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Top 10 Speed Boats 1972 — Best Overall + Best Value

Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland

Top 10 Speed Boats 1972 — Best Overall + Best Value

📖 2,570 words🗓️ Published Sep 4, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best speed boats 1972 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Cigarette Racing 32

The Cigarette 32 tops the list because it was the boat that defined the entire deep-vee offshore-racing category in the early 1970s. Built by Don Aronow's Cigarette Racing Team in Miami, the 32-foot fiberglass hull used a deep-vee design descended from Jim Wynne's racing hulls, letting it hold speed through rough Atlantic chop that swamped flatter-bottom competitors of the same length.

This is the pick for someone chasing offshore racing pedigree over creature comforts — it is a stripped-down raceboat, not a family cruiser, with minimal seating and no cabin amenities. Compared to the Magnum 27 below it, the Cigarette 32 is longer, faster in open water, and harder to justify for casual weekend use.

2. Magnum Marine Magnum 27

The Magnum 27 ranks second because it delivered nearly the same deep-vee racing DNA as the Cigarette line in a shorter, easier-to-handle 27-foot fiberglass hull. Also built under Don Aronow's Miami boatbuilding operation, the Magnum 27 was raced competitively through the early 1970s while remaining tighter and more manageable in marina conditions than its 32-foot sibling.

It suits a buyer who wants offshore-raceboat handling without the length and dockage headaches of a full 32-footer. It trades some top-end speed and rough-water composure for maneuverability, making it the more practical of the two Aronow-built deep-vees, though it still sacrifices cabin space and comfort compared to cruiser-style boats further down this list.

3. Donzi 16 Classic

The Donzi 16 Classic lands at third because it was the small-boat proof of the deep-vee concept, in continuous fiberglass production since 1964 and still a benchmark runabout by 1972. At just 16 feet, it packed the same deep-vee hull geometry pioneered by Jim Wynne into a boat light and short enough for a single-engine stern drive to feel genuinely quick.

This boat is for buyers who want deep-vee handling and speed in a size that trailers easily and doesn't demand a big-boat budget. It gives up the rough-water composure and top speed of the 27- and 32-foot raceboats above it, but it is far more affordable to own, insure, and store.

4. Chris-Craft Commander 42

The Chris-Craft Commander 42 ranks fourth as the largest, most comfort-oriented boat on this list, a 42-foot fiberglass cruiser from Chris-Craft's Commander line built for extended trips rather than racing. Twin inboard engines and a below-deck cabin with sleeping berths and a galley set it apart from every deep-vee raceboat ranked above it.

It is the right pick for a family or group wanting overnight cruising range instead of raw speed, at the cost of the nimbleness and price of the smaller boats above it. Compared to the Donzi 16, the Commander 42 trades speed and affordability for space, stability, and the ability to actually live aboard for a weekend.

5. Correct Craft Ski Nautique

The Correct Craft Ski Nautique ranks fifth because it targeted a different job entirely: a purpose-built inboard tow boat rather than an open-water speed machine. Built by Correct Craft in Florida, it used a single inboard engine mounted for a flat, low wake, making it the standard choice at competitive water-ski clubs through the early 1970s.

This boat is for skiers and tournament tow-boat buyers, not offshore cruisers, so it doesn't compete on top speed or rough-water ability with the deep-vee boats ranked above it. Compared to the Chris-Craft Commander 42, it is far smaller and cheaper to run, but it has no cabin and is not built for overnight use.

6. Chaparral SST 19

The Chaparral SST 19 ranks sixth as a mid-size fiberglass sport runabout, a 19-foot stern-drive boat built by Chaparral Boats for buyers who wanted V-bottom performance at a mainstream price point rather than raceboat pedigree. Its stern-drive layout made it easier to maintain and trailer than the larger inboard cruisers ranked above it.

It suits a buyer prioritizing everyday versatility — day trips, light watersports, easy trailering — over ski-specific wake control or offshore racing capability. Next to the Correct Craft Ski Nautique above it, the SST 19 is more of a general-purpose runabout and less specialized for towing skiers.

7. Glastron GT-150

The Glastron GT-150 sits at seventh as one of the most widely sold fiberglass runabouts of the era, a compact stern-drive boat from Glastron aimed squarely at the family boating market rather than performance racing. Its lighter build and smaller single-engine stern-drive setup made it one of the more affordable fiberglass boats of its size on this list.

