Info on 21-25' boat type pros/cons

[david79thomas]

First of all, I'm not sure if there's already a thread for this but I couldn't find one.

I'm looking for a boat and am not 100% sure what will suit me best. Currently I have a 20' Lanier (LCB) 300 hpdi outboard which is a cross breed between a flats fishing boat and power cat. So my next one should be 300+HP and 21-25'. I can't find fish, so I now charter. And am gearing up for a family ride with balls, sporty looks, sound system and cool paint. Budget 40k looking for used.

I've noticed tons of merc 496's so I guess that's a good mpg engine for the size boat? I know the bigger the block the more gas it drinks.

I've never thought much about deck boats like Hurricane but the fast decks look more my style. So what's the real difference between those and open bow walk through's? Sink or no sink?

Why v hull with tunnel? Takes chop better? I know real tunnel hulls are shallow drive.

What's the benefit of having a seat under the dash in a mid cuddy? Shouldn't that be storage? And for an open bow mid cuddy, is crawling through that small space to get to the open bow not bad, or a joke to try to fit through unless you're a kid? Open bow to me = family friendly and useful. Seems a closed bow would be really hot in summer and wasted.
The height profile differences have also made me curious. So, the higher the boat sits, the drier and better the ride when crossing an open lake?
I may be answering my own questions but I'm asking for wisdom by your experience. Freshwater river/ small lake mostly. No chaparral type.
And lastly what are sought after manufacturers that aren't too pricy/exotic

 

[Aaron]

Nt sure where you do your boating, I know you said fresh water river and small lakes but where in the US?
We boat in Needles, CA on the Colorado river and Lake Havasu for the most part. I was kinda in your shoes a few months ago until we bought a 26 Eliminator with 496. I bought an eagle with a cuddy cabin because I have small kids and the cuddy helps keep them out is the sun. I thought at first the 26 was going to be kinda big since the last boat we had was a 21 but I am very please with the way in handles the water.
Good luck with your purchase, hope some of what I am telling you helps

 

[david79thomas]

Areas around Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Is there a difference between the Daytona and eagle?

 

[RiverDave]

Dave I am working all night and hearing up for tomorrow.. But will throw my .02 tomorrow.

 

[BHC Vic]

We are having a 230 razor built. I chose that boat mainly because it had a mid cuddy in a 23'. The mid cuddy was kind of a joke to crawl through so we had them cut it into a walk through bow and kept the seats. Most boats in that size ran the 496 or 496 Ho which is a solid engine but they don't make it anymore. The 8.2l is what's comparable. We have a young son so we decided 2 seats it the cuddy was best however you could do one seat one ice chest or no seats 2 ice chests. We looked at cobra Essex eliminator hallet and shockwave but the cobra is what fit us best and the guys there have been great we couldn't be happier with the buying/build process. Hope that helps I also have a build thread going if u want to see what it looks like and there's another really nice cobra that was just built a 260

 

[BHC Vic]

Eagle is a v hull

 

[BHC Vic]

Oh and I believe the 496 is around 380 hp???

 

[Mikemc1269]

I just traded in a 2003 26 ft howard open bow cat, it's in good condition with a killer stereo and a merc 496 ho. It is currently at e ticket boat in lake havasu if you are interested in this type of boat. I think they are asking 33 or 34k for it. Their number is (928) 505-7886. Ask for Kim and tell them Mike sent you.

 

[22Howard]

David, I can appreciate your questions in trying to figure out what will work for you and family. In my opinion, it boils down to How, What, and Where are you going to use the boat. HOW) Will you have a "base of operations" while on the water. Meaning can you walk out on the dock and hop into the boat for a quick ski, tube, or buzz to local favorites. Or once you launch, will you be out ON the boat and water all day. If you can just hop in and out of the boat during the day, then a straight walk through open bow that just has storage for the "toys" would probably serve your needs. But if the family will be out ON the water all day, then Momma needs a potty and the kids need shade. Not to mention the storage areas to bring the all toys with you. WHAT) what do do you want to do with it? I know you mentioned that you will charter for fishing. But down where you live it may be hard to take the fisherman out of the boat. Will you do some light fishing? WHERE) You are in a very humid summer environment. Enclosed cuddy's may be too hot (even though out of the sun) unless you have good ventilation while sitting in coves or anchored.

"V-hull" vs Cat is a little subjective. What "look" do you like. Also, what kind of water will you be boating on? Usually bigger lakes equal bigger water and Cats can usually handle that a little batter.

Just my .02 and good luck with your hunt and decision.

 

[david79thomas]

David, I can appreciate your questions in trying to figure out what will work for you and family. In my opinion, it boils down to How, What, and Where are you going to use the boat. HOW) Will you have a "base of operations" while on the water. Meaning can you walk out on the dock and hop into the boat for a quick ski, tube, or buzz to local favorites. Or once you launch, will you be out ON the boat and water all day. If you can just hop in and out of the boat during the day, then a straight walk through open bow that just has storage for the "toys" would probably serve your needs. But if the family will be out ON the water all day, then Momma needs a potty and the kids need shade. Not to mention the storage areas to bring the all toys with you. WHAT) what do do you want to do with it? I know you mentioned that you will charter for fishing. But down where you live it may be hard to take the fisherman out of the boat. Will you do some light fishing? WHERE) You are in a very humid summer environment. Enclosed cuddy's may be too hot (even though out of the sun) unless you have good ventilation while sitting in coves or anchored.

"V-hull" vs Cat is a little subjective. What "look" do you like. Also, what kind of water will you be boating on? Usually bigger lakes equal bigger water and Cats can usually handle that a little batter.

Just my .02 and good luck with your hunt and decision.

Thanks for the info! I'm not using this boat for fishing, just to be clear. I was saying I'm not good and I use charters who know how to out me on fish.

I have a cat now and the only thing I don't like is how it bites down and gets squirmy when coming off step. But if you're used to it and comfortable then it's ok.

So the decks usually have a head? I'm feeling the open bow cats more and more. If I can have a Bimini that would give shade.

I have a lakefront camp but like trailering to other places also. Toys would be a couple of tubes but don't see me pulling skiers. My friends have young kids and are fat and lazy lol

 

[tkrrox]

get one of these....baddest mofo on the water....

 

[BHC Vic]

U can get a head or a sink in a mid cabin I've also seen an air conditioner in a closed bow cobra.

 

[david79thomas]

What makes the Hallet the baddest? Haven't seen in person

 

[CampbellCarl]

What makes the Hallet the baddest? Haven't seen in person

Because it's the ONLY thing that JBB and 2FF have ever agreed on............

 

[22Howard]

What makes the Hallet the baddest?

Uh oh, that's a loaded question. Here it comes. This should be good!

 

[Racey]

get one of these....baddest mofo on the water....

Did you just pick this up from Richter? It's a great boat with a nice Brummett motor.

 

[tkrrox]

i don't know that it's the baddest...it is a really big 24...i don't think it's the fastest, but it's stable and predictable...did i mention it's big...very roomy

 

[tkrrox]

Did you just pick this up from Richter? It's a great boat with a nice Brummett motor.

yes i did and tell him he owes me the face plate for the stereo...i'm tired of singing and my family won't ride with me if i continue
he's a very nice guy.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

If I wasn't extremely happy with my Daytona, I would buy a Hallet for a good used boat as they are rock solid, stable and tons of interior room. However, I think I might be buying a beater pontoon boat this winter so I don't have to spend an hour cleaning when I get off the water, so I don't have to anchor up everywhere I go, so my family can eat in the boat and I won't freak out.