Hey guys I've been looking at boats for a while now. At first I was thinking a ill jet boat now I've been throwing around the idea of a small formula like 22-24 foot boat. This will be my first boat. I've been on boats my whole life and have driven them to. The boats I've been lookin at have been late 80's and don't know exactly what to look for or if something like that wouldn't make a good first boat. Just lookin for some input. I also found a 1974 f-18 repowered with a 350 mag mpi with an alpha1 drive. The whole boat was restored in 06. Again lookin at some input. I'll post links to boats if you guys want.

Thanks

Welcome to the forum...you have definitely come to the right place.

Help us to help you by answering a few basic questions.

What is your purchase budget or price range?

What area do you plan to do your boating? Lake, Ocean or Great Lakes?

What is your intended use? Water Ski/Tubing, Poker Runs, Cruising with over night possibility? Try to be specific.

Do you plan to trailer a boat? If so..what is your intended tow vehicle?

Do you occasionally plan to have 4 or more people with you or are you going to be solo with another significant other participating?

What is you mechanical aptitude? Are you handy with a set of tools? what is your boating experience?

You have posted this question on the "Formula" forum...are you knowledgeable as to this brand or did you just get lucky and choose us?

Truthfully answer these questions and post those answers. The guys here on the forum will be happy to advise you.

price range is around 12000 ill pay a lil more if i know its worth it but id like to stay around 12k.

im goin to be in the great lakes.

useage will probably just driving out anchor and chill. drive around. i wouldnt mind having the option to pull a tube. and i dont plan on staying over night but i had a option to maybe.

i do plan to trailer. i have a 08 sierra 1500. has a good tow gear. 4.10s

ill probably have a few people with me no more then 5-6 total including me.

im mechanicly inclinded i work on cars alot and work in a heavy machine shop. as for boating experience ive been on boats my whole life and have driven a few from pontoons, to cruisers and a bass boat.

i posted in the formula section since most of the boats ive come across that i liked have been formulas and ive heard many good things about them.

OK...our kind of guy!!!

I'll break the ice and suggest a mid '80's 272LS with twin Small Blocks. That will handle the Great Lakes with the 24 deg deep vee, move 4~6 people 55~60 MPH...top end...65+ solo...cruise 45~50 all day. This will be a 7500# tow which your 1/2 to GMC will handle well with 4.10's.

Now personal preference comes into play...I prefer the pre '87 "Flat Glass" models http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...la-thread.html. Good reading here...get your feet wet.

Some guys prefer the '87 and later "Curved Glass' look.

In any case...the 272 hits you right between the eyes...easy to find...quite a few good examples in your price range. If you come across a 255 Liberator...consider it as well. They aren't as plentiful but if you find a good one look at it as well. They are about as close as 2: boats get with the Liberator having deeper free board. You occasionally see 242 LS's with twins...great boat...I think they are great Inland Lake Boats...a bit small for the Great Lakes with 4~6 people on board.

So there's my vote...some one else will jump in also ...I'm sure.

Go find some prospects and get back with details and pics...and most important...have fun

Idk if i want to go with a boat that big. For storage issues and im manily goin to be on a smaller inland lake. Idk if you would be firmilure with lake st. Clair but its between lake huron and erie. Anyways i was thinking a 24good at the biggest. Unless you guys think a 27 would ne much better.

I know St. Claire...and if that is the limit of your boating the a 24 will be ok. I am thinking bigger for the cockpit room. Most 24 footers you find will be single engine. I cant speak to your storage issues but wonder if 36" is going to make a big difference.

You really need to go look at a few different boats to get a feel for what fits your needs. Based on your initial answrrs I still say 272 LS.

Ok well ill see what i can find and post it up.

heres a few boats i found that i liked.

this first one is small but a very sharp boat i think.
http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/3025892211.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/3032274315.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/3017926301.html

http://toledo.craigslist.org/boa/2934264534.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa/3007096910.html

i know these next ones arnt formulas
http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/boa/3004353180.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/2984961869.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/for/3010783822.html

Check these:

http://lansing.craigslist.org/boa/2985774818.html

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...2-Ls-101674233

That guy with the 18 needs to go burn another one...he's about double what it's worth on a good day.

The F3 is a good boat but for that money every thing better be new.

The 272 you found is a project boat...the one I found is a cherry. How far are you from Harrison Township? I would go look at that one.

So far I like the Cobalt nice size 454 with Bravo. On the Cobalt check the floor, carpet over wood could be a problem if boat was not taken care of. just my .02.