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Rough water capabilities 24' and under boats

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85Powerskiff

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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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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

DSCN0665_edited.jpg
 
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.
20454_baja_1.jpg
 
Powerquest also made a nice 237 Stryker that has a deep cockpit and a usable Cabin, 61 MPH with the 454 330HP.
 
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