Audiofn

I have to agree with Clay. You will get a lot more used then you will new or newer. In the years you are looking at you will likely not have a warantee anyhow. I know of a mint Formula 353 with 10 hours on brand new 502efi motors that is selling for 45K. That will leave you with a LOT of money left over. Or as Clay said Seans Cafe is sweet as well and everything that he sells seems to be in excelect shape. Phill Lipship has the Euro Top Gun that he is brokering for I think in your price range as well. If it is not SUPER clean Phill will not broker it from what I can tell.

Jon

CustomRigger101

110 Boston Whaler.. LOL

you can get a nice profile cat for that type of money.. 500 EFI with IMCO rigging

R Addiction

Todds Active would be my choice and I'm not bias or anything.............

BODYSHOT1

I'm with you!..can't believe it's still for sale.....

trader1

I have a 33 powerplay with t-500hp's for that. Top speed about 85. A real solid boat. [email protected]

Sean

i'd buy wes' boat...

just because mine's finally dialed in and i haven't been able to fully enjoy it yet

Seriously, in your price/size range, the Progression is the boat to buy...It is better than new.

dockrocker

Geez, you guys are all over the map (that's what I love about this board! )

Couple of thoughts:

• In your size range (27'-30'), you're looking at mostly singles; the dividing line between singles and twins seems to run right around 30' especially when you're talking about newer boats. Yes, you can find 28'ers with twin big blocks, but the consensus seems to be that twin BBCs in that size boat has some downsides including lack of engine room access (talk to my buddy about his old 272 Formula with 454's.... ) and possible tail-heaviness.
• What are you planning to use the boat for? Weekending? P-class racing? Poker runs? Big difference between a boat like trader1's Powerplay (staggered motors and a 3 man bolster, IIRC) and something like a 34' Powerquest or Formula with a windshield and an enclosed head for the ladies. Different tools for different jobs.
• Do you have a preference on maintenance? In other words, do you want to get in and turn the key, or is doing a little work each week OK? While you get more boat for the money with an older model, you also get more maintenance. No matter how well a boat is cared for, a 1990 has 10 more years of vibration, sun exposure, water exposure, etc. than a 2000. Things like wiring, water pumps, interior bits, etc are more likely to fail or otherwise need work on an older boat. Especially on a salt water boat. Not saying that older boats are no good, but there are tradeoffs. If you buy an older boat, expect to swing the wrenches more often than if you buy a newer model, all things being equal (heck, certain OSO members like to work on boats so much that they never even put them in the water! Different strokes for different folks...)
• What is your boating environment? Smooth-to-choppy lake, washing machine (LOTO), big ocean rollers? A late model, light 27' single is going to provide a different ride than an older 35' twin. Goes back to the intended use.

Just some things to think about - a little more information might get you better advice. Personally, if I had $70K to spend I'd be looking for the biggest v-hull I could find at 5-10 years old, maybe a nice 357 Formula. But then again, I've got a wife and daughter and I prefer a nice solid cruise instead of playing Don Aronow launching off freighter wakes. YMMV....

Tim G.

That's exactly the question I delt with when buying a boat. This is waht I got.
FYI- I might be moving up, so this one will fit your criteria to the head!
'99 28, twin 502 MagMPI 320 hours
New SM exhausts, etc (Spent $6200, have reciept)
'00 S FL aluminum Trailer w/mags

Tim G.

Engines

Tim G.

Rear view.
Full Hydraulic steering to helm.