24'-26' open tunnel vs mid cabin deep V

[01erionracing]

I am in the market for 24'-26' deep V and want to know what is a different between this two in handling and most of the time we boating in Havasu
Thanks,

 

[RiverDave]

Not sure I understand he question? Are you asking the difference between ride quality between a tunnel vs a vee?

 

[Joker]

Im somewhat partial to tunnels, but IMHO I think a 25'r would be fine in Havasu although I see nothing wrong with a V like the Nordic Rage we just sold. I would think it would come down to how much space you need or if your intentions were to ski or pull tubes.

 

[gqchris]

This is such a broad question, but it kinda boils down to what you want to do and if you have family, kids etc etc? Pick the boat that fits your needs and storage space. I have had both, and their are ALOT of differences between the two.

 

[01erionracing]

Thanks for input here. Yes Dave I mean ride quality. And yes I have family the youngest is 10 and friends tag along most of the time.

 

[Joker]

Thanks for input here. Yes Dave I mean ride quality. And yes I have family the youngest is 10 and friends tag along most of the time.

A family would enjoy a V for the ability to tube, ski, etc.
if you're looking to just drive it, get a cat.
I don't think you're going to get ride quality in a " family friendly " boat as compared to option b, but we can try to figure out what you mean by quality.[emoji106]

 

[plaster dave]

I say get a cat with small power nothing more then a 525. That way you can ski, tube and have a great ride all day. But when Havasu is real windy or a storm rolls in both boats are not comfortable at in that. Just my .02

 

[Advantage 1]

Welcome to the boards, 01erionracing!

Well certainly there are a lot of questions such as:

Is this your first boat?
What is your budget?
What years/makes/models are you specifically looking for?
Where will you be using the boat?
Do you want an open bow? If so, MCOB or Walk Thru?
What engine options do you prefer? 8.2L MAG,496HO, 525EFI, 500EFI, whipple or blower upgrades, Ilmors etc etc....

You will in capable hands with PR388 on the case. If he cannot find you a boat, no one can :thumbsup

 

[XX14]

I'll be interested to see Jokers response to this since he just sold his Rage. I still have my Rage, it's for sale but I'm in Texas, and I'll tell you I would not choose it for Havasu. I think you need a mid-cabin v but something closer to a 28' or at least get something with more dead rise than the Rage. It's a great boat on a good day at Havasu and a lot of fun to crack the throttle on a stone stock 425 horse mill that will get you north of 70 but on a rough day it's going to beat you to death.

 

[01erionracing]

Is this your first boat? Will be my second, I am current own 2005 Tahoe Q4 with 220HP MPI and survived 2 summers in Havasu.
What is your budget? Maybe 30s to mid 30s
What years/makes/models are you specifically looking for? 2000 up Cobra is my 1st choice and Lavey maybe some other brand just depend on the boat looks and the condition.
Where will you be using the boat? Mostly Havasu
Do you want an open bow? If so, MCOB or Walk Thru? I like MCOB more than walk thru but don't know the pros and cons that's why I posted this thread. No closed bow.
What engine options do you prefer? 8.2L MAG,496HO, 525EFI, 500EFI, whipple or blower upgrades, Ilmors etc etc.... I like to be family friendly just 496 Mag, HO or 502. I think 8.2 will be on the newer boat which above my price range.

I love Cobra 26/27 but it will be beyond my price range, maybe I need to save up some more.

 

[Outdrive1]

For Havasu I personally think you need 28 or bigger. Doesn't matter if it's a cat or Vee. In smaller boats the open bow in a Vee is usually much bigger and more functional. The mid cabins aren't usually tiny crawl throughs either. That being said small cats with decent power are like driving a hot rod. I'd rather go a hundred plus in a small cat then a small Vee. I'm not comfortable in any Vee much past 100. I've been in fast Fountains and Outerlimits. They just don't feel planted like a cat. I've been in cats north of 150 and Ive felt completely safe. Yet at slow speeds cats are sloppy and feel wrong.

It all depends on what type of boating you plan on doing, and how many people you plan to haul around.

