Best Boat for the Money
 

Im saving up for my first powerboat right now. Since Im only 18 I have plenty of time to do reasearch, but I would like to know everyones opinion on three boats I have been looking at. Although I am only 18 I have been around boats my whole life and we currently own a new 27' Grady White(fathers) . Im looking at something I can keep at my cousins house at Lake Travis on the weekends (were they currently have a 382 and 353 Fastech) and keep at the marina in clear lake during the week (my apt has boat slips). I was looking at either buying a 271 Fastech, a 26 Donzi Zx, or a Baja 25 outlaw. If there is another brand of boat I should be looking at fire away...Speed is not the top concern, turn key reliability is. I also like the thought of the Baja's ride being better in the rough waters, but im worried about Baja's fit and finish leaving me with maintence.

Re: Best Boat for the Money
 

Formula definately builds a quality boat. Good luck with your search. :D

Re: Best Boat for the Money
 

I have to put in a plug for a 260 or a 280 Powerquest! :)

Re: Best Boat for the Money
 

I would look at:
25 Active Thunder
26 Sonic
24 Superboat
24 Pantera
28 Saber

Re: Best Boat for the Money
 

I would vote for a USED Outlaw. Stable & forgiving Hull & good resale {If You Buy USED}.....Because......You WILL want to move up in a few years

Re: Best Boat for the Money
 

Gotta agree with birdog. For the money, a nice, used Outlaw is pretty hard to beat. Some of the other suggestions above would be nice but you're going to put out some serious cash to get into those.

I like Gary C's Powerquest suggestion also. More money than a Baja but not so much as to put it out of reach. Nice boats!

Just my humble .02 :cool:

Re: Best Boat for the Money
 

The 24' Pantera is a great "big water" boat. If you get into the rough stuff, you'd be a real happy that you went with it!

Re: Best Boat for the Money
 

All three are great boats. Try to buy as much engine as you can afford. I never heard anyone say that they wish they had LESS howsepower! :eek:

The best boat for the money will be a USED boat. Try to find one that is 5 to 15 years old.

Good luck! :cool:

Re: Best Boat for the Money
 

29 Fountain, will handle both waters good. Tom

Re: Best Boat for the Money
 

I'd go with the Baja 10 times over....

Awesome rough water rig, plenty of speed, and as for the other two, shave 1 1/2 to 2 feet off the length for the swim platform.

I put 120 hours on my 2003 25 Outlaw in one season on a very volatile lake. Motor was a 496HO. I sold it to a friend and now he an his wife are enjoying the hell out of it.

Very best bang for the buck.

Good luck.

Neil