I need some tips on what a deal really is and maybe where to shop. of-course there is here and ebay and craigslist but is there some secret boat buying sites?
I've been dreaming and saving and researching for 3 years and this winter I've decided on a 26 or 28 foot active thunder based on quality and cabin layout.

I am confident that the AT is the boat for me-but I am not so confident on what they actually sell for. I mean, asking price, high dealer markups, etc throw me off because I don't see what people actually pay.

What I am wanting in the boat is just the basics:
*I want to spend under 40k for a clean boat. 30k would be even better.
*I would like to buy as new as possible. hoping 2000-2001 models are in my range.
*will require a trailer but nothing fancy.
*something without those 80's colors that baja has worn out.
*would love two stock small blocks but one engine might be what I end up with.
*fuel injection.
*no big stereo upgrades might be a way of saving on the total price.
*reasonable hours (and what is resonable for what I want to pay)

I'm patient and reasonable so you tell me what you think I should wait for.

I use www.oodle.com and jaxed http://boat.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/boat.c...boa&itm=scarab. Jaxed searches all the craigslist and ebay ads in one search. Oodle searches most all the classified boating websites in one search.

I do believe they make a 25/28 no 26s that i know of. Scott OCD bought one last year he could give you some good insite. Id have to sayy around 40 is a better bet. Hand layed boat are not given away per-say
-Mike P.S. Remeber its not a Baja or fountain your looking to purchase. Although its not a Cig either (im gonna be AT for this one)

Just a 25 and 28.

There were only 3 or 4 - 28s built with twin SBC, as such that will be a bit harder to find. IMHO, you want a single BBC anyhow.

The 25ATs are all the same and are great boats.

The 28AT up until 2003 came out an older hull mold and handle very well.
The 28AT of 2004 and after came out of the former 32AT mold which is actually has a bit less rocker to the bottom and his a little bit faster. However, you will not notice much of a ride difference. The newer the boat, the lighter it will be.

Where are you located? I do know of a 25AT in MD that is for sale for $40K-ish. It does have an HP500 Carb motor which is almost overkill for that boat.

Oh yeah, and SS/Mike is no longer affiliated with the AT Forum.

Ditto! on SS/Mike!

I am the one who purchased the 28 last year.. Drop me a PM.. I would be happy to chat if you like.. Otherwise Sydwayz is the expert and the one to deal with.

Mike what are you doing here? Isn't there another forum where you hang out?

Yea its the Block Island drink dumper forum. Im not just teh presendent im also a memeber
-Mike

At least he didn't drop the F bomb!!

LMAO!! Yeah you are supposed to drink not wear it! That was a good day though!