Thanks again for all the input... I'll weigh in on a few more things.

Z06, why would I rethink this and why wouldn't I seek advice from this forum? Sure, you have to sift through a lot, but I think it would be crazy not to see what others, experienced with the exact type of boat I'm interested in buying, would have to say on the issue. I can easily get all the stats from boating magazines and read what testers have to say about boats they rode around in for a couple hours, but wouldn't you want to hear what people who've owned the boats and laid out cash have to say?? Do you suggest I "rethink" things and just go speak with some salesmen at various brokers and take their word as gospel? Oh, wait, if you're suggesting that as well as suggesting I not pay attention to what's being said in threads, maybe I'll take the second part of that advice and ignore your post. Whew, I just had a bit of a rant there!

Second thing... I would love love love to live in an area where you can buy waterfront property for $150k. Unfortunately, where I live you aint getting on the water for under $1.5 million... Fortunately though, we have an acreage on the water 70 miles by boat from the launch (another reason for the purchase).

Thirdly... I didn't just win a $150k lottery, so I'm not mortgaging my future by buying a toy. I have an all cash toy budget (no debt), so while the thought in providing financial advice is appreciated, it isn't necessary (buying property vs a boat).

Lastly... I am interested in what people have to say about a Vee vs a Cat, what operating costs are, what set-ups are most reliable and what type of exotic engines may cost many thousands more per year to maintain. Insurance issues are something I haven't considered yet either (how increased performance may significantly increase costs). This is exactly why I posted and why I'm appreciative of many of the helpful responses.

P.S. Although I boat mostly in the ocean, it's not open ocean, so I never have to pick and choose when to go out (all I need is sunshine). Worst I've seen when some bad wind picked up was 4 or maybe 5 foot chop and there's always somewhere to duck into for protection.

Good luck with your search ,sounds like a fun summer ahead!

Hands down best bang for the buck American Offshore 3100.

Good post, i guess other than everyone throwing out opinions, be more specific in what you want and what you have in your mind as a vision of yourself in and then people can comment then.

V's and cats are different, for the 150 range, cats will tend to be on the shorter side with less/if any amenities. if you don't have cat experience insurance will be expensive maybe 2-4 times more expensive than a V. For a cat width and trailering is a concern as well, although you live close, it could be over width and cause an issue.

post away with thoughts. if 150 is the top of your budget i would look at boats that are 125ish and make offers from there, give yourself some extra room whereas that one with a couple hundred hours that may need a refresh to be perfect. happy hunting.

If you want a 38' V bottom at a rock bottom price this is probly the best one out there. I have ridden on Sonics and they are well-built and handle rough water very well.

That boat has no cabin. AO3100 has a cabin. Mama is going to want a cabin and also an engine hatch to lay out on.

For a tow truck I would buy a 2500 4x4 diesel in anything but a Powerstroke 6.0. 2003-2006 Ram or GM Duramax should fit your budget.

I drove my Baja Sport 25 (1000+hp) for 3 seasons without breaking a drive (an XZ no less) . Easy on throttle... watch those jumps... also a BIG difference between 4500#s and 12,000#s

The problem with a #6 boat is that in the $150k range you are not going to get Merc power because the #6 only came as a package with the 1075 and you ain't buying that for $150k. You can't even buy an NXT boat for $150k. Every #6 boat that I looked at for less than say $250k had custom blower motors, and in that case I would be more worried about problems with the motors than problems with the drives.

A bravo will last if it is coupled to mild power. If you buy a brand new boat today with 525s or 600s, you get bravos. Plus, to fix a bravo is really no big deal (hell, you can keep a spare and bolt it right up if needed). You don't want to pay to have someone fix a #6. I suggest the HP500 or 525 bravo setup.

If you're not willing to get a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel stay below 30' and a single engine with your new boat.

I bet I know where you can get a VERY nice OL in that price range so a certian OL owner can go Kitty cruzin!