I'm kicking tires at 38 Top Guns. What year and motors would fit with a budget of roughly $125k? Should I consider something with rebuilt motors? I can turn the key but that's the extent of my mechanical skill. Need reliability first, speed second. 65-70 mph is fast enough for me.

Take a look at the 98' and 01' at Performance Boat Center. A straight bottom and a T/S both with nice reliable power and Bravo's.

That's a great price range right now. You can get a LOT of boat in a straight bottom gun or a decent deal on a TS in that range. Question is what are you looking for? Cabin? Limited cabin. Big motors blue motors? Looking for decent speed, cruise speed or fast? I like Miami Two Step 2000 TS with Zul power (asking a bit more than your budget but maybe they'll come down) and I know for a fact my old straight bottom gun was done right and is basically a new boat for way less than your price range

Just depends on what you want.

I am thinking about listing my Gun - pm me if interested.

Which boat is your old straight bottom?

this was tanks old boat
http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...un-o67412.html

Wow that is a lot of boat at that price!

Yeah, that boat is absolutely beautiful.

I have owned both. Each are great, quality boats and solid handling/ride. I haven't been upset with either boat.

If you have low to mid $100's to spend go the TSTG route. If you buy a straight bottom you may likely be thinking about a TSTG the following year or two. The TS is a much more enjoyable boat to run, more efficient, and runs flatter. Not too mention you can have moderate power in a TS and cruise at 60-65. Straight bottom TG's take much more power, I.e. Custom power, blowers, super chargers, etc. to run with a moderately powered TSTG.

With all that said if you find a nice, clean, well kept straight bottom for very reasonable $$ I wouldn't shy away. There will certainly be more straight bottoms available than TSTG's. Best of luck.

A 38TG with a cardboard bustle, that should be neat