It is the pick for buyers prioritizing low purchase price and easy towing behind a passenger car over speed or rough-water handling. Compared to the Chaparral SST 19 above it, the GT-150 is smaller and less powerful, better suited to calm lakes than open water.

8. Century Resorter 20

The Century Resorter 20 ranks eighth as a classic mahogany-and-fiberglass-era runabout from Century Boat Company, a 20-foot boat built more for open-cockpit lake cruising and day use than performance. Its wider beam and utility-style layout prioritized passenger seating over the vee-hull speed emphasis of the boats ranked higher on this list.

This is the choice for a buyer who wants a classic-styled family lake boat rather than a performance runabout, at the cost of the speed and hull sophistication of the Glastron GT-150 above it. It carries more passengers comfortably but is noticeably slower in open chop.

9. Wellcraft Nova 233

The Wellcraft Nova 233 ranks ninth as a smaller, entry-level fiberglass runabout from Wellcraft Marine, built to bring stern-drive boating to first-time buyers rather than compete on speed or cabin space. Its modest single-engine setup kept purchase and running costs low compared to every boat ranked above it on this list.

It suits a budget-conscious first-time boat owner who wants basic stern-drive performance for calm-water outings. Next to the Century Resorter 20 above it, the Nova 233 is more affordable and easier to maintain but offers less passenger capacity and a less refined ride.

10. Owens Flagship Runabout

The Owens Flagship Runabout closes the list at tenth, a fiberglass cruiser from Owens Yacht Company, whose production wound down around 1972 as the company exited boatbuilding. Its value here is largely historical rather than performance-based, representing the tail end of a once-major American boatbuilder rather than a boat built to compete with the deep-vee and ski designs above it.

This is a pick for buyers or collectors interested in boating history over usable performance, since Owens ceased operations right around this period and support and parts availability lagged the still-active brands ranked above it. It trades everyday practicality for a piece of a discontinued marque.

How we ranked these

Rankings weighted top speed and horsepower-to-weight ratio, hull design (deep-V versus tri-hull), build materials during fiberglass's transition from wood, and factory engine options from Chrysler, Mercury, and OMC. Handling in chop, cockpit layout, and original build quality from period reviews and factory literature factored in, along with current collector demand and documented auction results from clubs like the Antique and Classic Boat Society.

Ignored: trailer weight, upholstery color options, and dealer network size, none of which affect on-water performance or long-term collector value. Non-period-correct modern restorations and engine swaps were also excluded from 'best overall' consideration since they change the boat's factory identity, though they're noted where common. Regional price variance and shipping costs were left out since those depend on buyer location, not the boat.

What to look for

What matters most on a 1972 speed boat is structural: transom and stringer condition (wood-cored fiberglass rots invisibly), original hull-to-deck bonding, and whether the drivetrain — stern drive or outboard — still has available parts. A boat with a tired interior but a sound transom and documented engine history is a better buy than a shiny one hiding wood rot.

The most common buyer mistake is judging a 1972 boat by paint and upholstery instead of poking a screwdriver into the transom and stringers to check for soft spots. Cosmetic restorations are cheap and common; a rotted transom or corroded outdrive can cost more to fix properly than the boat's total market value, and sellers rarely disclose structural issues upfront, so a pre-purchase survey pays for itself.

FAQ

What is the best overall 1972 speed boat?

For all-around performance, build quality, and collector desirability, a Donzi 16 or 18 with its original small-block or big-block V8 stern drive is widely regarded as the best overall 1972 speed boat — fast, seaworthy in chop, and well-supported today by active owner clubs and parts suppliers.

What's the best value 1972 speed boat for a first buyer?

A Glastron GT-150 or similar tri-hull runabout offers the best value: affordable purchase prices, simple small-block or six-cylinder stern-drive mechanicals, wide availability of parts, and forgiving handling for a first-time classic boat owner, without the premium pricing that Donzi or Chris-Craft models command from collectors.

How fast could a 1972 speed boat go?

Top consumer runabouts with V8 stern drives typically reached 45-55 mph. High-performance deep-V models like the Donzi 18 with big-block power could push past 65-70 mph in ideal conditions. Family tri-hulls and smaller outboards were slower, generally cruising in the 30-40 mph range for everyday recreational use.

Are original 1972 fiberglass hulls still safe today?

Often yes — fiberglass hulls from 1972 can remain structurally sound for decades if kept dry and stored properly, since fiberglass itself doesn't rot. The real risk is wood coring in transoms and stringers absorbing water over time, which weakens the structure even when the outer fiberglass skin looks intact.

