What era Nova? year?

 

It's an '86. I've heard that these were made when they seriously over-built. Of course, I know to look at stringers and transom (and I'll go over these extensively before doing anything).

I may be looking at a Spyder also. It's more than I have cash-wise at the moment, but I could get it together fairly quickly if needed.

 

My personal preference would be the Nova over the Pachanga.

Best of luck with the change.

 

I always liked to room and styling on the Nova XL's

 

Well I'm of course a little bias, but that being said I do like the nova's...they definately are an old school platform but I think if room is what you're looking for the Nova will have alot more then the Pachanga...trust me the Pachanga may seat 5 but it's not what I'd call a "roomy" boat and the cabin on my boat is good for storage and that's about it.

 

I've had my 1995 23 Nova since 2001 and really like it. Cuddy is decent size. Cockpit is pretty roomy for a 23 and with a deep freeboard. Gives a secure feeling in snotty water and would be great for li'l kids on board. Seems to be built like a brick schidt house.... stout little boat. But, with the +,- 20* hull it's not a great rough water boat. 2 - 2 1/2 footers is about the limit for a comfortable ride. I've had mine into the 70's in 2 footers and it handles fine. Anything more and the ride can be rough.

 

The '95 is a lot different than the '86, isn't it? I think the '95 is a little more modern hull-wise than the '86. Personally, I really like the old school look of the '86, I'm just not sure that I want to give up the speed capabilities that I'm used to. The Stinger is in no way an offshore boat, but for running in the river and the sounds, she is fun and capable of being stupid fast. If only the cockpit were more usable. Well, it's more than that. The safe feeling is lacking. And that's not even considering the babies, and the cabin SUCKS.

I think the older Nova would be a great boat, but I'm wondering if I should maybe wait a little, and look at something with twins. A couple of Nova Spyders have come up. And there are a couple of Formulas around too. All rather inexpensive (especially, if I sell the Stinger outright).

I was hoping to be in something "new" by the coming season. We'll see I guess.

 

I have a 93 nova spyder that is perfect with BBC power that is sitting on an Eagle trailer. It needs nothing. I took it off the market for the winter. You can PM if you want more details.

 

I would say no way, many moons ago I had a 86 23 xl with a stock 350, very heavy, carpeted wood floors, swivel bucket seats, engine hatch with removable seats on side not a sunpad, engine sits on stringers not on through bolted brackets (big rot area) just an old looking boat that will never be fast or handle well no matter how much you through into it.

 

I hear ya...

 

It's sounding like a Nova II 26' or similar would be a better fit for you. Huge cabin area, lots of cockpit space, large sunpad, and most have twin SBCs, some of the Spyders have twin BBCs. I'm glad mine has the SBCs, better fuel economy, and much more room in the bilge when doing maint, etc. 23* hull is better for the rough stuff too. Mine runs mid-50s @ 4700ft with bone stock engines (640 & 675hrs) and Turning Point 19p Hustler alum props.

 

My spyder has through bolted engine mounts, bolsters runs 70 in the hot and humid weather and 72 in the cool spring and fall. The whole boat is basically new within the last two years and I have all receipts.

 

Dittos on the mounts and bolsters. Not all 23's were created equal.

I've never seen a 26 up close and personal but I've heard they're great rough water boats for the size.

 

I'm looking at a bunch of boats. I guess I need to make a decision and look at selling the Stinger outright before I do anything. I'm a "cash only" guy when it comes to toys.

The more I think about it, the more a much larger boat would better suit the family. There's a lot out there. Good prices too considering the economy. If I can sell the Stinger, I'll be ready to do some damage.

Anyone want a solid, reliable 65 MPH 222 Stinger? You can get it with the 355 running PLUS the 385 that needs to be redone (80 MPH 22 foot boat with this one.... we ran 77 on GPS before the cam change). I will sell her cheap!
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I was referring to the boat he asked about not later model 23's, I think they changed in 90

 

One boat that I forgot about... the Four Winns Liberator. Seems that have a strong following here on Speedwake. I owned a Four Winns back in the day (and got the floating brick into the 60's with a small block), but I stripped it and sold it so that I could work on the Stinger.I really liked the old boat but it had some rot issues and had to go. Anyway...

I might be looking at a 241 Liberator with twin 350's. In fact, this is the first one that I've really been excited about.

N'Mocean, I'm sure you're Spyder is nice. Probably, too nice for my budget right now! I'm really looking for something that needs a helping hand... a diamond in the rough. I have engines, drives, etc. waiting for a home. So projects are more my thing.

Tom

 

I see a lot of Libs (especially the 241s) for sale pretty cheap.
There was a 460 King Cobra powered 24 Buy it Now for like $10,000 on Ebay last week. Looked nice for the $$.
There was a 222 Stinger too, coincedence? ? ?

 

Looking like the Liberator it is.

I got pics and she looks well taken care of. I don't want to jinx anything so I wait until I pick her up Sunday before posting.

 

This is a 90 Nova ST that we ran for many years . It handled the rough water very well for a 26 ' boat. After 17 years the transom needed to be replaced. We repowered the boat with twin 600 hp B/B's. A true rocket ship to about 86 or so ... chine walked bad. Sold it last year less power .
Good luck with your search ... Theres a ton of great deals out there.

 

Had an 88 211 LIberator with 540 power. Great boat and a wild ride over the original 460 power

 

Heading to Jersey in the morning... gettin' me a big boat!

 

Pics when ya can !!!!

 

Didn't get it.... Made the drive, the owner said the trailer was road worthy. It was far from it. Even had a broken leaf spring! Needless to say, we couldn't tow it. So I tried to negotiate that end of it, and we couldn't come to an agreement.

Still looking.
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Didn't get it.... Made the drive, the owner said the trailer was road worthy. It was far from it. Even had a broken leaf spring! Needless to say, we couldn't tow it. Posted via Speedwake Mobile

Wow, hate to hear it and sorry you had one of those kind to deal with.


I had one of those once. Drove 10 hrs and owner said trailer was good to go. I found one hub full of water, all the tires were dry rotted so bad a penny would fit into the cracks. Yea right.