 

[Outdrive1]

Is this your first boat? Will be my second, I am current own 2005 Tahoe Q4 with 220HP MPI and survived 2 summers in Havasu.
What is your budget? Maybe 30s to mid 30s
What years/makes/models are you specifically looking for? 2000 up Cobra is my 1st choice and Lavey maybe some other brand just depend on the boat looks and the condition.
Where will you be using the boat? Mostly Havasu
Do you want an open bow? If so, MCOB or Walk Thru? I like MCOB more than walk thru but don't know the pros and cons that's why I posted this thread. No closed bow.
What engine options do you prefer? 8.2L MAG,496HO, 525EFI, 500EFI, whipple or blower upgrades, Ilmors etc etc.... I like to be family friendly just 496 Mag, HO or 502. I think 8.2 will be on the newer boat which above my price range.

I love Cobra 26/27 but it will be beyond my price range, maybe I need to save up some more.

In smaller boats the walk through is so much more functional IMO. Little boats get crowded and the walk through makes the boat seem bigger to me. Plus a mid cabin on a small boat is almost useless for anything but storage.

 

[RCDave]

25' Shockwave Tremor. 24 degree deadrise . Big cabin. Offshore freeboard. Great all around boat in a 25' package

 

[VoodooMedMan]

As said it's the type of boating.

Nothing less than a 24 on Havasu really but I disagree with needing a 28. But again that's based on the boating style. If you are going to hang around the high traffic areas then absolutely a 28 is much more comfortable for everyone. At the end of the day when we have to go through that to get back to the ramp my boat handles just fine. True 24 with billet steps. But while everyone is comfortable my arms are beat because I am working the wheel and the throttle to keep the rise smooth instead of just cutting it like in a 28. I could cut through and it wouldn't be a kidney belt rise but it wouldn't be that fun.

But I just couldn't really imagine tubing and skiing and boarding etc behind a 28. Also it's kind of funny but you usually have less seating in the bigger V's.

Now cats are a totally different ball of wax.

Havasu is a big lake. Answer some questions and it'll help narrow down some answers.

 

[Outdrive1]

This is a Cobra 230 that was recently listed & it came to my mind immediately when you mentioned Cobra & 30-35k budget.. Take a look. I'm sure there's more out there, but this is a boat for you to consider.[emoji1303]



2005 Cobra 230 Razor
http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144599

That's a nice boat too. Here's an Ultra with same power package but in a walk through for comparison.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004-ULTRA-BOATS-Stealth-102557768

 

[VoodooMedMan]

This is a Cobra 230 that was recently listed & it came to my mind immediately when you mentioned Cobra & 30-35k budget.. Take a look. I'm sure there's more out there, but this is a boat for you to consider.[emoji1303]



2005 Cobra 230 Razor
http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144599

Or just a little bit more there is a cream puff of a 24 foot Ultra listed with them too. [emoji6]

Shameless plug aside. I think a 23 on Havasu is someone looking to upgrade fast.

 

[Advantage 1]

We have a 25' 5" cuddy V. I'm 6', 195 pounds and have no problems getting in and out of the cuddy when I need to jump in and out around the docks.

I will honestly tell you I have never ever sat in there when we boat. I enjoy the sun and don't need the shade. If she doesn't want to get in the water, the wife goes in there and shuts the door to pee

The cuddy is big enough for me to lay diagonally, but we both could not lay in there.

Most of the time, the cuddy floor ends up being storage for our vests, towels, back pack, etc.

We like it. Would I ever by another boat with a cuddy... sure. No complaints...

Good luck with your search!

 

[DSMITH]

I would recommend spending a couple more bucks and getting a Shockwave 25 Tremor especially if you'll be boating in Havasu. Maybe I'm partial to them due to previously owning one but I was very happy with mine. I believe Maxed Out Marine has one for sale right now? OD1?

 

[Outdrive1]

I would recommend spending a couple more bucks and getting a Shockwave 25 Tremor especially if you'll be boating in Havasu. Maybe I'm partial to them due to previously owning one but I was very happy with mine. I believe Maxed Out Marine has one for sale right now? OD1?

Sold it already.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

I would recommend spending a couple more bucks and getting a Shockwave 25 Tremor especially if you'll be boating in Havasu. Maybe I'm partial to them due to previously owning one but I was very happy with mine. I believe Maxed Out Marine has one for sale right now? OD1?

25 Tremor is a really nice boat.

 

[Outdrive1]

That boat sold very fast & I knew that it would. It had very nice colors, MCOB, 496 & under 45k. Super nice Havasu boat!

