For $130k, IMO you should also consider looking at the Regal 26OBX. If tomorrow I was to upgrade boats, that's the one I'd get, my family loves it, and we've been jetboating for 20yrs now. Boat show price for a nicely equipped one (134k sticker) with canvas covers,power folding tower,painted engine, electric toilet, trim tabs, etc was 100k (NO Trailer).
I also like the SeaRay 270SDX OB, but it's a bit heavier and at the treshold of my towing (I also do not want a truck)
Regal 26OBX Pros:
-It's only a footer shorter, but still a ton of seating and space, better than the 275 IMO since the Regal has the passenger flip chair.
- 8.5' wide. No worries about towing. Not that much heavier than my current boat. Mercedes should be able to easily tow it.
- 50mph top speed and great fuel economy and quiet OB. 10 gal larger tank and over twice the range at cruising. Anything is going to be better than the 275 that guzzles twice the fuel.
- 16" draft.
- No proprietary electronics (besides the OB stuff).
Cons:
- Yeah, the outboard takes up half the back, but then you do get back some transom on the sides, so overall, you still have just about the same amount of "waterfront footage". You gain a TREMENDOUS amount of internal storage, I could not believe how much more storage there was.
Towing: Most states require permits above 8.5', including FL. I've yet to read one horror story of somebody getting pulled over anywhere EXCEPT in the FL keys where they are notorious for enforcing it and making people leave their boat on the side of the road.
Fuel: The 275 really guzzles gas. OB do a lot better at no wake speeds and slightly better at cruising.
Grass: I can't recall ever clogging up with grass in the stpete/clearwater/anclote area. I have clogged further north by crystal river/steinhatchee. Miami, it's 50/50 chance. The keys, last several years, 100% chance I will clog up multiples times in a day. It doesn't ruin the day, but it SUCKS. Destroys my hands reaching into the cleanout multiple times a day.
The reasons I am going back to OB:
1) Grass. I am tired of it. Grass problem in FL seems to keep getting worse every year. And it's just not about dealing with it when you do clog up, it's constantly having to scan the waters ahead driving full time and zigzaging to avoid, it's just not fun.
2) Seating & Storage. We will have lots of people on our boat. I want more comfortable seating all around too.
3) Noise. Everytime I get on an OB boat, I wish my yamaha was quieter.
If you really want jet, you should also look at Scarab, they are coming out with a 285 model.
