Hey all. Another new guy from Orange County here. I've been reading RDP threads behind the scenes for quite some time now, and finally decided to join now that my wife and I are actively looking for our first boat.
I grew up on Eliminator and DCB cats so naturally I have a bit of an allegiance to them, but I also love what Howard and Nordic are doing.
We've got two young kids, and we'd like enough room to have a couple others on the boat from time to time so an open bow is a must. Between the boat market being through the roof right now and me being really particular, I'm struggling to find something on the used market that checks the boxes. I've looked every day for a couple months now. The few boats that have met my criteria had some wild gelcoat schemes that I (mostly the wife) couldn't live with, or they have been far north of $100k.
Although this stuff is not new to me, I've still got a lot to learn and would appreciate your feedback and opinions. Plus, who doesn't like spending someone else's money?
Budget: ~$85k
Paying cash and trying to avoid a loan.
Size: 24ft - 27ft
I think 25' - 26' would be perfect. The right 24' could work, and I don't really want to go beyond a 27' as I'd likely need (want) more power to push it. Storage space and cost of insurance becomes more of a factor as well.
Open bow
Preferably walk through but the right boat with a mcob wouldn't stop me
Open to I/B or O/B power
I enjoy the sound of a healthy I/B, but I'm open to either. If it's an I/B, I'd like a blue top Merc 500 - 600 as the goal is reliable power. If it cruises in the 70's with ease and can get into the 80's, I'm happy. I'm afraid I'd regret anything with a 496, but maybe I have to consider it with my budget...?
Boats on my radar. Am I missing anything?
- Eliminator Daytona 25'
- DCB Mach26
- DCB F26
- Nordic 24sx - Only 24' boat I've seen that would work. Great with a whacker and the back seats moved back for extra cabin space!
- Howard 255 sport deck - Haven't seen any used, and new is too expensive
- Nordic Thor 27'
- Shockwave 26'
Great boat, but the gelcoat doesn't pass the wife test: https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...or-25-daytona-wtob-mercury-racing-300xss.254/
Seems like a good option. Still a touch high on price: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1149225218790731
Love this boat. Wondering if I can find one closer to my budget. Maybe one with a 300R? https://legendperformancemarine.com/2019-nordic-24sx-outboard/fgulh92ebesuzq0nsikwln0pcqhl08
About perfect, just over my budget: https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/classifieds/2008-dcb-f26-open-bow.210/
Another good one, but over budget: https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/classifieds/2008-dcb-f26-open-bow-mercury-racing-525.255/
Thanks!
I grew up on Eliminator and DCB cats so naturally I have a bit of an allegiance to them, but I also love what Howard and Nordic are doing.
We've got two young kids, and we'd like enough room to have a couple others on the boat from time to time so an open bow is a must. Between the boat market being through the roof right now and me being really particular, I'm struggling to find something on the used market that checks the boxes. I've looked every day for a couple months now. The few boats that have met my criteria had some wild gelcoat schemes that I (mostly the wife) couldn't live with, or they have been far north of $100k.
Although this stuff is not new to me, I've still got a lot to learn and would appreciate your feedback and opinions. Plus, who doesn't like spending someone else's money?
Budget: ~$85k
Paying cash and trying to avoid a loan.
Size: 24ft - 27ft
I think 25' - 26' would be perfect. The right 24' could work, and I don't really want to go beyond a 27' as I'd likely need (want) more power to push it. Storage space and cost of insurance becomes more of a factor as well.
Open bow
Preferably walk through but the right boat with a mcob wouldn't stop me
Open to I/B or O/B power
I enjoy the sound of a healthy I/B, but I'm open to either. If it's an I/B, I'd like a blue top Merc 500 - 600 as the goal is reliable power. If it cruises in the 70's with ease and can get into the 80's, I'm happy. I'm afraid I'd regret anything with a 496, but maybe I have to consider it with my budget...?
Boats on my radar. Am I missing anything?
- Eliminator Daytona 25'
- DCB Mach26
- DCB F26
- Nordic 24sx - Only 24' boat I've seen that would work. Great with a whacker and the back seats moved back for extra cabin space!
- Howard 255 sport deck - Haven't seen any used, and new is too expensive
- Nordic Thor 27'
- Shockwave 26'
Great boat, but the gelcoat doesn't pass the wife test: https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...or-25-daytona-wtob-mercury-racing-300xss.254/
Seems like a good option. Still a touch high on price: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1149225218790731
Love this boat. Wondering if I can find one closer to my budget. Maybe one with a 300R? https://legendperformancemarine.com/2019-nordic-24sx-outboard/fgulh92ebesuzq0nsikwln0pcqhl08
About perfect, just over my budget: https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/classifieds/2008-dcb-f26-open-bow.210/
Another good one, but over budget: https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/classifieds/2008-dcb-f26-open-bow-mercury-racing-525.255/
Thanks!
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