The Ultra has shown twice this week. It's priced right now and there's almost no inventory on the market. Not to mention its sanitary. It won't be for sale much longer either.

 

[TCHB]

I would recommend spending a couple more bucks and getting a Shockwave 25 Tremor especially if you'll be boating in Havasu. Maybe I'm partial to them due to previously owning one but I was very happy with mine. I believe Maxed Out Marine has one for sale right now? OD1?

I agree. I think the Shock wave 25 is great little big boat for Havasu. It has lots of freeboard and interior space for its overall size.

 

[BHC Vic]

The Cobra 260s certainly are nice & here are two, but both of these are north of 50k.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bod/5432001804.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bod/5432103542.html



Here is a 2 month old ad, idk if the boat is still for sale, but this is a sharp looking 230 & priced within your 35k budget.


http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bod/5364584618.html



I'm sure you can search around & find a few older Eliminator 230/236/250 Eagles priced below 40k, but the Shockwave 25 will likely be 40k+.

That second 260 is nice!!! Update interior and you're in business

 

[Caydens Cat]

IMO my <25' cat (mod tunnel) IMO rides better than my pops >25' Advantage Citation (MCOB).
The Advantage trumps in size, room, and space. Comparing the two rides it's like a cat "rides-over" the chop where the V "rides-on".

 

[Bpracing1127]

Like someone said there is almost no used inventory right now. Especially for under 30k there are a few for 35k ish. But I am surprised there isnt more with summer around the corner. I am in the same boat want a nice familu cruiser with a 496 ho vee bottom that is clean for under 30 not having much luck right now. I know I can find it just have to wait. It makes it easier that I habe cash too. I l would love the 22 howard or voodoo boat but too much $$ for me.

Sorry for the thread jack

 

[01erionracing]

I saw Cobra dealer was listed 270 with 496HO for 44.9k about month ago but funds was not available by that time its sold now. Maybe keep looking.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Pr388

Yep I am waiting for that one. I had one lined up but the guy decide not to sell last min.496 ho boat showroom condition for 26k. Ill keep looking. I know I will find what I want

 

[HBCraig]

I would like to see what my Ultra 247 is worth.. 496HO, trim tabs, labbed prop 27P, open bow, very clean

 

[Joker]

I would like to see what my Ultra 247 is worth.. 496HO, trim tabs, labbed prop 27P, open bow, very clean View attachment 468867 View attachment 468869

What year, how many hours?

 

[throttle]

This would be nice

http://m.powerboatlistings.com/photographs/39107

 

[HBCraig]

What year, how many hours?

2004 with 300 hours. contantly detailed and not driven hard.

 

[BajaMike]

This is a Cobra 230 that was recently listed & it came to my mind immediately when you mentioned Cobra & 30-35k budget.. Take a look. I'm sure there's more out there, but this is a boat for you to consider.[emoji1303]



2005 Cobra 230 Razor
http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144599

That looks like a very nice boat!

 

[RiverDave]

I would like to see what my Ultra 247 is worth.. 496HO, trim tabs, labbed prop 27P, open bow, very clean View attachment 468867 View attachment 468869

I'll buy it.. Always loved that boat.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Pm'ed you hbcraig. Give me a call I am interested

 

[purrfecttremor]

That's a nice boat too. Here's an Ultra with same power package but in a walk through for comparison.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004-ULTRA-BOATS-Stealth-102557768

PM sent

 

[Bpracing1127]

I would like to see what my Ultra 247 is worth.. 496HO, trim tabs, labbed prop 27P, open bow, very clean View attachment 468867 View attachment 468869

Pm'ed you about this

 

[Joker]

What about the two Cobra 230 links that I posted for you? You're not interested in those two boats?

You're a good man for doing this for people Steven.[emoji106]

 

[01erionracing]

Thanks Steven (PokerRun388) for showing the listing and I apologized didn't get back to you sooner. I love those two Cobra 230 but the wife still thinking about it. You know how woman are. lol.

 

[01erionracing]

The wife wanted 24'-26' and ideally is 26'. Maybe keep looking.

 

[cicchetti_24]

Cobra has two 260s for sale right now with very nice 525EFI pkgs, but those will run north of 50k.

You can search around for any 260 Eagles etc... New listings are popping up daily, you just have to watch all the sites & see what you like.

