Learn me on 25 Daytona later 90s early 00s

[69hondo]

Kids are grown and I’m tired of looking around adults lol. Kicking around moving to a 25ft closed deck Daytona. Anything I should look out for in these hulls?
I’m coming from a 27ft Fundeck. Is the bottom the same? The fundeck has a 2ft built in swim step.

 

[HBCraig]

A buddy of mine had 2 from that era. A single step and a twin step. He liked the single step better

 

[renodaytona]

I had a twin step 2000 and the single step 1996. Hop was less on the 2000 but if you kept it around 70-75 it would start. The 96 with big power drove right through it but at the same speed (70-75) the hop was much more pronounced.

Keep an eye out for stress cracks on the center pod on the older ones. The 96 I had there were stress cracks that were there when i bought it. After a few years the bilge started to develop them. I had a great glass guy up here go through the whole boat and fixed it all but it wasn't cheap.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Had a 98 twin step one. They need about 650-700 hp to really work well and get to 90+.

Twin step turns better and less hop. Our had hop from 55-63 mph. So it was drive it at 50 or 65+. You can accelerate through it no problem it’s not bad at all.

These will be ok with big power on a built xr drive or sc. big big power 1000-+ they need an scx upper.

Best havasu boat imo!!!! Wish I still had it

 

[BHC Vic]

Had a 98 twin step one. They need about 650-700 hp to really work well and get to 90+.

Twin step turns better and less hop. Our had hop from 55-63 mph. So it was drive it at 50 or 65+. You can accelerate through it no problem it’s not bad at all.

These will be ok with big power on a built xr drive or sc. big big power 1000-+ they need an scx upper.

Best havasu boat imo!!!! Wish I still had it View attachment 1402935

Why did you trade this for the ultra?

 

[JFMFG]

Why did you trade this for the ultra?

I’m wondering the same damn thing lol

 

[pkrrvr619]

Ok here's my knowledge for whatever it is worth.

Single step vs double step has been explained above. The hops vary mine has a hop from 65-80. If you don't have enough power to get through the hop you're maxed out at whenever the hop comes in.

A set of fixed tunnel tabs can help.

Find a boat with the transom assembly at the rub rail. This way you negate the need for a -3 lower which in turn most likely needs upper modifications or a swap out.

they are a very fun boat when they start packing air around 80, higher the transom assembly is the less power you will need to accomplish this as it is less drag.

They are like an onion, upgrade one thing needs upgrading to another. Try and find one with a blower/scx combo and save the money upgrading. Aim for at least 700 hp.

 

[X Hoser]

I had a 2004 single step with fixed tunnel tabs and a 496 HO. I LOVED that boat but as mentioned above it was way underpowered with the 496. 65-70 mph max. My experience with the hop was only when we were on glassy water at about 55-65mph. I think the 700 HP suggestion is where the boat would have the speed to pack some air and come alive.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Having owned both a single step and double step standard deck, as well as an ICC boat, I can comment here a bit.

1- The twin step seemed to do virtually everything better. There are sooooooooooo many of those mid 2000s era twin step standard decks around, unless I found a single step for stupid cheap, I'd cross the single from my list.

2- Hop, yes, at 70mph. All 3! Really only noticeable on flat "sticky" water. Put a good wind chop or wakes and its nearly as pronounced

3- The 700hp comments above are about spot on. That will get you past the hop if needed, and these boats are BORING at 70mph and under!

4- Insurance isn't as easy to get, I'd talk to your agent before purchase to see where the HP cut off is on a 25' boat with them. This is big reason why the speedster is listed as 25.5' because it moves it into the next length/power class. I believe with mine it was 500hp to 25' and 900hp to 26'.

5- Great boats, a little small for the nastiest Havasu stuff, but will handle most of it with ease. I had my ICC boat under the Golden Gate in some real stuff and didn't die, you'll be fine!

 

[69hondo]

Wow guys thanks for all the insight.
The first pic is a 98 I’m interest in. It’s a twin step and transom assembly is right at the rub rail. N/A 632 he’s claiming 800hp

 

[hawgty55]

I will own another one eventually. Mine was a 02’ twin step super clean but it had several hands in the engine compartment and rigging department which i wasn’t a fan of.

