$5K and out of school
 

This might be a quite a stretch...maybe even crazy!

Thinking ahead to next summer, I want to drop about $5K to get some sort of boat so I don't go completely insane trying to pay off as much debt as possible! Would this be enough to get a decent small boat? I'm not interested in PWC's, and age doesn't really matter, preferrably if its no more than 25yrs old...just a real boat, most likely an outboard sport boat, a center console, or even a jetboat. I'd go for a smaller boat if it has good speed, but I'm also happy to cruise around in a larger boat.

Any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks :cool:

Re: $5K and out of school
 

hit the boat trader in your area, can you wrench on your own stuff?

Re: $5K and out of school
 

I bought an 87 21ft wellcraft for 5k, replaced the tired 305 with a decent 355 inch and it went 64 on gps this weekend. Total of 7100. I do al my own stuff also, so no other costs incurred

Re: $5K and out of school
 

yes, look around on boattrader.com.......an older jet boat would be in that range.....but most will be "project boats" that need some work, but thats half the fun!

Re: $5K and out of school
 

Start with a well-used, but solid 20 cigarette, Donzi 18, or a Sutphen 20. Then sprinkle on motor parts, and get cookin! I just sold my Sutphen for around that mark. Good luck. D911

Re: $5K and out of school
 

22' Pachanga that was completely redone in 1996 just went for 5400 on ebay. Looked like a nice boat and they run!!

Re: $5K and out of school
 

Cheap on gas with the 350's as well....

Re: $5K and out of school
 

Dont know much about them, but Ive seen the little Scarab Sprints go in that price range, and they have that "look" of a little sport boat. I think Baja made something similar in the early 90's also, but I could be wrong.

Re: $5K and out of school
 

It's possible. As was already said, check out boat trader and ebay. I found a 1993 20' Carrara for 2600 - put new interior, new carpet and rebuilt the motor and spent around $6000 total on boat and upgrades. I turned around to sell it at a profit and bought a 25' Checkmate

If it doesn't have to have a cabin, you'll probably have better luck. You can find older Donzi Classics for a reasonable price.