Coca Cola Cowboy posted a thread of boats he find a few mins ago there is a 24 Hallet for 21k closed bow looks like a steal

 

[BHC Vic]

I'd say maybe save a little more and get a 260 w 496HO. We absolutely love our 230 and believe it our not it handles the big water (lake Mohave) no problem. I have to really drive it but it's a lot of fun. With the growing family though sometimes we wish we would have stepped up to a 260. Coming from a 19' bayliner we were a little scared of anything bigger than a 230.

 

[NicPaus]

Cobra has two 260s for sale right now with very nice 525EFI pkgs, but those will run north of 50k.

You can search around for any 260 Eagles etc... New listings are popping up daily, you just have to watch all the sites & see what you like.

The eagle is a much smaller 26 than the cobra. My river neighbor has one that he listed and took off market. He wants to step up to a deck boat.


The biggest difference is the height of the boat. The Cobra has a bigger crawl through. They are both very nice boats. The difference in a 23 to a 26 Cobra is it becomes more of a 2 man job to launch and retrieve. It sits high on the water and grabbing the dock when pulling up is not happening from drivers seat.

 

[Ultra247]

Here's a crazy option. 25' Eagle with a 454 for $15k. I don't love the colors but it's a heck of an option for the price. It looks like it might need some TLC but you've got quite a bit of room to do upgrades!

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/5426678405.html

just a thought.http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

 

[BHC Vic]

The eagle is a much smaller 26 than the cobra. My river neighbor has one that he listed and took off market. He wants to step up to a deck boat.


The biggest difference is the height of the boat. The Cobra has a bigger crawl through. They are both very nice boats. The difference in a 23 to a 26 Cobra is it becomes more of a 2 man job to launch and retrieve. It sits high on the water and grabbing the dock when pulling up is not happening from drivers seat.

[emoji106] that's a great point I never even thought of. I'm a one man show(prefer it actually) and w my 230 I've mastered it to having the ropes ready float right into the dock grab it jump out and tie. RD was right. If you aren't using reverse you're doing it wrong [emoji12]

 

[NicPaus]

[emoji106] that's a great point I never even thought of. I'm a one man show(prefer it actually) and w my 230 I've mastered it to having the ropes ready float right into the dock grab it jump out and tie. RD was right. If you aren't using reverse you're doing it wrong [emoji12]

My 22 stealth I could even pull it out by hand on my trailer in my old driveway and push it back in when done. At the mobile I would use my cart to pull it out and park it. The 26 would snap my cart in half and there is no budging the tongue of the trailer by hand. I could launch retrieve dock do anything by myself.

Now my boat sits unless I have help, no big deal as I enjoy riding with my neighbors and being a deck hand instead of captain.

The plus is it will fit my whole Family when they roll out and the Nephews and Nieces like it better.

 

[CoolCruzin]

[emoji106] that's a great point I never even thought of. I'm a one man show(prefer it actually) and w my 230 I've mastered it to having the ropes ready float right into the dock grab it jump out and tie. RD was right. If you aren't using reverse you're doing it wrong [emoji12]

yep, the 260 is a whole new game plan from the 230 . lol

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok now I'm glad we went 230. When my sons are big enough to help things should be easier

 

[throttle]

The difference in a 23 to a 26 Cobra is it becomes more of a 2 man job to launch and retrieve. It sits high on the water and grabbing the dock when pulling up is not happening from drivers seat.

I launch my 26 99.9% of the time by myself. its all about technique and having your shit together.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Ok now I'm glad we went 230. When my sons are big enough to help things should be easier

A lot of bigger boats you actually lose seating too.

The 23-25 range (depends on the model) seems to be the sweet spot for overall seating capacity, water sports, handle big water etc and do it with a 496 or 502 and still have good speed.

 

[NicPaus]

I launch my 26 99.9% of the time by myself. its all about technique and having your shit together.

Come try it at the ramp at Echo. most the neighbors will not even launch there with help. They just drive down the road to Rock House. When I am solo much easier to just jump on another boat and have no worries. I have thought about launching there Had 3 toddlers on board and just my Sister but Wet N Wild came through and launched us and retrieved us.

I have done it a few times when no one is around as I just leave my truck on ramp until buoyed up. Just takes about 10 minutes and people get pissed if you block it for a minute when trying to launch.


On lake I am sure it would be easier, this summer I plan on making it up there hopefully for the get together.