Opinions needed--Moving up from 226--->296

[smhgator]

Hello

We have owned our 01 226 (our first boat) for one season and loved it. We would now like to get something larger so we can bring more friends and family along. I have located a 2009 296 with twin Volvo 5.7s and low hours. It appears to be well maintained. This is for tubing and beach on Lake Michigan near St Joe.

Any thoughts on the 296? I am in the process of researching that model. We have been very pleased with our current Cobalt and would like to stay within the brand if possible. I know ownership costs will be higher of course given the larger boat and 2 engines.

Thank you in advance for your time

[jhnmdahl]

It's a great boat, and a nice layout for space/usability. It's also in the age range where they aren't crazy expensive but are still a "modern"-looking boat. The twin engines will have plenty of power and make it more maneuverable than the more rare single engine examples out there. The weight and beam aren't so big that you won't be able to tube with it, but at over 8.5' wide you technically need a wide load permit to tow it around.

John

[kbloom72]

We boat with a friend with a single motor 296 and it's a great boat. Good layout and a great size boat. I'm sure it will be much more enjoyable on Lake Michigan. Good luck!

[Paul275]

I will have our new to us 296 on the water in about 6-7 weeks and can't wait. We found a boat that needed some work, but we looked past that and fell in love with the size, layout and style of the boat. It seems sturdy enough for our use on the choppy Long Island Sound and is reasonably heavy to push back on the waves. I don't think you can go wrong with a well maintained 296. Good luck with the hunt.