What is a Donzi 16 Sweet 16?

The Donzi 16 Sweet 16 is a compact deep-V performance boat introduced in the mid-1960s and still in production through 1972, known for its aggressive stance, minimalist styling, and surprising speed from a small-block V8. It's one of the most collected small classic speed boats today, prized for its handling and iconic design.

Do 1972 speed boats hold their value?

Desirable, well-documented models — especially Donzi, Chris-Craft, and Correct Craft — have appreciated steadily as collector interest in vintage fiberglass boats has grown, particularly boats with matching-numbers engines and original trim. Common family runabouts without a strong brand following tend to hold flat or modest value unless fully restored to original specification.

What maintenance issues are common in 1972 boats?

Transom and stringer wood rot from water intrusion, deteriorated outdrive bellows and gimbal bearings, brittle fuel lines and old ethanol-incompatible fuel systems, and corroded electrical connections are the most common issues. Gelcoat oxidation and cracked upholstery are cosmetic but common too, though far less costly to address than structural wood damage.

Where can I find parts for a 1972 speed boat?

Owner clubs like the Antique and Classic Boat Society, brand-specific enthusiast forums for Donzi, Chris-Craft, and Glastron owners, and specialty marine restoration suppliers carry reproduction and new-old-stock parts. Swap meets and classifieds at ACBS chapter events are also common sources for original trim, hardware, and correct-style upholstery.

What's the difference between a 1972 runabout and an offshore boat?

Runabouts are family-oriented, shorter (14-18 feet), lighter, and tuned for skiing and day cruising at moderate speed. Offshore-style boats from 1972, like early Cigarette or Donzi 18 models, are longer, deeper-V hulled, and built with heavier lay-ups and bigger engines specifically to handle open water and higher sustained speeds.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Best speed boats 1972"] S --> R0["1. Cigarette Racing 32"] S --> R1["2. Magnum Marine Magnum 27"] S --> R2["3. Donzi 16 Classic"] S --> R3["4. Chris-Craft Commander 42"] S --> R4["5. Correct Craft Ski Nautique"]

flowchart LR A["Choosing speed boats 1972"] --> B{"Budget first?"} B -->|"No"| C["Cigarette Racing 32"] B -->|"Yes"| D{"Need every feature?"} D -->|"Yes"| E["Chris-Craft Commander 42"] D -->|"No"| F["Owens Flagship Runabout"]

Related on PULSE

[More speed boats 1972 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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## Direct Answer

The 10 best speed boats 1972 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Cigarette Racing 32

The Cigarette 32 tops the list because it was the boat that defined the entire deep-vee offshore-racing category in the early 1970s. Built by Don Aronow's Cigarette Racing Team in Miami, the 32-foot fiberglass hull used a deep-vee design descended from Jim Wynne's racing hulls, letting it hold speed through rough Atlantic chop that swamped flatter-bottom competitors of the same length.

This is the pick for someone chasing offshore racing pedigree over creature comforts — it is a stripped-down raceboat, not a family cruiser, with minimal seating and no cabin amenities. Compared to the Magnum 27 below it, the Cigarette 32 is longer, faster in open water, and harder to justify for casual weekend use.

## 2. Magnum Marine Magnum 27

The Magnum 27 ranks second because it delivered nearly the same deep-vee racing DNA as the Cigarette line in a shorter, easier-to-handle 27-foot fiberglass hull. Also built under Don Aronow's Miami boatbuilding operation, the Magnum 27 was raced competitively through the early 1970s while remaining tighter and more manageable in marina conditions than its 32-foot sibling.

It suits a buyer who wants offshore-raceboat handling without the length and dockage headaches of a full 32-footer. It trades some top-end speed and rough-water composure for maneuverability, making it the more practical of the two Aronow-built deep-vees, though it still sacrifices cabin space and comfort compared to cruiser-style boats further down this list.

## 3. Donzi 16 Classic

The Donzi 16 Classic lands at third because it was the small-boat proof of the deep-vee concept, in continuous fiberglass production since 1964 and still a benchmark runabout by 1972. At just 16 feet, it packed the same deep-vee hull geometry pioneered by Jim Wynne into a boat light and short enough for a single-engine stern drive to feel genuinely quick.

