I am also leaning toward the Donzi because I hear they're fast, have great fit and finish, prob could find a good one used one around 50k, and they are just so amazing looking. I want something I can stand up and drive in, Im coming from a center consol and I just don't like sitting much, thats why I wans't looking at a pantera. I also like the baja because of the ride and we hve a marine max close....

I say formula 311 w 502's...and I just happen to know where one is for 40k

I live in the same area as you and if I were you I'd be looking at American Offshores... they are built in the Texas city area.. and a 26 cataman would be an awesome boat and upgradeable. These are price right in the used market.

Ernie

Guys, he's 18! We need to be spending less than 40k here! Let's talk about great boats that he can get used for under 15k. Even then, he'll need his parents to co-sign. Besides, there is no way he could afford the fuel for a 26'.

The first one that comes to my mind is a 21' Eliminator with a 200hp outboard. Room for 5, you could ski behind it, it looks fast, is reliable, very cheap, will be easy on gas, and can be towed by just about anything.

If I can actually spend less then 40k that would be great, but realisticly I thought that 40k was basically the bare minimum you had to spend to get into this sport. I thought basically the 25 outlaw was the cheapest powerboat that you couldl actually stand up driving.

Mabye I should look into more of a Bowrider style boat, although thats not what I really want....

That's right, 18, first boat, $10k. Let him start easy. Even my first boat saw our infamous NJ waters, 16' with a 140 outboard on the back.

One of Sharky's bullets would teach him a whole lot as well.

There are two many quality companies out there now putting out a good boat to be very specific. Find a good local marina that you can count on for service. Any one of the three you are interested in will make you happy as long as you have a committed service department.

What about an older formula?

Like a 1989-1991 242 0r 272.
You can buy a 242 for around 20-25K and a 272 for under 30K. My father owned both and are great boats. That was one of the main reasons why I bought my 1991 311 when I was ready to buy my first boat. Also insurance is cheap on them becasue they are older. Attached is a picture of his 1989 272 (29' overall length) twin 454 330hp that was sold this year for 30K. It was a great rough water boat that still ran 70mph gps. Just my two cents....

Don

Thats exactly what I want, It runs 70, perfect length, has a windshield (partial to them because I have grown up on my cousins 353), A cabin to atleast sleep in, and runs well in rough water.