Cuddy Suggestions

[zul]

Looking for a used cuddy around 22'. Mostly interested in a roomy storm shelter without the fancy stuff. My budget will put me into the 90's -- say $9-$12k. What are some of the better rated model's out there? We do waterski a lot, so a boat that can get outta the hole and have some sportiness is important. I'll have a hard time parting with my Sea Ray 4.3L bowrider. It is a very versatile and capable boat -- except in stormy weather. We do week long trips where wind and rain can be a big problem on Lake Powell. We've been thinking about this upgrade for some time now.

5.0L vs 5.7L vs 7.4L -- We are more into cruizing but don't want to get stuck with a dog. The 7.4L will be expensive on gas. Does the 5.0L do well enough, or should I avoid that motor? Is the 5.7L a good 'all arounder' for this class? Looks like most of the boats I'm looking at are around 4,000lbs or so.

So far I've researched / liked:

Chaparral 2335
Sea Ray 220
Larson Hampton 220

If someone can list out a descent make and model, I can stop swimming in all of the senseless searching.

Suggestions? Things to avoid?

Thx!!

 

[tpenfield]

I'd add Formula 232 or 252 to that list. The 5.7 would be OK for a 22 footer, anything bigger, you will want the 7.4.

 

[Horigan]

I'm happy with my Chris Craft 21 Concept Cuddy.

 

[ziggy]

except in stormy weather

consider having capabilities of going full enclosed. a full soft top, hardtop etc. i''ve boated in stormy weather and being able to go full enclosed is a real plus. also, the more freeboard the better for the large waves. perhaps a flaired bow to go through the large waves too.
as for engines. ya can't replace displacement. or, ya can't have to much hp, but, you can have to little. an underpowerd boat in rough seas can be dangerous. i don't know about fuel consumption, but the larger engine will only be cruising (using less fuel than @ wot) while the smaller engine may be working real hard to keep up (using as much fuel as it can being @ wot). if yer gonna waterski, too little hp is a bummer too.
fwiw, the boat in my sig is a hardtop with aft curtain to go full enclosed. boating in bad weather don't bother me. everyone else is running for the marina. full enclosed is also warmer. good for boating in cool weather, but bad for a hot day. so capabilities of going from one condition (full enclosed or as open as possible) to the other would be beneficial.