Help to choose a fast oldschool boat and BEST 2 stroke engines

[rasmusb]

Hello Everyone.
New to the Forum. Boating for many years in every kind of sailboat, jetski, powerboat etc.. But after following online - for sometime - the super cool retro looking fast going smaller boats 16-25 feet - with the sound of the old 2 stroke engines - I got hooked. Need to buy one - so if any suggestions to first a great retro boat that will go fast +80 mph - and second and more important - help to choose the best 2 stroke built.
I dont like to many problems ( probably not good to say as i imagine the 2 stroke needs a bit of love and attention compared to the modern engines ) - but I have seen around that there are some super amazing guys that rebuild these to better than new condition - with all improvements of factory errors. But i don not know any names of the best guys out there ?
Little extra info - where the boat will be used.. only in my vacation home in Cartagena - where sea is open but its for very calm mornings.
Also i do consider a boat that can do 2 engines - but not 100 % a demand.
Any suggestions for the most fun boat and amazing engines are super appreciated. Thanks !

[Jim Speros]

I enjoyed running a 22 Velocity with twin 200's . A shadow , superboat, challenger are all awesome with twins. Fun in calm and will take a chop well.

I am sure you will get a wide range of suggestions. There are lots of good combinations out there its largely a matter of what you can find that is worthy enough condition to put effort into. You don't want to buy a basket case and get overwhelmed by trying to ressurrect it. You want ot restore not bring back from the dead.

[AlliStan]

Learn how to determine whether the transom and floor are sound. There are many potentially fast boats out there from the "two stroke era" with rotten insides. They may look good on the outside, but are dead inside. Major expense to repair this.

Allisons abound, and for good reason. They're fast boats, fun to drive at speed, and good looking. But you won't find one over 21 ft. in length, and they're single outboard boats.. There are so many other good makes, vees and tunnels. Just be 100% sure it's solid inside.

I'd personally stick with Mercury in the two-strokes, because of availability of parts and service. I've got nothing against OMC, but they're outta business and I just don't see as many aftermarket parts for them as I do Mercs.

Just my personal opinions, worth what you paid for them.

[Greg G]

Put this in the search bar and it will give you plenty of ideas. I'd suggest going to the last post and read in reverse to get to "The List"

Fastest SOB hull???

[David]

For me, these are the best boats that meet your criteria:

1. Allison SS2000 or Grandsport. These were the high water mark for 18-20 foot V bottoms and if looked after, they will last forever
2. STV if you prefer a tunnel. Jack Barsh (sp?) still makes them. If you buy older, look out for rot in the floor, transom, and core
3. Challenger 21 or one of its derivatives (aka SOB) if you want something a bit bigger. The gold standard here is the Tuff 21 or Tuff 20. The Tuff 21 is a lightly modified version of the original Challenger hull. The Tuff 20 is actually a bit longer, but narrower, and is an all new super fast design. Look out for rot in older boats.

Two strokes?

1. Old school, the best is the Mercury 225 Promax. It has (almost) the best power to weight ratio, and a lower unit that could be surfaced.
2. Some will steer you to the Mercury 260 or 280, but these are much higher maintenance options. Re-ring at 100 hours vs 1000 hours. Best power to weight ratio
3. 200XS ROS. Direct injected, relatively light weight, solid mounts, short shaft sportmaster, fuel efficient. I have one of these on my SS2000
4. 300XS If your boat can handle the weight, this is as powerful as two strokes got. Allison never recommended the 3L motors on their 20' boats, but some are doing it now.

[Jim Speros]

I agree with David on all points.

For me your decision should be guided by where and how you intend to use it. The Allison is a great boat. I had an STV and loved it. The allison and STV are river boats fast and well suited for calmer water. The 21 ans 22 foot boats are not as fast but better suited in choppier coastal and bay waters.
As far as single or twin its mostly preference. In choppier water a twin has more of a tendency to want to go straight. I grew up on the Chesapeake bay. A twin engine 22 will go anywhere you want to go. A single too just it can't take as much water when its sloppy out. The Allison or STV had no business in the bay.

[mikesufka]

Agree on the above two posts ( # 5 and 6 ) ...

Allisons are fantastic - find a XB03, XB02, XS03, or SS2000 and a 225 Promax or 200XS - 85-90+ MPH all day long baby

MDS

[David]

The Tuff 20 went 115 with a 280. It won't fit in my garage.

[perfmarine1]

Learn how to determine whether the transom and floor are sound. There are many potentially fast boats out there from the "two stroke era" with rotten insides. They may look good on the outside, but are dead inside. Major expense to repair this.

Allisons abound, and for good reason. They're fast boats, fun to drive at speed, and good looking. But you won't find one over 21 ft. in length, and they're single outboard boats.. There are so many other good makes, vees and tunnels. Just be 100% sure it's solid inside.

I'd personally stick with Mercury in the two-strokes, because of availability of parts and service. I've got nothing against OMC, but they're outta business and I just don't see as many aftermarket parts for them as I do Mercs.

Just my personal opinions, worth what you paid for them.

This is100% Fake News

[delawarerick]

Your in Miami a good all around boat is an action and there are plenty around. As for power usually the ones I've seen for sale have engines included. I boat here with a buddy that has an 18 action with an old 235 Johnson and it runs out good and can take some of the water we have here. .02 Rick

[David]

I picked Merc for the solid mounts and sportmaster for my SS2000. You can add solid mounts to an Evinrude and you can cone and pin the gearcase.

[Amberjack1234]

18 or 19 foot action or hydra stream type hall carbureted 225 mercury 2.4 or 5/or 225 Johnson or evinrude/looper

[Amberjack1234]

as an added thought an older velocity 22 with the same power will give you a better all-around rough water boat and probably still touch 70 75 mph Bob unit lower unit and transom jack plate