This boat is for buyers who want deep-vee handling and speed in a size that trailers easily and doesn't demand a big-boat budget. It gives up the rough-water composure and top speed of the 27- and 32-foot raceboats above it, but it is far more affordable to own, insure, and store.

## 4. Chris-Craft Commander 42

The Chris-Craft Commander 42 ranks fourth as the largest, most comfort-oriented boat on this list, a 42-foot fiberglass cruiser from Chris-Craft's Commander line built for extended trips rather than racing. Twin inboard engines and a below-deck cabin with sleeping berths and a galley set it apart from every deep-vee raceboat ranked above it.

It is the right pick for a family or group wanting overnight cruising range instead of raw speed, at the cost of the nimbleness and price of the smaller boats above it. Compared to the Donzi 16, the Commander 42 trades speed and affordability for space, stability, and the ability to actually live aboard for a weekend.

## 5. Correct Craft Ski Nautique

The Correct Craft Ski Nautique ranks fifth because it targeted a different job entirely: a purpose-built inboard tow boat rather than an open-water speed machine. Built by Correct Craft in Florida, it used a single inboard engine mounted for a flat, low wake, making it the standard choice at competitive water-ski clubs through the early 1970s.

This boat is for skiers and tournament tow-boat buyers, not offshore cruisers, so it doesn't compete on top speed or rough-water ability with the deep-vee boats ranked above it. Compared to the Chris-Craft Commander 42, it is far smaller and cheaper to run, but it has no cabin and is not built for overnight use.

## 6. Chaparral SST 19

The Chaparral SST 19 ranks sixth as a mid-size fiberglass sport runabout, a 19-foot stern-drive boat built by Chaparral Boats for buyers who wanted V-bottom performance at a mainstream price point rather than raceboat pedigree. Its stern-drive layout made it easier to maintain and trailer than the larger inboard cruisers ranked above it.

It suits a buyer prioritizing everyday versatility — day trips, light watersports, easy trailering — over ski-specific wake control or offshore racing capability. Next to the Correct Craft Ski Nautique above it, the SST 19 is more of a general-purpose runabout and less specialized for towing skiers.

## 7. Glastron GT-150

The Glastron GT-150 sits at seventh as one of the most widely sold fiberglass runabouts of the era, a compact stern-drive boat from Glastron aimed squarely at the family boating market rather than performance racing. Its lighter build and smaller single-engine stern-drive setup made it one of the more affordable fiberglass boats of its size on this list.

It is the pick for buyers prioritizing low purchase price and easy towing behind a passenger car over speed or rough-water handling. Compared to the Chaparral SST 19 above it, the GT-150 is smaller and less powerful, better suited to calm lakes than open water.

## 8. Century Resorter 20

The Century Resorter 20 ranks eighth as a classic mahogany-and-fiberglass-era runabout from Century Boat Company, a 20-foot boat built more for open-cockpit lake cruising and day use than performance. Its wider beam and utility-style layout prioritized passenger seating over the vee-hull speed emphasis of the boats ranked higher on this list.

This is the choice for a buyer who wants a classic-styled family lake boat rather than a performance runabout, at the cost of the speed and hull sophistication of the Glastron GT-150 above it. It carries more passengers comfortably but is noticeably slower in open chop.

## 9. Wellcraft Nova 233

The Wellcraft Nova 233 ranks ninth as a smaller, entry-level fiberglass runabout from Wellcraft Marine, built to bring stern-drive boating to first-time buyers rather than compete on speed or cabin space. Its modest single-engine setup kept purchase and running costs low compared to every boat ranked above it on this list.

It suits a budget-conscious first-time boat owner who wants basic stern-drive performance for calm-water outings. Next to the Century Resorter 20 above it, the Nova 233 is more affordable and easier to maintain but offers less passenger capacity and a less refined ride.

## 10. Owens Flagship Runabout

The Owens Flagship Runabout closes the list at tenth, a fiberglass cruiser from Owens Yacht Company, whose production wound down around 1972 as the company exited boatbuilding. Its value here is largely historical rather than performance-based, representing the tail end of a once-major American boatbuilder rather than a boat built to compete with the deep-vee and ski designs above it.

This is a pick for buyers or collectors interested in boating history over usable performance, since Owens ceased operations right around this period and support and parts availability lagged the still-active brands ranked above it. It trades everyday practicality for a piece of a discontinued marque.

