Rough water capabilities 24' and under boats

[85Powerskiff]

Hello,

Looking for solid vintage Lake Erie capable 24' and under Long deck style runabouts with a usable cuddy cabin. Would need a performance styled boat capable of at least 50, preferably single I/o or outboard.
Must be trailerable..

Suggestion?


Forumula, Wellcraft, Pantera, Sonic, Checkmate


Thanks for looking

[fund razor]

Welcome.
I suppose it depends on what you mean by "Lake Erie capable." Born and raised on the western basin, I'd go out on a sheet of plywood over bleach bottles on a perfect day. But on most days, I never feel like I have enough boat. I started with a 21 Nova with a single SBC. Hell of a boat. Not enough to keep from getting beat up. Went 48 mph. Then I got a 26 Chris Craft Stinger with twin SBCs. Better ride. Went 50. Now I run a 28 foot Apache with twin BBCs. Heavy azz 28. I'm still not sure if that lake takes me seriously. :)

Anyway... with your parameters, I like a 24 Pantera single for speed with a stout engine. But I don't know that lake erie favors a 7' (6'6") beam and the low freeboard. No offense to the checkmate people, but I pass. I like a Formula 242 and Sonic with a big block for ride and cabin. But that comes at the cost of speed. I guess I end up at a 24 Sonic with a stiffened drive and a high hp BBC. Then I wouldn't have to run it as hard to get 50.

[85Powerskiff]

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, your statements are 100% correct, I never feel like I have enough boat for Lake Erie! I would be continuing to boat around Sandusky Bay and the Islands and on the weekends�� The chop can be pretty rough at times.

I have been looking around for a Wellcraft Nova 21. Currently looking at trying to find a Formula 242 454. I have not been on either boat, so I do not know how they perform or their build quality. I, know all of these boats are going to be old, so that could be a moot point. I would like to have a solid platform to start with.

No offense taken regarding Checkmate, I'm currently running an outboard 21' Starflite with Merc out back. It is reality light boat compared to these other boats, and the Starflight likes chop, up to 1 1/2 however, with the lower freeboard it really does not like big wake, and the relatively shallow deadrise does not make it a wave crusher.

I have yet to find a Sonic or a Pantera in person, so far.

[Ratickle]

242LS on Craigs in Detroit

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/5824187296.html

[Ratickle]

Maybe interesting

http://lansing.craigslist.org/boa/5842527007.html

[Ratickle]

This is the one to buy if the description is accurate, you're on a budget, and you feel like driving to Baltimore.:sifone:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/5850076464.html

[85Powerskiff]

Nice finds. Of the three boats which one is the best performing hull, ride quality and build?

Thanks for the replies.

[phragle]

nova250 if you can find one in decent shape... is a decent compromise of fast smooth and room

[phragle]

the 23 nova does not have a 24 degree bottom.

[Ratickle]

But he said 24' and under.......

[fund razor]

But he said 24' and under.......

He said usable cabin too, but you posted a 22 scarab. :)

[fund razor]

nova250 if you can find one in decent shape... is a decent compromise of fast smooth and room

Also heck of a boat.

[RogerThat99]

I have a 22 Velocity that does great in rough water. It has a 7' 11" beam & lots of freeboard. The cabin isn't very tall, but plenty of room to sleep in it. I sleep in mine frequently. It is wide enough that I sleep sideways in it.

Velocity 260...Technically a 26', but that includes the swim deck.

22 Scarab's are nice also.

Panteras are always great boats.

A Hallett 240 would be a great boat. They may have the most freeboard of any 24 footer. GREAT rough water boat and has a good sized cabin.

Hallett 240

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g229/MistahBobbs/DSCN0665_edited.jpg

[fund razor]

A Hallett may have the most freeboard of any boat on the west coast. Here is a 24 like we might see around the waters he speaks of. This Baja is more like Lake Erie freeboard. Usable cabin, too.
83097

[fund razor]

A 27 foot Fountain would be a good, fast 24 foot boat. :)
83098

[fund razor]

A superboat 24 with twin OBs would be nice.

[Ratickle]

Does it have to be 24' or less to fit in a garage or something?

[fund razor]

24 ft Liberator? That would be single with a cabin. Similar to the Baja, I guess.

[Bobcat]

Powerquest also made a nice 237 Stryker that has a deep cockpit and a usable Cabin, 61 MPH with the 454 330HP.

[rschap1]

Powerquest also made a nice 237 Stryker that has a deep cockpit and a usable Cabin, 61 MPH with the 454 330HP.

I had a 1995.
Really liked it:)

[85Powerskiff]

Great replies! I have never seen a Hallett.

The boat can be 25' as well. Just looking at the ease of trailering and occasionally launching solo.
I think once you start getting over 5,000 pounds on a trailer it starts to become a chore in addition to the need for two engines or outboards to reach 60+��

[fund razor]

25 ft Baja outlaw
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/44615

[fund razor]

Hallett is a California builder. They have tons of jet boats out west. They make V bottoms and deck boats with merc packages. Been around since the 60s. I think they still build everything from a ski boat like a mastercraft to a 40 foot closed bow V. I have always associated them with high quality fit and finish. Never owned one. Seen plenty in Havasu.

[Bobcat]

Some of the older West Coast Boats weren't designed for areas with a lot of rain, like Florida. Something to do with a Liner.

I have no Idea how much rain Your area gets,just something to think about.

[fund razor]

I have no Idea how much rain Your area gets
Plenty.

