What year should I look at

You should buy mine. Its one year older than you were looking for and slightly more but its worth it. These older formulas handle rough water really well, anyone can attest to that. I've been caught in 6-7's with an occasional 8 and the boat did great, I never doubted it.

1989 Formula 272 w/454's, basic bolt ons, new motors 5yrs ago, less than 200hrs on them currently, new paint, new interior, tube style swim plattform, 1200 watt stereo and more...

Asking $23k

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO67Rrz4cEQ[/YOUTUBE]

Baha Mach 1 is a great option for a larger more affordable boat. you can get a 290 for mid teens to low 20's. I would look at them aswell as as the Baja brand.

Well they had them as 280's I think untill 90 or 91. Then they changed the name to 300es or something like that. There is also a 290 the was early 90's. That was a 21 degree hull, but have always heard good things about them.

No matter what boat you look at. Anything from the late 80's and early 90's the thing you are going to want to look for is rot. Baja, formula, Fountain, Really any boat from that time has a chance of rot, so either get it surveyed or know what to look for.

Here is a video of mine on Lake Michigan. Was a bit snotty that day 2' with a hole here and there. Was running with a 29OL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf8QPyDGNFk

I picked up my 03 Velocity 260 (200hrs) for $18k in January 2010. Single 496 Mag, runs
Very High 60s, and capable of low 70s in perfect conditions (I boat on the Detroit River and Lake Erie,
I have yet to see these perfect conditions....) I have taken it across erie, to PIB, many times, in some
pretty nasty stuff (6'-8' one time.....). Not a single squeek or rattle in it.

http://site.activesportsunglasses.co...ty/inwater.jpg

Deals are there, just be patient.... Keep in mind,while you may not mind a rough ride, your rig will.
If you boat on the Great Lakes, you need a boat made to handle it. If not you will find many loose
items, rattles, squeeks, etc.
I will take a smooth ride over a fast ride any day in Lake Erie.