Best (overall) boat 20ft and under

What do you guys think is the best overall boat (I/O to inboard) that is 20ft and under???

Price range is around 40-50k, so the '06 and higher X-2 is out of range. What do you guys think the best small 20ft and under wake or (boat) is???

A biased opinion, but the Malibu VTX

Jake, you should be able to get an 06 X-2 for right around or under 50k.

any idea of an out the door price average on new VTX?

Supra 20ssv....

OTD on a VTX with the necessary options is probably close to 60k depending on your tax rate. Here in washington you are probably closer to 65 OTD because of our 9% sales tax.

Is there an exact cutoff of length or are you just looking for something around 20 feet. I believe the 20ssv is over 20' and some of the other may be as well. If you are limited to exactly 20' and under you may have only a couple options.

(Message edited by polarbill on June 25, 2008)

(Message edited by polarbill on June 25, 2008)

why only 20ft? Garage? Lake rules?

Brett,
im doing some research for my aunt cause they've got an old '89 sea ray 180, and are possibly making an upgrade to an inboard (atleast im trying to convince them) I've suggested the tige 20v, malibu vtx, supra 20ssv, and the mc x-2...

she doesn't want to spend over 50k, as in NE we've got 4-5 months of boating season, so I can't blame her. This is probably going to be their "last" boat, so im assuming she wants a new factory warranty, new everything ect...we haven't really discussed used as of yet.

lake regulation is 20ft...i took an '07 x-2 for a demo when i used to work at the dealership, left it on the trailer parked at our private ramp over night, the next morning hick joe bob and hick bill harold (i dont know, those sound like hick names) anyway..i wake up to take the cover off and their measuring the boat tip to tail, (the x-2 was 20ft on the dot, no arguement there)..but yes..the lake is probably 60% 65+ in age...so making sure to stay by the rules is a must.

Well, you can cross the Supra off the list then. It is 20'8". I think your only options are the X-2, VTX and 20V unless they would be willing to do a direct drive and then they could do a prostar 197 or nautique 196 and maybe a couple others. The Tige is the only one of those you will be able to find at 50k or under before tax and license unless there is a dealer that has leftover stock of the X-2 and VTX and are just dumping them.

You're right, the Supra will be crossed off the list, didn't realize that extra 8"...I'm pushing for the VTX myself, but knowing the price will probably be a bit higher than the Tige.

Direct drives will not work, she hates the "hump" in the middle.

As much as I'm trying to steer her away from them, just so I can atleast provide accurate information, what do you think the best I/O for 20ft and under would be?

Cobalt makes an outstanding boat as I know, but the 202 measures 20'4", which again will be too much. I think Sea Rays are just a cookie cutter boat now day, (atleast their smaller runabouts)..I've told her to look at Larson Boats, Crownline (i know they used to be a good boat, not sure about now days) and Regal.

I'm not as familiar w/ I/O's as I am inboards, so if you guys have any further info on a better I/O, let me know.

Centurion Falcon V
Malibu VTX (more money)

you can find a 07 x-2 for around 50K I like the tower better in O7 than the 06. They added a few features as well for 07's.

not to mention that MC is going to give you a better resell value.

"I like the tower better in O7"

Ya it actually comes with the support braces to keep the tower from shaking itself apart.

you are right. Searay's smaller boats are now cookie cutter mass produced boats like Bayliner. They are actually owned by the same parent company(Brunswick). The only i/o's I would consider are Four Winns, Chapparral, Regal and Cobalt. Maybe you could look at Monterey and Crownline as well. The Four Winns Horizon 200 and 200SS are under 20 feet. Regal makes a 1900 and a 2000. The 2000 is 2 inches over though. Chaparral's website is terrible but they probably make a boat right under or over 20'.

Tige 20v definitely worth looking at and riding behind before making your decision and is in your price range.

I know of a super clean 06 X2 for $51K. If you are interested I can send you more info.

If your considering I/O's definitely check out Monterey (yes Im biased since I have one) You can get one that is just under 20' with a 270 hp volvo, wakeboard tower for under 38k. I dont see perfect pass as an option but know you can add it if you get the merc engine option (260 hp), not sure about the volvo. Add about 1300-1500 for PP so your looking at 39K Youll also want to tell them you want a waterports prop and not the 3 blade top end prop. montereyboats.com ...Im not a salesman or getting any kick backs. If your planning on becoming a pro boarder stick with a V drive of some sort.

you could get a moomba xlv for about 44k

thanks for the input grant, but the caption reads 20' and under, i believe the xlv is around 23'.

thanks for all the info guys, appreciate it.