[Ratickle]

Velocity 260...Technically a 26', but that includes the swim deck.

And very fast with a single big block......

[lavey jr]

Possibly check out the Lavey Craft 24 NuEra. It's a great rough water boat for the size! They have even been raced in the offshore circuit. 25' 2" OAL, 8' beam, 80 gallons of gas, fiberglass floor liner, and will run an all day long 70mph with the base Merc 502.

[RogerThat99]

Great replies! I have never seen a Hallett.

The boat can be 25' as well. Just looking at the ease of trailering and occasionally launching solo.
I think once you start getting over 5,000 pounds on a trailer it starts to become a chore in addition to the need for two engines or outboards to reach 60+��

Here is a link to a nice Hallett 240 for sale.

1991-Hallett-240-Closed-Bow-For-Sale-Boulder-City (http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/showthread.php?122997-1991-Hallett-240-Closed-Bow-For-Sale-Boulder-City)

[Ratickle]

I guess we're gonna have to know your budget. Both the Lavey and the Hallet are great boats.

[Ratickle]

Any new thoughts?

[85Powerskiff]

I like the west coast boats. Nice lines.

The budget is realistically under $18k, this why I'm looking at more of the classic older 80'sand 90's boats.
The 24 degree dead rise seems 8' beam seems to be the magic recipe?
The $12k boat range is preferred, however it does appear to take more efforts to found a good quality hull in nice shape.

I have always liked the 22' Chris Craft Corsair, even though they will top out in the 50's along with the Donzie 22z

Great Lakes boats capable boats is the goal with a good ride. Hard to believe so many bowrider style boats are sold in the modern day, that are great for inland lakes as well as ski boats, that just can't hold up in the rough waters of Ontario, Erie, MI.

Grey replies!

[fund razor]

I like the west coast boats. Nice lines.

You should see the trailers and rims.
(That was for Tim.)

[Ratickle]

Of all the boats we've discussed so far, the 242 Formula may be the best all around. Handle rough water, in the 60's with a single stock big block, very usable cabin for a 24', etc.

http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/boa/5861331438.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/5844916630.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/boa/5848221037.html

[fund razor]

Knowing where he plans to use it, agreed. And it really is a usable cabin.

[Ratickle]

And, like the 89 in the one ad, they look similar to a new design with their wrap around windshield, flat deck, overall appearance, and upholstery layout.

[Ratickle]

What are you currently leaning towards?

[85Powerskiff]

I like the 242 Formula. I'm going to try and find one to climb aboard and touch checkout the build quality.
No chance of a sea trial until the spring.

[85Powerskiff]

If you think it's capable of handling the Great Lakes it should be able to go most anywhere.

[fund razor]

I don't mind big waves when they are lined up in a row as big swells.
The area you boat in has washing machine chop from all directions. I think that's what makes the freeboard important.

[85Powerskiff]

Yes, Sandusky Bay and the Islands has some pretty wicked, short, steep, chop.
Beautiful area though.

[fund razor]

No doubt. I am about a half hour cruise due west of PIB. (On a nice day.)

[Ratickle]

With an Apache, I assume it's only 20 minutes when the lake is rough?

[Ratickle]

I'm not having too much luck finding a 242 in your neck of the woods for you to go look at yet.

[Bobcat]

A 26' Velocity $15,900

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1993-VELOCITY-Steve-Stepp-Thoroughbred-657783

[85Powerskiff]

I'm not having too much luck finding a 242 in your neck of the woods for you to go look at yet.

Thanks for looking out

[85Powerskiff]

A 26' Velocity $15,900

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1993-VELOCITY-Steve-Stepp-Thoroughbred-657783

Rarely see one of these?!

[Ratickle]

Really fast boats for single 26'. I'm not sure how well they handle Erie type water. Anyone?

[Ratickle]

I'd seriously consider this one.

formula 242 ls - $14500 (Lexington)

454 freshly built complete top-to-bottom roller motor new intake new carburetor trim pump brand new all hoses new all belts new outdrive new upper and lower 21 pitch prop 4 blade Chopper trailer comes with 4 brand new tires bearings freshly greased this boat is ready for water interior needs a little bit of work not much gauges are dated but work please call for further details price is negotiable might consider trades of equal value.. freshwater boat only new exhaust.


http://columbia.craigslist.org/boa/5857078401.html

[Ratickle]

? possibility, good price if true, longer drive

1989 formula 242ls - $9500 (east freetown)

up for sale is a 1989 formula 242ls in very good condition silent thunder exhaust 7.4 liter was replaced a couple months ago the engine has 330 hours on it with bravo one xrdrive that was rebuilt last year runs great comes with 2007 5 star dual axle roller trailer the boat has tinted windshield a custom bimini top a moring cover has under water blue lights inboard charger gps depth sounder nice radio boat is turn key lots of extras $9500 looking to upgrade to a bigger boat dont miss out on this deal thanks for looking

http://southcoast.craigslist.org/boa/5905402370.html

[Bobcat]

Bit of a drive...but very clean.



http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/46332


83538

[85Powerskiff]

Thanks for all of the finds!
Looks like I'm going to keep looking, but will not act until the Spring.
I've been using some search engines as well, not that overly concerned about distance if it's the right boat!

Happy Holidays! Great site, sad all of the toys for the midwesteners are in storage...

[Ratickle]

Just remember, on average the price of boats jumps 10% to 15% in the spring versus winter.....

[rschap1]

Bit of a drive...but very clean.



http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/46332


83538

Nice redo there
Like it