Need advise on buying a new boat with an outboard.

[Mr. Crusader 83]

I grew up on boats with outboards. I have personaly owned nothing but 18ft jets. Im triing to sell mine now. But im looking at a couple different boats with outboards. Some sugestions would be nice. Speed expectations. Which ones ride better then other? What should i stay away from?
1) 1984 21ft Hallett With a 235 Johnson. (havent seen it yet)
2) 1989 20ft Advantage open bow with a 200 hp Merc.
3) 1990 SLEEKCRAFT BOATS SST 20 TUNNEL 20', 225 YAMAHA
4) 1987 Eliminator SS Tunnel 21ft 97 promax 225
5) 1993 Lavey Craft Tunnel 18ft 200hp merc
6) 1980 Sleek Craft VP Sport 21ft 200 hp merc
Thanks

[DCBDaytona]

I grew up on boats with outboards. I have personaly owned nothing but 18ft jets. Im triing to sell mine now. But im looking at a couple different boats with outboards. Some sugestions would be nice. Speed expectations. Which ones ride better then other? What should i stay away from?
1) 1984 21ft Hallett With a 235 Johnson. (havent seen it yet)
2) 1989 20ft Advantage open bow with a 200 hp Merc.
3) 1990 SLEEKCRAFT BOATS SST 20 TUNNEL 20', 225 YAMAHA
4) 1987 Eliminator SS Tunnel 21ft 97 promax 225
5) 1993 Lavey Craft Tunnel 18ft 200hp merc
6) 1980 Sleek Craft VP Sport 21ft 200 hp merc
Thanks
What's up bro...Well, you have MANY options to choose from! Of those listed above, I'd start by looking at all of the tunnels such as #s 3,4, and 5. I've looked at #4 and thought about buying it myself for a little side/project boat. If the Merc 225 is strong, I'd recommend that one. Also keep in mid that for this size range, you may be able to pickup a clean 20.1 Stoker.
My tips:
(1) In the 20' range, go with a Mod VP "Sport Tunnel" bottom. You'll enjoy the performance.
(2) With a 200-225, most VPs will run in the 70's. Some stokers into the 80's.
(3) The motor is VERY important. I'm a Merc man myself, but just make sure you have it thoroughly checked out prior to buying.

[Mr. Crusader 83]

#4 is deffently a posibility. But im liken #1 more and more. And its here in havasu. I would like a tunnel, or a stoker. But my limit is $8500 or less. and all but 2 of these are in that range. I personaly like merc also. but there is not alot of them out there in that price range.

[motion]

i have a 20 sanger w/ 200 merc that will be available may/june, its in havasu, if interested.

[Mr. Crusader 83]

i have a 20 sanger w/ 200 merc that will be available may/june, its in havasu, if interested.
Do you have any pics?

[Mr. Crusader 83]

Check out that Lavey. I have a Lavey and they are built really well. Do you know what model hull it is? Stick with Merc. Good engines, run forever, and I personally like the fact that you can see around them from the driver's seat since they have the 60 degree V versus the 90 degree of the OMC's
The lavey is a 18ft tunnel. Its still to small. Im leaning more towards the 21ft eliminator tunnel with the 97 225 merc. its just a lil more then i have to spend

[Mr. Crusader 83]

My uncle has the very first 20' Lavey tunnel built and when its trimmed up they ride really nice. Even in chop. the only problem is that when they get a little air they slap the water pretty good when they come down as the cent sponson is very flat on the bottom. very nice boat though and should be able to run in the mid 80's with the right prop on that boat.
Thanks for the info. Im just wanting to get away from the 18ft boat mark. I have a 18ft bubble deck jet and im looking for something with a lil more freeboard. Something a lil safer for havasu.

[motion]

I can get some for you, will send you a private message, thanks

[Forkin' Crazy]

Stick with Merc. Good engines, run forever, and I personally like the fact that you can see around them from the driver's seat since they have the 60 degree V versus the 90 degree of the OMC's
HAHAHA!!! :jawdrop: What a reason to get a Merc!!!! "You can see around them from the driver's seat" LMFAO!!!! I have heard many reasons for going black, but never that one!!!
FYI- OMC/Bombardier made and makes a 60* V6. http://www.***boat.com/ubb/graemlins/idea_2.gif

[TUNNEL T]

My uncle has the very first 20' Lavey tunnel built and when its trimmed up they ride really nice. Even in chop. the only problem is that when they get a little air they slap the water pretty good when they come down as the cent sponson is very flat on the bottom. very nice boat though and should be able to run in the mid 80's with the right prop on that boat.
i have a 20.2 which is actually one of the very last ones built , go to hot boat spam and punch up lavey tunnel you won't be dissapointed! .it's the white one with red to purple scallops on it! oh yea it runs at a 100 mph . TUNNEL T

[If Looks Could Kill]

Crusader, I have a 1989 advantage 20.5 classic open bow with 200merc, nice
boat ,no regrets, but definitely not a performance minded boat! cruises real predictable and is receptive to trim. the best part about these outboards is
more interior room and quiet! outboard = bigger ice chest!

[Mr. Crusader 83]

Crusader, I have a 1989 advantage 20.5 classic open bow with 200merc, nice
boat ,no regrets, but definitely not a performance minded boat! cruises real predictable and is receptive to trim. the best part about these outboards is
more interior room and quiet! outboard = bigger ice chest!
Got any pics?
stharrison80@hotmail.com

[If Looks Could Kill]

don't have any pictures readily available,will be pulling out of garage next week to get ready for river and take some then. this is my 2nd 20.5 classic(1st one I sold a couple of years back and is in spam from guy I sold it to, advantage 21)
bbc and pump, the one I have now with the outboard will out perform that jet anyday, rides alot nicer in rough water,jet just seemed to plow and this one will get on top of chop and cruise. has a setback bracket and i beleive a 24" prop.
what kind of responses are you getting from your 18 in spam? I've got an 18 advantage in there too. Just for comparison I paid $11,500 for this 20.5 classic last year from original owner.

[DAVEO]

Here is a 20.1 stoker for sale and it runs 80+.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/IMG_1620.JPG

[TPB]

I build these...
They run in the Mid 90's with the 250XS and over 100 with the 300XS.
www.trickpowerboats.com
Jeff

[Forkin' Crazy]

And plus black looks sooo much better hanging off the back. lol :D ;)
Looks sweet Jeff. How long?

[TPB]

Forkin"
Its a 21 footer. 100% composite, 100% vinylester resin
Check out the video of one running ....
www.trickpowerboats.com/video
Jeff