i agree

I'd leave at least $5k in the budget for repairs/upgrades/incidentials after the purchase. There is always something to spend money on after you buy no matter how carefully you survey the boat.

I agree with the single BBC in the 23-28' range as a good starting point.

ECeptor is right, dont forget that once you buy a boat for X dollars, you will have to buy everything need to just legally have it in the water, plus repairs, maint, sterero, etc....$5k goes real quick when you have to get everything if you havent had a boat before. Twin engines are nice, but its double the headache, money, fuel, etc.... Good luck bro.

thats what i have for my first go-fast boat is a single bbc in a 23 foot scarab. its solid and has plenty of power and was in that 25-30 thousand range.

Wow' Lambo v-12s huh. Sounds like a man who wants to commit suicide and just hasn't had enough bad luck and depression to to justify it. Buy a 10 year old twin engine- anything and that should do the trick.

My first offshore was a 24 python. A 24/7(beam) boat, was a little small for me. Second was the 28 apache......not sure I'll ever have a third. If your looking in the 28 range I'd recommend apache, pantera, and saber. Don't be scared by twins vs singles in those boats. I don't burn much more gas in the 28 than I do in the 24. Anything above 28 will be a more forgiving boat and easier to drive.

Did you mean early 90's 29 scarab's? Not a bad choice, but a narrow boat. Buy something turn key. I would also buy something that will hold its value. If you do decide to go with an old boat I would find something rare and collectible. Something thats worth putting money into and something that you hope you'll be able to recoup the money spent........within reason. Analyze old boat value vs old restored boat value.

A 27 Magnum or a 28 Pantera, If you can find a Pantera in that price range.
I prefer twin smallblocks in those ..others maybe a single bigblock.
+1 with Texacomas choices too.

A running Lambo will set you back with a 30-50K$ bill....if you can find parts or Victory team decides to sell to you.

I sold my 1998 Powerquest 260 XL with a trailer for 31K in April 2007. It had the 502, weekend package and was VERY clean. Given todays market, especially in Michigan, you should be able to get a lot of 24 to 26 foot boat for the money you want to spend and a whole lot newer.

"Boat" A hole in the water which one pours money into.
But it's great to own one.