Good starter boat?
#11
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Lake St. Clair can get pretty sloppy. I would look at Formulas, Active Thunders, Velocity 280 (or older 260s. The older 260 is now called the 280). I had a newer Velocity 260 (a 24' hull plus platform) and occasionally took a ride across St. Clair (often in Lake Erie). While it was a great boat, it was fast, had a deep cockpit, roomy cabin (probably a bit smaller than the AT), had a nice windshield to keep you out of the cold wind (spring and fall), and was great on fuel.. Having the extra 2' of running surface would have been nice to have on those choppy days. The Active Thunder won't be the fastest (equal power) but will be a solid ride in the Great Lakes. Probably one of the largest Cabins in that size boat. If you aren't too concerned with cockpit and cabin space a Sunsation would be a great economical boat. There are a decent amount of them runnin around the Great Lakes. Baja Outlaws 24 & 25s are plentiful in the Great Lakes region, however it seems they get a premium around here because of Name recognition. I sold my 03 Velocity 260 for $22k and it was spotless w/low hours. Yet mid to late 90s Baja seem to be listed for a lot more, yet simply aren't in the same class when it comes to fit/finish and performance...... Good luck in your search! After Labor Day the deals will really start popping up as people will want to get out of their boats to avoid winter storage..
Last edited by low_psi; 08-21-2014 at 04:00 AM.
#12
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First boat to you I would stick to something at the 23-25 foot level. I wouldnt necessarily go performance first brands like crownline, four winns, chaparral, mariah, plenty out there that are sporty enough and you can get your feet wet. But if your going performance look at Baja or maybe formula.
#13
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A classic V-bottom performance boat with no steps to get your feet wet so to speak. If you want a true sit down and go fast speedster, you can't beat a Donzi 22 Classic.
If you want more room and a small cabin than a 24-27 foot Baja, Scarab, Formula, Active Thunder, Etc. would be a good choice.
If you want more room and a small cabin than a 24-27 foot Baja, Scarab, Formula, Active Thunder, Etc. would be a good choice.
#14
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http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/29600
I have a 1998 Active Thunder for sale in Chicago, PM me or give me a call 586-651-7389.
I have a 1998 Active Thunder for sale in Chicago, PM me or give me a call 586-651-7389.
#15
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Lake St. Clair can get pretty sloppy. I would look at Formulas, Active Thunders, Velocity 280 (or older 260s. The older 260 is now called the 280). I had a newer Velocity 260 (a 24' hull plus platform) and occasionally took a ride across St. Clair (often in Lake Erie). While it was a great boat, it was fast, had a deep cockpit, roomy cabin (probably a bit smaller than the AT), had a nice windshield to keep you out of the cold wind (spring and fall), and was great on fuel.. Having the extra 2' of running surface would have been nice to have on those choppy days. The Active Thunder won't be the fastest (equal power) but will be a solid ride in the Great Lakes. Probably one of the largest Cabins in that size boat. If you aren't too concerned with cockpit and cabin space a Sunsation would be a great economical boat. There are a decent amount of them runnin around the Great Lakes. Baja Outlaws 24 & 25s are plentiful in the Great Lakes region, however it seems they get a premium around here because of Name recognition. I sold my 03 Velocity 260 for $22k and it was spotless w/low hours. Yet mid to late 90s Baja seem to be listed for a lot more, yet simply aren't in the same class when it comes to fit/finish and performance...... Good luck in your search! After Labor Day the deals will really start popping up as people will want to get out of their boats to avoid winter storage..
#16
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First boat to you I would stick to something at the 23-25 foot level. I wouldnt necessarily go performance first brands like crownline, four winns, chaparral, mariah, plenty out there that are sporty enough and you can get your feet wet. But if your going performance look at Baja or maybe formula.
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#20
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Oh trust me i know. I restored a few cars in the past. Im more or less looking for something i can do a little work to in the winter, Enjoy it for a month or two, sell it and look for something else. If i dont sell it than oh well. I enjoy doing upholstery and i am very good at it. It wont cost me much to make a boat look nice. But i have done some research and from what everyone on here is telling me i have found a few boats i like. Im just trying to get a good idea on a nice starter boat and what to look for. Ill tell you what tho i really like them AT's. Might have to set some more $$ aside and look for one. Thanks guys!!