Can't go wrong with a Fountain, awesome handling, power, safety etc....and some good deals out there right now!

my first boat was the checkmate. i learned alot about how to operate, dock etc with it. now its time to go bigger. you have a lot of coin to spend. you can find some real nice boats in your range. buy what you like. mercury marine is still mercury marine , it doesnt mater what its bolted in to. handleing and style, well thats another story.

I got a line on a bad azz 272 BAJA Islander with a 650HP new engine in it that is in your budget. Super clean boat and turn key.

its all about riding,or test driving a bunch of different boats and seeing what u like. active thunders are great boats. I have heard good things about pantaras also. i was in the same spot you are in but with alot less to spend. I was looking at bajas but i found out they had alot of transom problems in the late 80's early 90's. I ended up buying a 98 checkemate 253 convincor with a 454 mpi. great boat and a great deal. but i searched and searched for one for about 3 months till i found the right one. good luck

There is a 28' Cigarette in the classifieds and forum member 'dreamer' wants to sell his 28. Both are twin engine boats and should be in your price range.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/c...28ss-pics.html

WELL SAID!!!!

(about the get what you want part.. I have no opinion on Baja - never owned one)

until u want to sell it.... then u wish u hadnt bought xyz brand


though no one wants to admit it




sorry

thanks to everyone for your response, i've definately got more research to do now and appreciate the feedback.

i understand the buy what you like theory, but I've been bitten in the butt by that a couple of times and don't want to make the same mistake again.

Scarab!