What was your favorite boat ?

**mikesufka** · 02-08-2025, 03:40 PM

I’ve had a lot of fun ones …. Favorite was my first Allison Grandsport - had so much fun with that thing. Second place was my 28 Skater that Russ bought.

We’ll see how much fun the 32 Doug Wright is ….

MDS

**mragu** · 02-08-2025, 04:40 PM

My 27 Kryptonite x2 225 Pro Max

**Frank Molé** · 02-08-2025, 05:19 PM

**LakeFever** · 02-08-2025, 05:34 PM

I love my Vking

**NICE PAIR** · 02-08-2025, 05:38 PM

Way back in time, My 72 Sanger shovelnose, stroked and blown 392 hemi was big fun.

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My 22 Talon, twin S-3000 2.5 Mercs (Nice Pair)

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I finally grew up (old) and had to sell my 1996 Skater 28, Twin 300XS's

. A Great Ride

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They have all been Awesome!

**Brad Zastrow** · 02-08-2025, 05:50 PM

22 Rapid Craft Twister that was very light with twin modified 260's. By far the most fun boat and expensive was a 39 MTI with twin 598 cubic inch 16:71 superchargers making 1300 hp each. From 0-100 mph the boat was sluggish because of the 38 pitch props and 1.24 gears. 100 mph plus it was scary fast and a total thrill ride to 180 mph. Between the money to keep it running and the fear of dying I sold it.

**mikesufka** · 02-08-2025, 06:42 PM

BTW -

Pre cell phones & internet I road in Brads Twister - saw it in “Hotboat Magazine” and looked him up in the phone book…..

MDS

**rock** · 02-08-2025, 06:52 PM

Allison xr01

Rock

**FUJIMO** · 02-08-2025, 07:23 PM

...1976 Viper with a Merc 1500 shortshaft when I was a child(lol) & a 33 PowerPlay Center-Console w/Mercury Racing 525 EFI/ Bravo's. Many others, but these were fun one's that come to mind...

**sonicss33** · 02-08-2025, 07:45 PM

1988 22’ Velocity w225 Yamaha Excel was fun and my 33 Sonic with triple 2.4’s.

**FUJIMO** · 02-08-2025, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by sonicss33

1988 22’ Velocity w225 Yamaha Excel was fun and my 33 Sonic with triple 2.4’s.

...those 33 sonic/34 coyote 26 degree deadrise hulls really were hard on the triple outboard merc "outboard" gearcases, were'nt they? they would get up high on that deep Vee in the rough at speed & rock back & forth, devouring 2.4 gearcases. replaced many of them...

**David** · 02-08-2025, 08:51 PM

Allison SS2000 w/200XS ROS. I've had this boat over 20 years and it's still a big grin. The 200XS is the third and best motor. Lightly modified 150XR4, 225 Promax, and now the 200XS

Fun question. I suppose the related question is why did you sell your favorite boat you dumb sh...

**DangerNewb** · 02-08-2025, 08:56 PM

Still like my stv pro comp with 280 over anything. It's the boating equivalent to a 250 2 stroke race bike. Always plenty of free revving power and acceleration available no matter what.

**JPEROG** · 02-08-2025, 11:57 PM

I don't know if its the boat or the time period (loved my 93' Euro brand new-also had a 35' Fountain at the same time). Ran the STV on the inland lakes and ran the Fountain on lake Michigan. Seemed to have met a ton of people in those days and early 20 year old life was great overall. I have been very fortunate to have had a few boats over the years and the best boat that I have owned is my current 36 DW. I am hoping my new project will top it as I now enjoy so much time running it together with my son. Most of my cherished memories include boats and all of them include friends and family. We have all most likely spent more on this passion then we should have over the years, but the times and friends created are absolutely priceless and I wouldn't trade any of them back for dollars.

**Boats are nothing without the people who operate them--the people make things truly fun** In recent years I really love having a bunch of people over, tied up to my dock and hanging out, or running to different destinations in groups "fun runs".

Joe

**skialot2** · 02-09-2025, 12:31 AM

I can only narrow it down to four. All from different times of my life.

About 1980. My first boat ever. A 14' MaKee Craft. Just like a Boston Whaler. I remember this ad from when I was a kid.

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All I did with it was jump the biggest wakes I could find. I can't believe they still make the same model.

In 1987. My first speed boat. A brand new Ebbtide Campione 166. 115 Mercury. Just like this one

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I did lots of skiing on that boat. Wasn't really set up for speed but still did 60mph.

The late 1990" The fastest boat I have owned. A 21 Superboat Legend with a 2.4 Bridgeport. Really easy to drive. Full trim, full throttle, 35 foot high 150 long rooster tail, no chine walk at all. Rough water didn't matter. It just went where you pointed it at 75+ MPH. Wish I had a picture.

The boat I have now. 1989 17" Checkmate Spectra. 200 Merc.

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The most overpowered boat I have had. 5' shorter than the Superboat with almost as much power. Not quite as fast (70) but you actually need to drive it. Which may actually make it more fun. With a little more work on the setup, and a lot more seat time, I think it could be the fastest boat I have owned