 

[HBCraig]

It sounds like I had the single step vs twin step problems reversed. My bad.

 

[ChrisV]

You want at least 800hp. Just do it.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

I ha

Wow guys thanks for all the insight.
The first pic is a 98 I’m interest in. It’s a twin step and transom assembly is right at the rub rail. N/A 632 he’s claiming 800hp

My 04 had a 632 in it. Very close to 800hp. It ran well, drive was limiting factor. If it has a good drive and full hydraulic steering, you’ll have a blast!

 

[69hondo]

I ha


My 04 had a 632 in it. Very close to 800hp. It ran well, drive was limiting factor. If it has a good drive and full hydraulic steering, you’ll have a blast!

I think it just has hydraulic assist. XR drive.
He also hasn’t responded to me so
I’m in no hurry. You guys have given me a lot of great info.

 

[Boat 405]

I like my 2001 a lot. I've poured money into since 2016, but it has timeless look and the interior has been updated by Eliminator and I'm running 860hp through an scx drive and sc-2 lower. It runs 110. I have a standoff box from IMCO which helps tremendously carry the nose from 50 mph and up. It does have a hop around 75-85 but I am able to power through it. Mine is a Double step.

It will go through the weekend chop no problem but it really likes about a 6" chop to really get things going. You'll see about a 5-6 mph increase from flat water to 6" chop with the same RPM.

 

[renodaytona]

I definitely love the 25’s having it on the delta was a bit of an eye opener in the big water.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

I love my 26’ but I miss my 25’. Was a great boat and zero complaints!

 

[ChrisV]

I like my 2001 a lot. I've poured money into since 2016, but it has timeless look and the interior has been updated by Eliminator and I'm running 860hp through an scx drive and sc-2 lower. It runs 110. I have a standoff box from IMCO which helps tremendously carry the nose from 50 mph and up. It does have a hop around 75-85 but I am able to power through it. Mine is a Double step.

It will go through the weekend chop no problem but it really likes about a 6" chop to really get things going. You'll see about a 5-6 mph increase from flat water to 6" chop with the same RPM.

View attachment 1403181 View attachment 1403180

Do you have anymore pictures of your trailer?

 

[Boat 405]

Do you have anymore pictures of your trailer?

I went with 2 - 6 lug 5200 lb axles instead of a triple axle. Full custom trailer with EOH brakes. Swing away tongue. Custom ladder, drive guard, SS fenders and led lights from Adrenaline

 

[attitude]

Why are so many 25s left hand drive?

 

[Daytona47]

My brother is selling the 25 in your post. Located in Parker AZ. Fresh blower motor ..full hydraulic steering .. 110+ mph

 

[ChrisV]

View attachment 1403217 View attachment 1403219

I went with 2 - 6 lug 5200 lb axles instead of a triple axle. Full custom trailer with EOH brakes. Swing away tongue. Custom ladder, drive guard, SS fenders and led lights from Adrenaline

Was this a new trailer or adrenaline fixed it up? Looks real good. Everything about your set up is nice.

I’m a short dude so I want to build the drive guard so I could stand on it when I’m cleaning the transom and hatch area.

 

[Outdrive1]

If you have enough hp to drive through the hop, then it’s gonna be a fun boat. Mach 26’s do the same as a single step Daytona. So if you have a 496 or 525, your top speed is in the hop.

 

[Boat 405]

Was this a new trailer or adrenaline fixed it up? Looks real good. Everything about your set up is nice.

I’m a short dude so I want to build the drive guard so I could stand on it when I’m cleaning the transom and hatch area.

Brand new build in 2018

 

[pixrthis]

A friend ran the crap out of a 25 twin step Daytona that was the third one out of the mold with a Teague 800 for more than twelve years. I only boated with him once and I became a believer in the boat and engine from one weekend. It handled any type of water we encountered perfectly and we didn’t spend much time under 90 mph with a lot of time spent over 110. It did everything right the entire weekend and never felt small or out of shape. It’s been sold and the current owner has upgraded and completely rebuilt the boat giving it another decade or more of enjoyment to them. Based on that weekend I think the 25 is a great boat.