## How we ranked these

Rankings weighted top speed and horsepower-to-weight ratio, hull design (deep-V versus tri-hull), build materials during fiberglass's transition from wood, and factory engine options from Chrysler, Mercury, and OMC. Handling in chop, cockpit layout, and original build quality from period reviews and factory literature factored in, along with current collector demand and documented auction results from clubs like the Antique and Classic Boat Society.

Ignored: trailer weight, upholstery color options, and dealer network size, none of which affect on-water performance or long-term collector value. Non-period-correct modern restorations and engine swaps were also excluded from 'best overall' consideration since they change the boat's factory identity, though they're noted where common. Regional price variance and shipping costs were left out since those depend on buyer location, not the boat.

## What to look for

What matters most on a 1972 speed boat is structural: transom and stringer condition (wood-cored fiberglass rots invisibly), original hull-to-deck bonding, and whether the drivetrain — stern drive or outboard — still has available parts. A boat with a tired interior but a sound transom and documented engine history is a better buy than a shiny one hiding wood rot.

The most common buyer mistake is judging a 1972 boat by paint and upholstery instead of poking a screwdriver into the transom and stringers to check for soft spots. Cosmetic restorations are cheap and common; a rotted transom or corroded outdrive can cost more to fix properly than the boat's total market value, and sellers rarely disclose structural issues upfront, so a pre-purchase survey pays for itself.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Best speed boats 1972"]
  S --> R0["1. Cigarette Racing 32"]
  S --> R1["2. Magnum Marine Magnum 27"]
  S --> R2["3. Donzi 16 Classic"]
  S --> R3["4. Chris-Craft Commander 42"]
  S --> R4["5. Correct Craft Ski Nautique"]
```

## Related questions

### What were the fastest production speed boats in 1972?

The quickest 1972 production boats were high-horsepower deep-V hulls like the Donzi 16 and 18 series and Cigarette-style offshore racers, which could exceed 60-70 mph with big-block V8 power. Most consumer runabouts from Chris-Craft, Glastron, and Larson topped out closer to 40-50 mph with standard six-cylinder or small-block V8 stern drives.

### Is a 1972 speed boat safe to run on original components?

Rarely without inspection. Fifty-plus-year-old fuel lines, wiring, transom wood, and outdrive bellows are past their safe service life even on well-kept boats. Most owners replace fuel systems, bellows, and wiring outright and sister or replace transom wood before regular use, treating the original hull and stringers as the only parts worth preserving as-is if sound.

### What engines powered most 1972 speed boats?

Chrysler, Mercury, and OMC (Evinrude/Johnson) supplied most stern-drive and outboard power. Common choices ranged from Chrysler 318 and Ford 302 small-blocks in stern-drive runabouts to Mercury and OMC outboards up to around 135 hp on lighter boats. Big-block 427 and 454 Chevy or Ford engines appeared in higher-performance offshore and ski-race hulls.

### How much does a restored 1972 speed boat cost today?

Fully restored examples of desirable 1972 models like a Donzi or Chris-Craft Commander can run $15,000-$40,000+ depending on hull rarity, engine originality, and finish quality. Rougher project boats with sound hulls but tired mechanicals often sell for $1,500-$5,000, making them attainable restoration projects for buyers willing to invest labor and parts sourcing.

### What's the difference between deep-V and tri-hull designs from this era?

Deep-V hulls (like Donzi's) cut through chop better at speed and handle rough water more comfortably but need more horsepower to plane. Tri-hulls, popular on family runabouts like Glastron and Larson models, plane faster with less power and offer more stable low-speed handling, making them better for skiing and calm-water cruising rather than offshore performance.

### Are 1972 speed boats good for water skiing?

Yes — dedicated ski boats like the Correct Craft Ski Nautique were purpose-built in 1972 with inboard V-drives centered for a flat, low wake and consistent pull. General-purpose runabouts can tow skiers too, but their outboard or stern-drive weight bias and wider wake make them less ideal than a true inboard ski boat for serious training.

### What should I check before buying a 1972 boat sight-unseen?

Ask for close-up photos of the transom, stringers, and bilge, plus the hull identification number (HIN) to verify title and year. Request documentation of engine hours, any stringer or transom repairs, and outdrive service history. A pre-purchase marine survey is worth the cost on anything over a few thousand dollars, especially bought without an in-person inspection.

## FAQ

**What is the best overall 1972 speed boat?**

For all-around performance, build quality, and collector desirability, a Donzi 16 or 18 with its original small-block or big-block V8 stern drive is widely regarded as the best overall 1972 speed boat — fast, seaworthy in chop, and well-supported today by active owner clubs and parts suppliers.

**What's the best value 1972 speed boat for a first buyer?**

A Glastron GT-150 or similar tri-hull runabout offers the best value: affordable purchase prices, simple small-block or six-cylinder stern-drive mechanicals, wide availability of parts, and forgiving handling for a first-time classic boat owner, without the premium pricing that Donzi or Chris-Craft models command from collectors.

**How fast could a 1972 speed boat go?**

Top consumer runabouts with V8 stern drives typically reached 45-55 mph. High-performance deep-V models like the Donzi 18 with big-block power could push past 65-70 mph in ideal conditions. Family tri-hulls and smaller outboards were slower, generally cruising in the 30-40 mph range for everyday recreational use.

**Are original 1972 fiberglass hulls still safe today?**

Often yes — fiberglass hulls from 1972 can remain structurally sound for decades if kept dry and stored properly, since fiberglass itself doesn't rot. The real risk is wood coring in transoms and stringers absorbing water over time, which weakens the structure even when the outer fiberglass skin looks intact.

**What is a Donzi 16 Sweet 16?**

The Donzi 16 Sweet 16 is a compact deep-V performance boat introduced in the mid-1960s and still in production through 1972, known for its aggressive stance, minimalist styling, and surprising speed from a small-block V8. It's one of the most collected small classic speed boats today, prized for its handling and iconic design.

**Do 1972 speed boats hold their value?**

Desirable, well-documented models — especially Donzi, Chris-Craft, and Correct Craft — have appreciated steadily as collector interest in vintage fiberglass boats has grown, particularly boats with matching-numbers engines and original trim. Common family runabouts without a strong brand following tend to hold flat or modest value unless fully restored to original specification.

**What maintenance issues are common in 1972 boats?**

Transom and stringer wood rot from water intrusion, deteriorated outdrive bellows and gimbal bearings, brittle fuel lines and old ethanol-incompatible fuel systems, and corroded electrical connections are the most common issues. Gelcoat oxidation and cracked upholstery are cosmetic but common too, though far less costly to address than structural wood damage.

**Where can I find parts for a 1972 speed boat?**

Owner clubs like the Antique and Classic Boat Society, brand-specific enthusiast forums for Donzi, Chris-Craft, and Glastron owners, and specialty marine restoration suppliers carry reproduction and new-old-stock parts. Swap meets and classifieds at ACBS chapter events are also common sources for original trim, hardware, and correct-style upholstery.

**What's the difference between a 1972 runabout and an offshore boat?**

Runabouts are family-oriented, shorter (14-18 feet), lighter, and tuned for skiing and day cruising at moderate speed. Offshore-style boats from 1972, like early Cigarette or Donzi 18 models, are longer, deeper-V hulled, and built with heavier lay-ups and bigger engines specifically to handle open water and higher sustained speeds.

