcrsr]

perhaps an allison would do you good!! i know mine was decent in a 3-4 ft chop and top speed was never a problem!!

[mrcrsr]

perhaps an allison would do you good!! i know mine was decent in a 3-4 ft chop and top speed was never a problem!!
it all depends also on the conditions you expect and what type of tradeoff in performance you are willing to accept also(i don't want to sound one sided!!)

[mrcrsr]

ps- i also sold the allison, i now live in s fla and run a 32 pachanga w/ sterndrive power, speeds of around 75 mph w/ mild reliable power w/ air conditioning and a bathroom and i can run to the bahamas- i have had it in 7 ft seas- it is not fun but will get you and the family through safely, but in the normal 4 ft chop it is not even a problem

[David]

The Tuff 21 is way better over cruiser wakes than my Allison SS2000. Mark took me out last year. Great boat.

The SS2000 is much better over waves than my old Virage or my brother's Charger.

But Lake Ontario is big. There will be days that a Tuff 21 isn't big enough.

[triple dude]

All this talk of Fountains, etc but no mention of a BIG Bayliner with Force power. You traiterous bastid. ;) :D

[Tampa Cat]

My 26 ft twin 300promax tunnel is great in the rought(about 4ft I think) right up until it's not,then it's over.If I saw more than 4 ft often I would forget about speed and get the biggest deepvee that I could tow , park and cover.

[amahan02]

Find ya an old 24, or 25 martini, magnum, or even pantera and you wont be disapointed I promise. My buddy has a 28ft Cig. that he might be interested in selling!!:D :D

[OceanmarineB]

How much do you want to spend first off? Everyone is naming boat's from $30,000-$300,000... A lot depends on how much you want to spend, I/O or Outboard, Tunnel or a Vee Bottom. Being that it is a lake (even though its huge) i would say a good boat that is fast, handles rough well for its size, and wont put a hole in your wallet is most likely one of the Long Island made Vee Bottoms... superboat, Activator, Progression,Intimidator, Kryptonite, etc. As far as Tunnels go, Hands down Skater is the only way to go. I'm not to fimiliar with that lake but i highly doubt you need a 36' boat. Anywhere from 21-28' should be fine. If you want to spend more money and have an even better rough water capable boat you can alway buy a Formula :D

[amahan02]

[If you want to spend more money and have an even better rough water capable boat you can alway buy a Formula :D[/QUOTE]


I have to agree! Formula is a great boat. But you can fin a realy nice one for about 20GGGGSSSS:D
Superboat is also a great way to go. Dont be afraid of the Baja outlaw eather they handle rough water good as well!!!

[sho305]

All this talk of Fountains, etc but no mention of a BIG Bayliner with Force power. You traiterous bastid. ;) :D

:D :D LOL!!!:D I didn't think the larger >20' bayliners had Force power?!:confused: Hee hee...I'm just happy I got no competition 'cause nobody here has a 85hp 16' open bow to compare to my blistering 43 gps...:eek: What up with your boat?

Anyway, idiot I am...no camera again but I stopped and looked at that boat today. I have number PM me if you want, sign was hiding on the ground behind it. It is a '92 Challenger Aerotech 28' with twin BBCs. It is DEEP vee all the way, nice point on the bottom and no notch, swim platform, or beak. Looks like a little bit of a project boat with a little fade on top, I saw two cracks in the gel in the edge of the motor hatch/sun deck. Don't know why they are there. Saw nothing on bottom or side on right side I looked at. Nice tri-axle trailer with alloys and rear bar behind drives. Nice black cockpit towable cover that was on and I didn't dig under it. Couple of snaps look bad. Boat is white with thinner black C-stripe in sides. It said $35K OBO. Looks much like a cigarette...back then Challenger told me it was an original mold 24' cigarette they made into a 28'. Superior in rough water and I can attest to that personally. Somewhat of a narrow boat also.

