The name is Doug. I've got a pontoon party barge and an Axis wakeboard/surfboard boat. I'm getting a High Performance boat and would like input from experienced Go-Fast lovers. My budget is $40K. I've found several 1980s Cigarettes in my price range with recently serviced motors and drives. My good friend, Ken, suggested I get on this forum and look at the classifieds; most are out of my price range.

What is the difference between a Cafe Racer and Top Gun (other than three feet)?

This is my suggestion. If you are looking for a turn key boat, that nice in every respect, skip looking for a Cigarette. IMO, it's either going to be really old, or need a lot of work, your price point is at least $30k to low. $40k isn't going to go far as you already have seen. Maybe look for a 33-35 Formula, Baja, or Sunsation. All are good boats and you should be able to find a nice one for under $40k.

IMO, it is worth the extra money to buy a stepped hull. Moderate power will get you close to upper 80's or more depending on the size. Then due to the lower power engines, your drives will last longer.

Here are a few boats that are nice. Remember listing price is only that. All the boats I'm posting you could probably buy for $50k or less.
https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...ch-o76055.html
https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...ch-o77463.html

Dough don't be discouraged. if you believe the lottery chances!......I bought my 35' Cigarette for 25K custom '82 Mistress with new EFI 572'S new interior in & out new SSM 3's really too much to list.
Everything done in '96.by Flagship Marine Fla. ..put in storage for 20 yrs until my purchase in 2016.........Wising you luck in your search - or - until I might just pay it forward LOL!!

Boy did you get lucky! One of those custom 572's costs 25K to build! He can look around and possibly strike gold like you did, but realistically he would be better off in a Baja,Formula,Checkmate that is newer and more reliable for the money he is looking to spend...he will have more fun actually boating than working on it!...

I don't know, I found a great deal on my 1990 Cafe Racer 454 supercharged. I paid $1,000 over asking and still was under the $40,000 mark. Just remember the purchase price is the price of admission, the real cash goes into upkeep and repairs. When these boats run right its worth all the headache and every penny you spent. Whatever boat you buy, get a SURVEY done. Good luck.

Agreed with pretty much everything above! In this covid market, you will find a nice find for 40 ish... not a problem, but guns and the likes of apaches will be kind of project or dated boats... open your eyes be patient and you will find !

You'll find something - don't be discouraged. You won't find a boat that is going to draw attention at the Key West Street party for that budget but you can get into a fun cig. As DealMaker eluded to I sold mine within your budget and there was a lot of fun still too be had in that boat.

Thanks everyone. I'm really looking forward to the Cigarette brand and camaraderie. I'd gladly take an older Cigarette over a newer mass produced boat. My lake, Nacimiento, has very few High Performance boats and some of my friends have told me the lake is too small for a 38' Go Fast. Currently I'm not interested in a 70+ MPH boat (but I may catch the speed bug once I own a HiPer). I just see myself hanging out on a pretty, albeit old and slow, racer.

In many purchases there's the cost to buy the boat and than the pain that follows.

There are some older Cigs kicking around on FB