LaveyCraft 21Xtski or Cheetah 24 Stilhetto???

[mtndewdrops]

Hey Anyone who has a recommendation for either a LaveyCraft 21 XTC or Cheetah 24 Stilhetto I would appreciate it!
My wife and I have been looking at these two for a while. We have been to both manufacturers and think both are quality boats. Laveycraft are a bit more pricey, but resale is good. I looked at a used 2000 for 30K with 454efi.
I think you get more bang for the buck with a Cheetah...Bob says that 33k buys a 377ci, but I would have to get a 496HO which would be an additional 7K.
I want to go at least 65mph. smile_sp

[PlayTime]

I think you could hit 65 with the 496 Mag and then maybe get a procharger or whipple for extra hp. My buddy runs a 454 with a procharger in the cheetah stilletto and he goes over 70 for sure. Im sure he will chime and put his two cents in. Lavey craft makes a really nice boat but its true you do get more bang for your buck with cheetah.
I like both. Are you thinking open bow or closed?
Whatever you do if you go with cheetah pay the extra for the cup holders :D :D

[beach gomer]

see just goes to show you with a lavey you get the cup holders for free.lavey definitely makes a better boat but you get what you pay for.

[THOR]

There is a few lavey owners on the op6c.com website. Go there and ask. If I remember correctly there is a guy by the name of Waterndog that is running a lavey 21 with a 500hp and it runs around 85-90 I think. That is fast.
On the other hand, a friend of mine has a 24' Cheetah with a 454 efi and it runs 70 mph. The procharger should send you into the 80's with that hull.

[Sandbar Mike]

beach gomer:
see just goes to show you with a lavey you get the cup holders for free.lavey definitely makes a better boat but you get what you pay for. I'll bet that 24 Cheetah won't beat the hell out of you like that 21XTC Lavey will. Guarantee the ride will be better.
Cheetah Bob will take care of you, Just get on it soon if you want that thing by summer.

[rivernutts]

The lavey is a much better quality boat, maybe jump up to 23 or 24 foot lavey! (If your gonna go,go BIG!!!!) :D

[beach gomer]

compare apples to apples the 24 stilhetto to the lavey 24 nuera.then see what boat has the better ride.

[waterndog]

Hey Mtndewdrops, I can only comment on the Lavey I've got a 97 21 xtc and I love the boat I'm running the 500hp it runs about 82-85, Its good solid boat it handles the rough water pretty damn good I've got no complaints. And Lavey can lay some kick ass gel. I know a couple people with the 21 openbow with the 496 not the HO one of them is running a 24p 4 blade I think he's seeing about 68-70. I'll pm you my phone give me call if you have any question

[mtndewdrops]

Hey Playtime,
We want an open bow. We have a family of 5 and want the extra room for friends.
I should also add that I am not just interested in top speed. I also want to be able to maintain speed at around 20mph while pulling my wife skiing who weighs only 90lbs soaking wet.
Our last boat was a 20' Maxum closed bow with 5.7 Mercruiser Alpha. It had a hard time keeping a consistant speed, I was always working the throttle to keep her within a +/- 2 0r 3 mph comfort zone.
Thanks for the great replies everyone.