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Random Quote: Three-fourths of the Earth's surface is water, and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear that the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn.
In the next year I'm looking to move into a slightly used high quality larger center console. I'm really not yet sure if by large I mean 25-26' or 27'. I know the boats I am about to list are all of good quality, but I was hoping that people with first hand knowledge of the boats build and/or ride could help me sort them. What are the best? If there are any boats missing from this list or should be removed please tell me. I know power options make a difference, but try to hold these constant.
25-26'
Contender 25 CC
Bluefin 25cc and 26cc
Regulator 26 CC or FS
Pursuit 2570
Cape Cod Marine 26 CC (diesel)
Parker 2501
You won't find one used, but the new 26 Southport has a fantastic ride. Specificalyy designed for 4strokes and its ride and performance bear this out. Check it out at Southport-boatworks.com.
jonathan......now that you have had a few folks add their personal favorites to your list (mine is Triton by the way) you may want to give us a bit more information on what you plan to do with this boat. As you look down your list, there is a WIDE difference in how these hulls will respond to different sea and fishing conditions. For example, some of the deeper V hulls will be great running in chop/sloppy seas, but will promote mal de mer when drifting. Other hulls do well on the drift and will pound your eyeballs out in a moderate chop. Give us a little more to work with.......what do you plan to do with the boat, will you go out in any sotra weather or just on "nice" days, how many (and what gender) of people, how far do you plan to run in a day (tank sizes vary), etc.
Lastly, unless money is no object, you probably already know there is something like a $30,000 spread across the spectrum of the 25-27's you listed
"Best" is a relative term ....... what is the best boat for one guy may not be the best for the other guy since they may have very different boating and fishing needs. You need to supply some more facts on your boating/fishing requirements as this will help people respond to your question. Good luck....*
EDIT - as I was writing my response Colliwh made his*post ........ what he said!
Thanks for the great responses. I expected nothing less than a wide range of opinions. I understand there is significant price differences in the list of boats, and after taking a few test rides I can tell if it's worth it. FYI, I'll be using the boat around the cape and the islands and will take a handfull of 30 mile or so runs each season.
the best in your opinion 
He qualified it. He said Family Friendly. 
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