Help me pick a good project boat! Please

PBJT

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 29, 2008
Messages
34
I am thinking about a project boat and do not really want to just buy anything but would prefer to start with a "good known" performing hull prior to restoring what ever. I don't want to accedently polish a turd.

Here is what is important to me.

I would like speeds of 70 mph min.

Closed bow like a ski boat.

very low 20 ft or less (to fit in a garage on trailer)

would prefer outboard bot not a deal killer.

the deeper V the better....or should I look into cats?

Seating should be 4 plus.

Thanks for any brand names, experiences and favorites with boats like this.

Pete
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,083
Re: Help me pick a good project boat! Please

I would like speeds of 70 mph min.

Ayuh,... Look for a tiny tunnel hull, with a Huge outboard....

Generally speakin', a Deep V ain't all that fast...
 

sasto

Captain
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
3,918
Re: Help me pick a good project boat! Please

Donzi Z21 with a supercharged big block......75+.....sweet.
 

1979checkmate

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 15, 2011
Messages
261
Re: Help me pick a good project boat! Please

Be careful with the hydrostreams... They have an issue of core rot and delamination. That one is way overpriced as well.
 
Joined
Oct 22, 2007
Messages
2,598
Re: Help me pick a good project boat! Please

A Checkmate Exciter comes to mind. Keep checking on craigslist, ebay, or checkmate-boats.com, sooner or later one will come up for sale.

They're 18-1/2 ft, and with the right setup can get into the 70's. The hull is a "pad-V", not exactly a deep V but they're good handling fast boats. I doubt if you'll find a true deep-V hull that's as fast as you're talking about.
 
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