Noob Question ! Need some insight........
 

Hi Board,

I currently reside in Grand Haven,Michigan and im looking to purchase a used powerboat. If you had a 20K budget what starter boat would you pick and why. Im looking for something that I can run in Lake Michigan, but also stay overnight on in the Grand River. Thanks for your time.

With $20K, you need to find something old and heavy.

Good luck! :cool:

I'm thinking it'd be easier to go with a non high-performance boat at that price range, especially one big enough to run on Lake Michigan.

The odds of getting something that is reliable would be slim, and the cost of upkeep and repairs would easily pass what you paid for the boat.:eek:

That being said, you might be able to find some older 24 Pantera's in that range. They are supposed to handle the rough well for the size, and they do have a small cabin to overnight two in.

Good luck.

call Greg at www.kustommarine.com he is in the are and knows what is around here and what is good

I would keep an eye out for a single engine 28 Saber.

a 28 saber is a nice option. We started on Lake MI with a 25 Baja. Works, but you do get beat up in big water, but most people don't go out in big water for any length of time anyway. It's too difficult to anchor and hang out on the beach :) A 25-28 Checkmate, Baja or Powerquest of an older model year would be a nice option. ours was a 1990 Baja 250ES and I liked that boat a lot.

there are some 24ft Python's on ebay right now. don't know how they handle the real rough stuff though.

Thats what i was kind of thinking of getting. Maybe a 20 - 24 ft powerquest, or older Baja. Tell me what you think of these models of boats guys. There are several good ones for sale in Spring Lake.

Powerquest 20' Razior, Enticer -
Baja Hammer, Outlaw -
Donzi Claasic,black widow, x-18
Powerplay

Sorry for so many questions,

:drink:

Age and reliability are going to be the issue. You can get some killer deals on "sport cruiser" style boats right now like Sea Rays etc.

For 20K in a performance style I'm thinking OB Pantera or maybe Superboat. It's going to be tough.

well i could always get a 251 liberator........lol, not !

:party-smiley-004: