Here's a perfect comprimise. Its in your size range, has the twins you are lusting for, and will go like HELL! Buy it right, do some upgrades, and have an awesome river/pond boat that fly's, is way under your spending budget, and has reliable small blocks.


http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/1265415234.html

too much teak!

Here you go. Already updated for ya....plus it will handle alot bigger power and water when your ready!
http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o29921-en.html

Saw that, nice combo, hard to find 242's with twins in a decent price range, I think for a smaller boat with a useable cabin the 242 is also great..I wanted one before I bought my 245 Chris Craft, but could not afford one then... now a tad cheaper

Not lusting for twins, My future will be better if I make the best decisions in the present. A single engine, low hours boat is best for me now. As I intend to take good care of it, it will have great resale value when I am ready to upgrade.

Those are really fun, and that's probably what I'd buy for his budget & criteria.

If you are willing to travel, here is a great boat for a first Performance boat, I bet it can be had for a great deal also
1995 Sunsation 25' w/trailer, stock motor, I bet 10K would take it!!

http://www.harrisonmarine.com/

Wow great find! Cool sight.