$5K and out of school

ToTheMax · 08-21-2006, 10:01 PM

This might be a quite a stretch...maybe even crazy!

Thinking ahead to next summer, I want to drop about $5K to get some sort of boat so I don't go completely insane trying to pay off as much debt as possible! Would this be enough to get a decent small boat? I'm not interested in PWC's, and age doesn't really matter, preferrably if its no more than 25yrs old...just a real boat, most likely an outboard sport boat, a center console, or even a jetboat. I'd go for a smaller boat if it has good speed, but I'm also happy to cruise around in a larger boat.

Any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks

ratman · 08-21-2006, 10:13 PM

hit the boat trader in your area, can you wrench on your own stuff?

woody1 · 08-21-2006, 10:30 PM

I bought an 87 21ft wellcraft for 5k, replaced the tired 305 with a decent 355 inch and it went 64 on gps this weekend. Total of 7100. I do al my own stuff also, so no other costs incurred

cigarette38topgun · 08-21-2006, 11:12 PM

yes, look around on boattrader.com.......an older jet boat would be in that range.....but most will be "project boats" that need some work, but thats half the fun!

dave911 · 08-22-2006, 12:01 AM

Start with a well-used, but solid 20 cigarette, Donzi 18, or a Sutphen 20. Then sprinkle on motor parts, and get cookin! I just sold my Sutphen for around that mark. Good luck. D911

klmken · 08-22-2006, 11:36 AM

22' Pachanga that was completely redone in 1996 just went for 5400 on ebay. Looked like a nice boat and they run!!

klmken · 08-22-2006, 11:36 AM

Cheap on gas with the 350's as well....

DURANGOKID59 · 08-22-2006, 11:52 AM

Dont know much about them, but Ive seen the little Scarab Sprints go in that price range, and they have that "look" of a little sport boat. I think Baja made something similar in the early 90's also, but I could be wrong.

DonziChick · 08-22-2006, 12:46 PM

It's possible. As was already said, check out boat trader and ebay. I found a 1993 20' Carrara for 2600 - put new interior, new carpet and rebuilt the motor and spent around $6000 total on boat and upgrades. I turned around to sell it at a profit and bought a 25' Checkmate

If it doesn't have to have a cabin, you'll probably have better luck. You can find older Donzi Classics for a reasonable price.