```mermaid
flowchart LR
  A["Choosing speed boats 1972"] --> B{"Budget first?"}
  B -->|"No"| C["Cigarette Racing 32"]
  B -->|"Yes"| D{"Need every feature?"}
  D -->|"Yes"| E["Chris-Craft Commander 42"]
  D -->|"No"| F["Owens Flagship Runabout"]
```

## Sources

- https://www.acbs.org
- https://www.hemmings.com
- https://www.boats.com
- https://www.boattrader.com
- https://www.mecum.com
- https://www.correctcraft.com
- https://www.chriscraft.com
- https://www.classicboat.co.uk

## Related on PULSE

- [More speed boats 1972 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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Kory White

Top 10 Speed Boats 1972 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Cigarette Racing 32

2. Magnum Marine Magnum 27

3. Donzi 16 Classic

4. Chris-Craft Commander 42

5. Correct Craft Ski Nautique

6. Chaparral SST 19

7. Glastron GT-150

8. Century Resorter 20

9. Wellcraft Nova 233

10. Owens Flagship Runabout

How we ranked these

What to look for

Related questions

What were the fastest production speed boats in 1972?

Is a 1972 speed boat safe to run on original components?

What engines powered most 1972 speed boats?

How much does a restored 1972 speed boat cost today?

What's the difference between deep-V and tri-hull designs from this era?

Are 1972 speed boats good for water skiing?

What should I check before buying a 1972 boat sight-unseen?

FAQ

Sources

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