I have a friend that has been around boats for a long time but never owned one, he has spent countless hours on my 28zx and wants to buy a boat now. He wants a 24-28 ft single engine boat, and he has $50,000 to spend. This will be his first boat so thats why I'm asking your input. I have told him to look at 26zx or maybe a 28 single, Fountain, Nordic, Formula. What would you tell a friend to spend his $50k on for a first boat.

Show, I think that there are a bunch of really great deals out there....I have been in the boat biz about 30 yrs, Heres one for your pal, how about a 2005 25 Baja Outlaw, 496 MAG HO, SST PKG, swim platform and trailer...has origional 33 hrs.boat is spotless!!! For the money it's the best bang for the buck. If he wants a older twin, I also have a 1992 31 CIG, 500 Hawks,Bravos, Platinum Edition, 165 origional hrs, two sets of carpets,trailer Have him call me for details....Marc 269.208.5321

How about a Sunsation 288 with a 496ho. That is a solid boat, and there are quite a few out there for sale.

All of the boats below would be nice boats for your friend. Check out the OS classifieds as well as boats.com and boattraderonline.com

Sunsation 288
Active Thunder 25 or 28
Nordic 25 or 28
Formula 27 or 29
Sonic 26
Pantera 28
Scarab 26 or 29
Donzi 26zx or 28zx

My old boat. Just an incredible ride and everything is top shelf on it. Current owner babies her. Huge inside, unique and a true 28 foot, wave crushing machine.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o30168-en.html

I would suggest he look in the 8-15 thousand range. He should accept that he will take somewhat of a loss in 2 years. During these 2 years he can do a lot of looking around. There are a lot of good "trainer" boats out there.

I know of a 2003 28 pantera single thats a good buy.
Engine is not stock though.

I aggree with you augie.... Don't spend 50k on your 1st boat... It will hurt more when you run it aground, Burn up an impellor sucking sand up in it. Banging off every dock learning to use it.. Not saying your buddy is not "Boat Worthy" I started with a 26 stinger.... Even that was too much for me in the beginning. Get a USED Runner and get the hang of it and learn the feel for the water, currents docking, and so forth..

Then get your dream boat.. You may change your mind and get a cruiser with all the bells instead of a go-fast..


I just would hate to see you spend 50k on something and two years from now take a bath on it because you realize that was not what you wanted or your boating needs are heading another way!!

Good luck and post what you buy!!

Diddo - on the Pantera! GREAT BOAT!!

28 Panterra