I bought a Chris Craft 260 Stinger this year that needs alot of restoring, but it's the only way for me to go bigger next time. Buy a boat that you love and deal with what it brings.

PM sent :drink:where are you located?

I like the idea of getting a 25' single for that price with a healthy big-block. At that price, you'll have to look for a Baja Outlaw or Checkmate Convincor or something like that, but you could still get out in some semi-rough water and work on your driving skills on a buck and have a blast. JMO

Ok I guess I did forget to put the smiley at the end of my last reply, But I thought it was obvious that I was being sarcastic..:grinser010:

This is what I did

I live in holland, MI. I really appreciate all the boats that you all have sent me. I am probably about 3 weeks from buying another, or less if I find a great deal that I can't pass up:drink:

I need a cabin. I have two little ones that need naps:angry-smiley-038:

I really like 28 cig's would love a cafe but that will be hard to find. still open to cats

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/boa/2317923298.html close by cool and reliable

yeah i saw that one is there a cabin in it? or atleast a place to put stuff?

I made all the pads and redid it.I think it just needs the cushions replaced,. I think they lost them.

My first Poker run was to Holland Mi. from Benton Harbor. Pier 33/Thunder Marine run in 1994,
The Infinity 26' that made the run is for sale. Still. lol
You have to add your own graphics. It was recently painted to all white. Has a cuddy, and a porta pottie. 454 Merc. mag, Bravo 1, and everything you want, but it is a 1994. Had it since new. I figured you might want something newer, but the boat needs nothing but fuel.
And for $9k. You have a lot left for fuel. :drink:

I'll keep it simple...anything that Mr Arronow had a hand in...
Formula, Donzi, Magnum, Cigarette...you can't go wrong if it's a solid piece with reliable mechanics.

There are some very nice 302 Formulas and 28' Cigarettes out there for that number that will serve you very well....especially when the weather goes to $hit....you'll feel good with some meat between your a$$ and the water.

Have fun with this...that's what it's all about.:evilb:

If you decide to go with a loan let me know. My 29' Phantom was specifically made for your water...no literally...the owner of Outback steakhouses had a lake front home and wanted something for Lake Michigan. And Will Smith answered that request quite nicely :drink:

The 24-26' is great but if you go out on Michigan at all, especially with kids, the extra length will make all the difference.

"That's what she said" (for those Office fans in the house 2nite)

i don't think that I am going to finance a boat. But have heard rumors that I may be recieving a work bonus so budget may be going up.

Anyone know anything about this boat? http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...racer-98391645

or http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o38648-en.html

From the listings alone not having seen the boats, there is WAY WAY more than $10K worth of work between the two. That would be an easy choice.

26'-29' single engine there are a lot of good deals 20k is tough for a late model but make offers!:eureka:

I would stay away from these older bigger boats that need a lot of work. The prices are low for a reason and maintenace is gonna be way more than you anticipate. Another thing to think about if your on a tight budget, 200 plus gallon tank at $4/gallon. I love Cafe's but I don't think these 2 are very budget freindly.

I haven't seen either of these boats first hand, but I can say from the pictures that both of them will need some work. The red one is in better shape, but if you look at the pictures it has two different seats in it, and it needs a new interior. It appears that the table is missing in the cabin and the gauges in the dash do not match. It also doesn't list the engine hours either. If it passes a survey, it might be ok and you would have a nice piece with 10-15k worth of work (maybe more). If the engines need refreshing, double it. The second cafe is in awful shape, it appears that everything needs to be redone and just by looking at pictures i would say this boat has been left in the water, so I would be concerned that the transom would be wet. You would have to sink a ton of money into that one just to have a nice boat.
I have looked at a lot of cigarettes over the past few years because my next boat will be a Cig and I can tell you that if the price is cheap, there is a reason.
Just my .02
:drink:

Agreed, the odds are Cafe's in that range need another 20k in work. I look at mine which is 10 times nicer than that one and can see $10k that it needs to be a 9/10.

Also - you're right you have to be prepared to pull up and put 800-900 in fuel in it; it isn't unrealistic with 200 gallon capacity.

I know the new 2500 Dodge's have a capacity of 15k, but I wouldn't hook my Cafe up to anything without 4 wheels across the back. They are heavy.

Ov?
 

BJ is that you?

-BauMeeks

did you get my e-mail and Pictures?

i would be surprised if you could find a twin engine formula or baja for under 20k unless its pretty old (1990's). I personally wouldnt buy a boat over 10 years old. Just doesnt make sense for a few reasons: repairs, insurance, reliability, etc. If i had 20k i would go for a descent 28' with a single big block.

anything twin is going to be expensive. there is seemingly too much hardware for a small budget. in many instances these small twin boats have 20k worth of just motors and drives let alone hull, cabin materials, etc.

looked at that boat on 32nd in holland, He wants way to much.
Also looked at http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/2323538536.html could be had at $14,000. White is paint and where they blended in the front was a horrible job. They say that rebuilds have less than 100 hr. but no paper work. interior is rainbow color. But 80mph would be fun

I like the thought of roughly a 28 with efi. That would be a good trailer boat, reliable and easy as a boat can be on gas.