[blkmtrfan]

:D :D LOL!!!:D I didn't think the larger >20' bayliners had Force power?!:confused:

They used to make a 23' trophy with twin 120 farces on it :D

[sho305]

Nice:) I've tried to get TRex to talk about chizzlers but had no luck. There is little of nothing about them on here or anywhere on the net that I can find. Particularly the later ones, anyway it is just a family boat but faster than other 80hp I have had.

[airpacker]

How much do you want to spend first off? Everyone is naming boat's from $30,000-$300,000... A lot depends on how much you want to spend, I/O or Outboard, Tunnel or a Vee Bottom. Being that it is a lake (even though its huge) i would say a good boat that is fast, handles rough well for its size, and wont put a hole in your wallet is most likely one of the Long Island made Vee Bottoms... superboat, Activator, Progression,Intimidator, Kryptonite, etc. As far as Tunnels go, Hands down Skater is the only way to go. I'm not to fimiliar with that lake but i highly doubt you need a 36' boat. Anywhere from 21-28' should be fine. If you want to spend more money and have an even better rough water capable boat you can alway buy a Formula :D

Lake Ontario is not a huge lake, its a HUGE lake where 20 foot, steep, breaking swells are not all that uncommon with a west wind. It has put many a freighter on the bottom. A 21 skater would be a joke on a rough day. As I stated earlier, I won't take my 25 foot cat out there if its windy for fear of death. I have run a poker run in a 32 cat and dam nearly got killed and have been in a 53 foot airborne marine cat and got beat up on Lake Ontario on rough days FYI.

[amahan02]

Lake Ontario is not a huge lake, its a HUGE lake where 20 foot, steep, breaking swells are not all that uncommon with a west wind. It has put many a freighter on the bottom. A 21 skater would be a joke on a rough day. As I stated earlier, I won't take my 25 foot cat out there if its windy for fear of death. I have run a poker run in a 32 cat and dam nearly got killed and have been in a 53 foot airborne marine cat and got beat up on Lake Ontario on rough days FYI.
Most water Pu$$ys dont like it rough:D :D

[triple dude]

The Invader/Force is alive and well. Kinda nice to fill it up with cheap gas and run it for several weekends. The jet boat hasn't moved out of the driveway since June.

[sho305]

I bet that lake gets ROUGH at the East end sometimes;) I'll get a pic of this 28' at some point, it would do the job well if that is the type/age boat you want.

My Force is well but not alive:( I never got it out once this summer and what a bummer. Too busy with family stuff, but nearing the end of my projects I hope. Have not been to the lake in close to 2 months now, that is an all time record. Mine takes less than my inline did, but not that much less. I can squeek by on 6 gallons for a weekend if I only go out a few times to cork off or fish. I even stayed home last weekend...that is pretty bad, but got a lot done.

[sho305]

OK, got my slow *ss down there w/the camera and took pics of the 28' deep vee. Check out the dead rise to the drain plug. The cracks I saw are small, could be something to do with the hinges on the back hatch or damage with them.

[sho305]

Or you could get this fine speedster that was next to it...:D

[catmando]

35Motion trip 300Xs

[Air Dog]

I have two Banana Boats and I am putting one on the market next week.

Will sell with or without power.

[modvp]

I say get a velocity 22! Very nice boat, and can handle a good chop.

[Tampa Cat]

My 22 Velocity O/B was the worst riding boat I ever had for it's size.I keeped it for one summer.Maybe the V was to shallow.But it was plenty fast.

[modvp]

Sorry to hear that. What type of problems did you encounter, were you using a good hydraulic steering? The transom dead-rise is approx 22 degrees. However there is a pretty wide pad.



My 22 Velocity O/B was the worst riding boat I ever had for it's size.I keeped it for one summer.Maybe the V was to shallow.But it was plenty fast.

[Tampa Cat]

Yes for the steering,handled good and a nice runabout.Just a ruff wet ride in general for 22feet.Great for the lake,good for the river,bad for the bay.