motoracerx

Man o man....

Sold my '94 PQ 270 Laser back in December. (Had to medical emergency(ies) in family)

And now, I'm looking to get another boat. I'm a newb to boat ownership... that PQ 270 was my lst boat.

I'm exhausted from the amount of reading/researching I've been doing this year and last year. Exhausted to the point that I've no idea which way to go for the next boat.

I can't decide whether or not to stick with a single or go twins. The amount of actual boating I'll do is probably 6-8 times a year on the lake/river. A speed run here and there, but mostly cruising, and sitting and jumping in and out of the water.

I'm not worried about the added expense of twins and fuel. I'm used to throwing money away in motorcycle roadracing.

I feel that only using the boat a handful of times a year, repair/maintenance costs should be low. What I wouuld like is a boat this is completely turnkey for about 5 yrs, only needing yearly maintenance on the engines/drives and winterization and that's it. That's not too unrealistic is it?

I would like twins because, well, 2 is better than 1 right? I have this fear of having a catastrophic mechanical on the river, with a 600' barge plowing right for me. Having an extra engine as a safety net is the biggest reason I would want twins.
Generally speaking, it seems that bone stock twins will only get you an extra 5 mph vs the same boat with a single.

Price range is $20k-32K., low-mid '90's models, some upper '90's fall in that price range.....would rather stay in the $20-28K range, but for the right boat, I'll go the extra $$.

Contestant 1: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/boa/4918836258.html

Contestant 2: http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/boa/4927265767.html

Contestant 3: http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/30841

Contestant 4: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...iber-102304108

Contestant 5: http://loz.craigslist.org/boa/4939822104.html

And more generally....what's the consensus on the PQ 290 vs. Formula 292/303/311, Baja 29 Outlaw and 32 Caliber?

I'm fond of the PQ, since I already had one, so I feel like I 'know' the boat better than any other brand.

Keep in mind, not looking for top speed - 65 tops is fine with me....Boat may see 10 hrs a year run time....No kids involved, just me and the S.O and some friends on occassion.

motoracerx

Damn, this might be the one right chear....http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/16997

offshorexcursion

iTrader: (5)

I didn't study your listings but any of those models your interested in are good boats. Don't get hung up on the brand or model unless your willing to spend more money to get exactly what you want.

More important buy whichever one is in the best condition for the money. VERY hard to find a boat that won't break down in 5 years but its a great goal and if your willing to do your research and look them over closely I hope it works out for you. Lots of threads on here explaining what to look for in a used boat. Focus on finding the best bang for the buck.

Yes twins are awesome.

Feverz29

I know searching for the right boat can be exhausting, but that's part of the excitement. Once the deal is done, you'll be looking for another one if you get hooked (which you will). Of the boats you have listed, I've always liked Formulas. Great lines, well built and reliable.

hogie roll

I like the PQs best.

Baja_342

if top speed isn't terribly important, you should be able to get into a late 1990s Baja 302, 29OL or Formula 311 with 7.4s pretty cheap. Good dependable motors. Popular and may be several to select from if you're willing to travel a bit to find the cleanest one.