Best Entry Level powerboats for a newbie
 

Hello to all- I've recently started looking at cigarette style powerboats, with the intent to purchase one within the next 6 months. I will mainly be boating on freshwater lakes in georgia so I don't think I need a twin engine boat or anything larger than 28ft.

I had been looking at Baja's, because I was under the impression they were a decent entry level boat, but have heard alot of people say they are garbage, so I've started looking at other brands like formula, sonic, donzi.

My question is what are some of the brands I should consider based on quality and what should I stay away from based on quality when it comes to a single engine up to 28ft. powerboat. I'd like to find something that is factory fuel injected to but it's not a must have.

All opinions welcome and I appreciate your feedback. :drink:

Depends on how much money you spend. I've had no problems with Baja's. Bang for the buck Baja's are hard to beat. Buy one 5-10 years old and most of the depreciation is already gone.
Boats are like cars, there are good one s and bad ones, fast one and slow ones. Get what you want and to hell with everyone else!

Stay away from Kachina.

I love my Baja! I think some people say they are garbage because they paid double or triple the price of a Baja and have to justify that.

Sunsation, Baja, Sonic, Formula, Joker, Active Thunder and Activator to just mention a few very good boats.

What's your budget? That's generally key. If you are just starting out, I'd strongly suggest staying away from older and bigger... go newer and smaller while you learn.

Sorry, I forgot to mention my budget. Since it will be my first boat, I'm really not looking to spend more than 35K max and would like to keep it closer to 25 but will spend the extra 10k on the right boat.

Thanks to everyone for your responses.

28 Pantera is the best in that size range.....boats to stay away from....sorry guys baja

jr

This is the link to my boat which is for sale it sounds like something you may be interested in http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o30532-en.html

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.

:flag:

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!

Miles, I started just like you on the OSO searching for the right boat. First I said I had a budget and wanted something in the range of 28-38ft. All i new is I wanted a nice offshore. I ended up with my first boat that i found right here on OSO. it was a 36ft Outlaw by Baja with twin Merc 500hps. I can not say enough about the boat and the quality. Everytime I was out on the water i had nothing but compliments. And for the year next to similar brands and size boats it looked like a brand new boat. Everyone thought it was near new. I would seriously consider looking at the 29 Outlaws. There is a 2003 29 on Boat Trader for 40K with twin 496 HO motors. I bet he would take 35K in this market. Real nice boat.