Make/Model type of speed boats?

[Cole Gibsen]

Hi all!
Does anyone life off of the Gulf? And if so, what would be a make/model type of a typical speed boat that teenagers might go zipping along the Gulf of Mexico with? (I'm picturing the Florida coast)
And if you have that information, maybe you could tell me how easy it would be for said teenagers to capsize this boat. (I need them projected out of it)
Karma for any/all help!
Thanks in advance 

[MaryL]

Hi.  I live on the Gulf Coast and own a boat.  What do you mean by speed boat?  Most boats on the coast are fishing boats with outboard motors. They go very fast depending on the horsepower of the motor.  We own a 17' Boston Whaler with a 100 horsepower motor that doubles as a ski boat.  Seahunt, Grady White, Scout are other makers.  They probably wouldn't be in an inboard motor in salt water.  Just like with cars, the financial situation of the family would factor in.  They start around 12 thousand for a cheap new one. A small boat like the Whaler runs 25 thousand new.  Donzi and Cigarette boats start at 100 thousand dollars if you are looking for a true speed boat. 

A lot of factors come into play.  Use, financial situation of family, why it capsizes, where they are, what they are doing, how many people are in the boat.  If you want to email me with the exact specs for the scene, my hubby is happy to (in his words)  "put them in the right boat." 

[tradergirl]

Fun question Senshi.  Reminds me of Carl Hiaasen novels.  He's always putting people in boats, and they're usually up to no good.  The drug dealers always have Cigarette boats...

TG

[MaryL]

Fun fact:  Donald Aronow, the owner of the company that made Cigarette Boats (Yep, brand name based on an early nickname) was killed by drug dealers because his boats were sold with built-in GPS tracking devices in them and the feds busted a bunch of dealers because of it.  Dealers use the boats because they can outrun most anything.  The coast guard can sometimes disable them with helicopters.  Not the boat for your teens, but totally cool if you get the chance to be in one.