Hi all. Lurked here a while, and thought I'd post in the classics....because it seems my budget would pretty much put me there anyway. I grew up on boats when I was younger...but mostly open bows and basscats (Dad fished a lot). I have a fair amount of experience driving those style of boats...all 20' or under. I decided at the ripe age of 37 I just can't stand not having a boat any longer...so I'm buying my first, and I'd like your help for suggestions. Here's a little info to help get an idea of what I'm looking for.

- My truck is a '97 Silverado and I'm not looking to upgrade the tow vehicle at this time. Towing capacity is 6500 lbs, so from my estimates max dry weight for a boat should be 4000, but preferable of 3500. Boat will mainly be used for day trips...so I'll be towing it everywhere.

- Boat will be used on local lakes and rivers only. Biggest lake probably Kentucky...might see Ozarks. I wouldn't expect more than 3-31/2 footers tops.

- Looking for something with a closed bow, and a cuddy that could sleep two occasionally...meaning once or twice a year.

- Only want an I/O, not interested in outboards or jet.

- My budget is $10-$15K....prefer to stay closet to 10K, but if the right deal came along I'd be willing to go towards $15.

- I understand ride and speed are kind of opposites in the boating world....but I'd like something that would get me home in 3+ footers, with a top speed of at least 60mph. Why have a performance boat if I can't beat my buddies bow rider.

- I'm used to open bows and bass boats...so I'm used to an open floor plan. I guess for this reason closed bow boats look cramped...but I haven't been in one...so that might just be perception. Regardless the roomier the cockpit the better I suppose.

- Finally boat ideas I've collected whie lurking: Pachanga 22, Wellcraft 23XL, Formula 233, Liberator 211 & 201, Velocity 22, Checkmate 251, Baja 240 & 236.

- Not looking for a big project boat...prefer turn key.

If I missed something that needs to be known to help with ideas let me know and I'll post more info. Hope to hear ideas or opinions. And if anyone knows of a boat they think would fit the bill within 750 miles of St. Louis, MO let me know.

Thanks in advance.

I think you selection and size of boats is right on target. You will definitely have to stay 25ft or smaller. 23ft might be better in weight as you get closer to 25ft you might approach 5k lbs. But with a 10-15k budget and what your looking for mid 90's to maybe even late 90's might be possible

I think youll find a performance boat will operate just as well if not better in chop than a standard bow rider or cuddy cabin. really a performance boat is not much different than your standard cuddy in that length minus the engine and sleaker hull design. Unless you get a 454 youll pretty hard pressed in any of those configurations you mentioned to get 60mph.


You can try iboats.com, powerboatlistings.com, craigs list etc.

Like any boat do a good inspection of the boat. You may want a survey done and have the engine checked unless you are mechanical yourself.

Also take a look at crownline 225CCR and LPX,s LPXs are a CCR just a littl more sportier. I had a 225 CCR before my fountain it had a 350 but can come in a 454. Crowns are nice boats, for the money I think you will get a little more boat out of a crown than a liberator or even baja.

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/13872

Velocity! pad bottom boat, well built, lightweight, great support, and faster than any other non-stepped V.

This looks nice. Would be a good first boat.

http://maine.craigslist.org/boa/2928070327.html

Add a Scarab 22 to your list, should fit all that criteria.

-Rob

With one exception:
- Looking for something with a closed bow, and a cuddy that could sleep two occasionally...meaning once or twice a year.

Last time I checked a Scarab 22 didnt have any kind of cabin--just carpet! Not exactly sure I would want to weekend on one.

Agree with everyone else--a 22-24 foot boat is what you are looking for and probably early to mid 90's with a 454 and a bravo 1.
I would add a 1994-1995 Powerquest 257 to your list. They weigh 4200 lbs dry and with a 454 mag efi will do 62 mph. Well built boats with a 23 degree transom deadrise and are built to handle lake michigan. Nice cabin in them too.

Here is a boat worth looking at:
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/2924283836.html

This one too but Im not sure how much it weighs:
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/2928221937.html

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/2902376283.html

That's true, forgot they changed that. I have a 90 Scarab 21', same hull different cockpit layout. A lot more overnight friendly. An 89 - 91 Scarab 21' would be a good choice.

-Rob

Thanks for the responses thus far. Let me clarify the cuddy thing....I don't need a sink...or an icebox, etc., just a place to store beer, and comfortable enough to sleep in with the lady friend a time or two a year.

In response to suggestions thus far: I like the LPX crowns, but find them out of my price range thus far. The other crowns I'm not partial to because I don't want something every tom, dick, & harry has on the lake. The formula would be nice....but I have to watch those east coast boats and make sure they haven't been in salt water. I wasn't familiar with powerquest till I started the boat search....haven't seen one in person, but look nice on craigslist. The sunsation here in STL I've had my eye on...I think he says it runs 63. It was parked at the ozarks (3+ hours away)...but I think he brought it home...so I might have to go take a look. I've found just about any boat in the 26' range is too heavy. I'd upgrade the towing rig, but I've put too much money into her and don't want to lose my you know what.

More questions: How do you guys feel about buying boats with modified engines. Seems like it's taking a chance unless the guy has a full spec sheet of what was done.

And how cramped is a 7' beam? I ask because I'm pretty sure the sunsation in STL is a 7' beam. I don't need the room of a cadillac, but don't want the room of a mazda miata either.