 

[pkrrvr619]

View attachment 1403217 View attachment 1403219

I went with 2 - 6 lug 5200 lb axles instead of a triple axle. Full custom trailer with EOH brakes. Swing away tongue. Custom ladder, drive guard, SS fenders and led lights from Adrenaline

What prop are you running?

 

[pkrrvr619]

I think it just has hydraulic assist. XR drive.
He also hasn’t responded to me so
I’m in no hurry. You guys have given me a lot of great info.

Upgrade to full hydraulic. when I did that to mine it blew me away that I can now drive it with a single finger. Plus it’s much safer.

Xr is going to be the weak link. Some swear by them, others blow em up. Depends on how you drive out of the hole and if you can throttle back if you go air born. Don’t let it dissuade you, just know in time you’ll prob start showing metal and need a rebuild or go full on Scx. Scx will scrub top speed but with peace of mind you won’t grenade it easily.

I wouldn’t fuck around with upgrading the xr either when it goes ,max machine and all that. It’s close to damn near a replacement for Scx.

 

[renodaytona]

I ran an upgraded bravo 1 ( XR internals) for years behind huge power on the 96 and never had issues. Easy on it out of the hole and only a few launches in that time frame.

I agree with full hydraulic steering. I had full in the 2000 and assist in the 96. It was night and day. That was the next upgrade I was planning before I sold it.

 

[WildWilly]

I think it just has hydraulic assist. XR drive.
He also hasn’t responded to me so
I’m in no hurry. You guys have given me a lot of great info.

I've tried to.look at that boat multiple times since the day he posted it and I don't think he really wants to sell. He would give me a day to see it then go dark, then do.it again.

 

[69hondo]

I've tried to.look at that boat multiple times since the day he posted it and I don't think he really wants to sell. He would give me a day to see it then go dark, then do.it again.

AH ok, one of those guys. LOL

 

[rivrrts429]

I've tried to.look at that boat multiple times since the day he posted it and I don't think he really wants to sell. He would give me a day to see it then go dark, then do.it again.

Those people are frustrating as hell because I can’t wrap my head around the motive.

 

[Boat 405]

What prop are you running?

28 5 blade for cruising. 30 4 blade for top speed.

 

[ChrisV]

28 5 blade for cruising. 30 4 blade for top speed.

Does the 5 blade take a lot of strain getting on plane for drives?

 

[Outdrive1]

Have you looked at this one?

 

[pkrrvr619]

28 5 blade for cruising. 30 4 blade for top speed.

1.5 gears or 1.36?

Impressive speeds!

 

[69hondo]

View attachment 1403423

Have you looked at this one?

I saw the ad yesterday.
I would like a closed deck.

 

[Boat 405]

1.5 gears or 1.36?

Impressive speeds!

1.5 gears. Tops out at 6300 rpm

 

[Boat 405]

Does the 5 blade take a lot of strain getting on plane for drives?

I dont think so. At least not in my case. Ive put 150 hrs on my scx drive with this engine and prop combo. I just had it gone through and refreshed, they replqced lower gears which were not even pitted. Replaced clutches and still on same set of upper gears.

 

[ChrisV]

I dont think so. At least not in my case. Ive put 150 hrs on my scx drive with this engine and prop combo. I just had it gone through and refreshed, they replqced lower gears which were not even pitted. Replaced clutches and still on same set of upper gears.

Thank you

 

[02HoWaRd26]

@She's Mine is up for sale!

 

[69hondo]

@She's Mine is up for sale! View attachment 1403467

Thats nice but I am trying to downsize a little.

 

[69hondo]

OK, so what year did the twin step come in?

 

[renodaytona]

1999/2000 I believe. There might be some 98's that have it also.

 

[Bpracing1127]

99 was the first model year with the twin the step

 

[ChrisV]

Is there pictures of the steps?

 

[Bpracing1127]

Here is a double step

 

[attitude]

Is there pictures of the steps?

Single step

Double step

 

[ChrisV]

ahhhh I finally get it. Thanks guys

 

[69hondo]

Ok big ask, any of you willing that have a twin step and are in Havasu this weekend and have a few minutes. I want the wife to see one to make sure she is on board with the switch to a 25 Daytona before I go seriously looking.
We will be in town tomorrow evening.