Help me pick a hull for a OMC V-8 looper........

**Instigator** · 03-24-2020, 04:17 AM

At 60 yrs old Im slowing down a bit but always said I'd build a hot rod 8 before I kick off.

Im probably yrs away from building one but a clean powerhead surfaced through a friend of mine.
Some of you may know I've tried this a couple times but both prvious donor motors were turds.

One hesitation to this project is what to put it on????

I think Im done with fly weight, 100 MPH+ STV's and Streams.

It will likely be on a cut down mid but maybe a 20" on the right hull.

They make an easy 400 HP's on pump gas so will have the ass to push some weight.

The only hull thats even been on the radar screen has been and idea Ive had forever which is to convert an old '70's vintage Glastron Carlson CV 18/20 to an O/B and make it look like a period correct Mod VP boat that was never built.
W/my current Checkmate conversion project though, Im not sure what decade Ill feel like a hull project like that again but probably not his one.

So what am I not thinking of?????
The 8's are huge and look like cartoons on too small of hull.

I have always liked the Hydrosteam Venuses but not sure I want another cuddy.
I like the 21' Velocity's, Shadows etc, but think my 25' Checkmate will take care of that segment.

Next snapping punch and 80/90 MPH is probably enough.

This will help me decide whether to buy this motor, to take up space in my shop for the next 5 yrs or pass........

Thx guys.

Gary

**delawarerick** · 03-24-2020, 05:40 AM

I remember a checkmate starflite with a v8 up in De it was a cool looking rig. The starflite was 21 ft? with the long deck a very sexy boat.

**V-bottom** · 03-24-2020, 06:23 AM

Can't go wrong with a 21 challenger. IMO a 25 foot boat is too big for a single engine.

**Instigator** · 03-24-2020, 06:40 AM

Agreed on the 25’.

I have a 25’ Checkmate Convincor I/O that I am converting to twin O/B.

Rick, yes. Starflite (closed bow) and Starliner (open bow) are both 21’.
You’ll laugh in that the the guy w/the V-8 is the guy I sold my virgin Starliner to.
Doh!
That was my plan for that boat until we got back into cruisers.
Which we are no longer into.
DOH!

Might consider another one of them but they are very rare.

Originally Posted by V-bottom

Can't go wrong with a 21 challenger. IMO a 25 foot boat is too big for a single engine.

**SCT** · 03-24-2020, 07:40 AM

Gary, what about a 22’ Talon? Sharp, very fast, capable hull that still looks good w- a single OB (unlike a 24’ Skater). Or maybe a 21’ Shadow or Super Boat?

**Printpresswrench** · 03-24-2020, 07:59 AM

V hull or cat? Seen a HTM up here with a single v8, it was actually on plane. How about a four winns u-17 or 19 converted to outboard? That would be diff. Old wooden Chris craft or century would ruffle a few purists. I know crazy offerings. An old barrel back with a screaming 2 stroke 8 would be cool!

**powerabout** · 03-24-2020, 08:30 AM

23-24 offshore boat, I have the same dilemma, I have a Stoker 400+ v8 looking for a boat ( plus 2 spares)
I like the progression...

**noli** · 03-24-2020, 10:50 AM

.

not mine

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/bo...080445433.html

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**David** · 03-24-2020, 11:06 AM

I used to know someone with 2 V8 AE21s. He liked the combination

**ActiveFun** · 03-24-2020, 11:20 AM

I had a 88 Starflite that I loved and actually purchased a V-8 for it, then decided against it because the way the transom was built there was no way to install tie bars correctly and the weight of my 200hp was causing stress crack so I didnt think 300 would stay on the back. I would go with a Velocity, Superboat, or Activator and possibly tie bar the transom if you can.

**Dd24skater** · 03-24-2020, 11:23 AM

Gary,

You knew this picture was coming!

From the " Rumble " days

**noli** · 03-24-2020, 11:25 AM

.

sorry for not reading your requirements...this is my new recommendation

resin-infused , all composites

https://www.screamandfly.com/showthr...-made-in-Dubai

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**nitro_rat** · 03-24-2020, 11:45 AM

22 Progression. I know a guy with a Venus/V8. It's cool but it doesn't handle well, too much weight up high. Maybe with a short mid it would be better? Progression all the way. I like the 22 but a 24LD would work too...

**Da Bull** · 03-24-2020, 11:56 AM

What do I love about my 20ft Riot? It ain`t a boat for the average guy. You have to drive it and know what you doing. I like a boat that challenges me.

**JPEROG** · 03-24-2020, 12:14 PM

22 Stoker, 23 eliminator, or 20 LCB sportdeck would be it for me. The first two you can find for reasonable money, they take way more water then an STV and have been proven with the same weight or more on the transom. All of them will be fun, look cool, be reasonably fast, be different, ride nice and sound GREAT-

Joe