The Best Bargains on the Water: Midsize Sterndrive Sportboats
In a world where outboard powered boats dominate new boat sales and engine manufacturers are accelerating the horsepower race with big outboards, we seem to have forgotten about sterndrive power. Used boat prices are extremely high, demand seems insatiable yet nobody seems to want sterndrive powered boats used or new. Here is the thing, if you still appreciate the power of a big block, the rumble of a V8 or even the aesthetic of a sterndrive powered boat, you’re in luck. Used mid sized sportboats seem to be the best value right now for used boats. And, for good measure, there are some very nice new models still out there for those who aren’t fully onboard with big outboards. Let’s take a look at some of the best boats available and some great deals on the used market.
Everyone likes a good deal, so let’s take a look at some popular boats that are at major discounts today. If we want to talk about mid size, I would say that means 25’ to 29’ single engine. This was a popular size up until about 8 years ago, so there are plenty of boats out there from different brands and different ages. Some of the biggest names, Fountain, Formula, Scarab, Active Thunder, Hallet, Howard, DCB and Outerlimits to name a few. Another great thing is most of these boats were very well made and all were closed bow with cabins. We won’t talk about bowriders here, if you want a fiberglass bathtub, go to Home Depot.
DCB, known their stunning cats, made a series of V hulls in the early days. With a 22 degree hull and incredibly sleek deck lines, these are still jaw dropping boats. I’ve seen a DCB Extreme 28 in action and they are built like tanks with the fit and finish that sets DCB apart. If you can find an Extreme 24 or 28 you are in luck. I would not hesitate to get into one, there aren’t many out there but closed bow versions exist.
The Howard 28 Bullet broke a lot of ground when it was introduced and it is still made and still one of the best single engine sport boats out there. With a 25’ version as well, both can handle big power and have timeless design. With a reasonably deep V, 22.5 degrees, the Howard is great in all kinds of water. For a long time a 28 Bullet held the fastest single V hull tested by Powerboat and Hotboat, it was tested at 122 MPH and later ran 130 MPH with a Teague 1200 HP engine and Imco drive.
Active Thunder made a 28’ Savage for a long time and it was really popular with offshore enthusiasts. Made in Pompano Beach Florida, the hulls were deep with an 8’5” beam and had a really clean modern look with no windshield. Fast and ready for rough water, finding a nice one shouldn’t be too hard and you’re getting a lot of boat for the money.
Among the more mainstream brands, it goes without saying the Fountain 27 and 29 Fevers were very cool and they made a ton of them. Formula no longer makes the Fastech series but the 271 if a great family boat with a full windshield. Checkmate boats make a 28 ZT and Convincor model that have a really good hull design for rough water and are attractively priced.
The Formula SR and later Fastech boats are generally really nice overall.
The Mirage 257 Trovare is a very under the radar boat. Fast, solid and featuring a 24 degree hull, these were made in Washington State, not to be confused with the other Mirage. Scarab made some beautiful boats back in the day, my personal favorite of the older Scarabs is the 26 and the later Scarab 29 with the full windshield.
Design
The Scarab 29 still looks incredible.
As far as new mid size sport boats, the stable is getting thinner but the Outerlimits SV29 is a stunning boat, they make an outboard version but for pure design, the sterndrive looks amazing.
Tuff Marine makes the fastest single engine 28 for sure. The low slung missile is really unique and is one of the sleekest boats made period. The Mercury Racing 860 HP powered boat with an M6 drive can get to 130 MPH.
Some might say Hot Rod but either way it’s a lean and mean and built to fly.
Rage Powerboats builds a 28’ model that is a gorgeous boat with a low profile deck and built to run fast in the rough water. Mark from Rage has had this hull dialed in for a while.
Rage Powerboats 28 is a beauty.
Magnum Marine also recently announced a new rendition Magnum 27 that looks incredible. I have yet to see any performance reports on the new boat but from the looks of it, the storied brand will be fast and well appointed.
The good news is that there are still some great choices on the new market. If you’re looking for a deal though, the used market is great for mid sized sport boats. Don’t be shy about repowering either, these hulls don’t often need crazy power to run great. Mercury Marine has a great remanufactured engine and drive program. When most outboard 28’s need two outboards, running a single big block can be simpler and pretty efficient. The sterndrive lives on.
Mercury Marine offers a remanufacturing program and the 8.2 Mag is a great option for reliability and performance. Of course, Mercury Racing offers a host of engines beyond 500 HP.
The venerable Mercury Racing Bravo XR drive with ITS (integrated transom system) featuring integrated twin ram power steering, 7” of setback and upgraded driveshaft.
