The search is still on! More input needed please...

[OliverM5]

If you guys can point me to brands and years of 24-26' cats to look for please. I have found an american offshore 26' asking $29,000 so far - is this a good deal (80 mph boat)?
My main goal is to have a 80-90 mph boat for $35-$50k that looks and runs great. I may even buy something with a poor exterior and have it custom painted with flames, etc.....
Just need to know what type and brand to look for.....thanks.

[Bre]

For under 50K a DCB is out unless you can just buy the hull.
If you can find a Mach26 less power I can hook you up with a motor that'll put you right in your MPH range for around 9-10K.
Or if you can find a 99 Daytona like we have....... you might be close to that price range. We got lucky. Most for that price range will have ugly gel coats..but like you said..your willing to take an ugly one and get it all re-done.
29K for the AO sounds pretty good. Even if it doesn't come with a motor..but you said it comes with one that'll run 80. How many hours are on the motor?? What motor is it??? Who built it??? How many hours are on the drive???What kind of drive is it?? When was the last time servicing was done on the motor and drive.
Let me try to think of more boats in that price range.

[HavasuDreamin']

If I was in your shoes, I would look at a 5 year old +/- 25' Eliminator Daytona. You should be able to find one that will run 80+ mph for around $50K.
AO's are good boats, but somewhat plain jane in the gel department. If the motor and drive check out on that boat, $29K is as cheap as I have ever seen one listed.
Good Luck.

[dicudmore]

Originally posted by OliverM5
If you guys can point me to brands and years of 24-26' cats to look for please. I have found an american offshore 26' asking $29,000 so far - is this a good deal (80 mph boat)?
My main goal is to have a 80-90 mph boat for $35-$50k that looks and runs great. I may even buy something with a poor exterior and have it custom painted with flames, etc.....
Just need to know what type and brand to look for.....thanks.
I don't think its possible to do much better than that....

[Bre]

I don't know if you have checked out boattraderonline yet...but in case you haven't here is everything I found for the price range and boat length. Another boat you might want to consider looking at is a Warlock.
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/5/4/71362954.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/5/8/74382058.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/4/1/74311741.htm
I think this one might be the one you are talking about:
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/5/74125525.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/8/73541228.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/0/74519020.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/4/9/73815749.htm

[OliverM5]

Originally posted by Bre
For under 50K a DCB is out unless you can just buy the hull.
If you can find a Mach26 less power I can hook you up with a motor that'll put you right in your MPH range for around 9-10K.
What kind of motor is this and how much power would it make? Details please.....thanks for helping out!

[HavasuDreamin']

Dang Bre..............you should get a commission out of this. :D

[Bre]

Originally posted by OliverM5
What kind of motor is this and how much power would it make? Details please.....thanks for helping out!
Same motor we have in our boat. It is a NA Merlin540. Dyno was 647 hp. No problem... anytime.

[Bre]

Originally posted by HavasuDreamin'
Dang Bre..............you should get a commission out of this. :D
My day is coming;)