25-29, whats good for a new guy
 

So after recently leaving the life of cruisers (29' Four Winns), I am interested in getting a powerboat. I would like to get into a 25'-30'. Probably looking to spend $45k and no more than $65k. Will pay cash, so financing is not needed.

I have a few questions, such as, what boats are out there I should look at? I have seen some nice Fountains and Bajas. What other manufactures make a good quality boat in that size category? Doesn't seem to be too many, but I do not know this market well at all. Also, what type of maintenance should i expect? I would like to find a larger (29-30ish) with twins but of course everything doubles in price. I would be running on Lake Michigan, so the second motor would be nice to have in case of a "Break-down".

Thanks for any help that is offered. Now comes the fun part......BUYING!!!

I'm partial. For a well built Quality boat with twins, 29' Formula.
I own a 336 with 502s and love it.

I'm with RJ, again I'm partial, also worth considering, Donzi 28 ZX 45k is alotta money, you can buy a 312 Formula in that range also, and if you go single engine, lots of options there, but if you had a 29 cruiser I'm sure you had twins, and they say once you go twins you don't go back

I think this is a pretty decent buy

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/16542

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/13664 sounds like a good deal and a sonic can deffently handle the ruff waters of lake Michigan.

for rough water theres saber 28s some sin gle some with twins. sutphen 26 singles great ride the twins would be 30 and 31 sutphens and active thunder 28 and 32 with twins. check your pm.

Pantera, Powerplay, Active Thunder

Im partial too but this would be a great boat for Lake Michigan...Powequest makes an outstanding boat and they are made to handle the rough waters of Lake Michigan. This one does over 90 mph..
http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o41881-en.html

That PQ 300 Revenge is a kick a s s boat. I concur with Griff, Pantera, Powerplay, Active Thunder, and add Laveycraft and PQ.

If you're looking for a MCOB, Laveycraft and Sunsation are the only two I've been on that I can recommend for big water.

x2

Here is one my friend has for sale. He is in MI also.
http://bajaboatowners.com/classified...of-a-kind.html

How do the Donzi 28zx run with twin small blocks? How would the ride with the pad bottom on lake Michigan? I love the looks of them but don't know much about them

Fountain
 

29" Fountain with a 525EFI Merc.

Thanks Mike. Come check it out you WON'T be disappointed.

Cmon blume, a 29 inch Fountain. Don't we get enough flack for the LOA of Fountains! LOL:lolhit::eekdrop:

best boat in that size range and best resale

I bought a 28zx last year as my first boat. Bought it end of season so I got a great deal. Has twin 350 mag mpi / Bravo 1 package. Really just starting to FULLY enjoy the boat. Have had it to 71 gps on a little lake. It's also a good family boat and easier on fuel than big blocks.

Hopefully going to do my first poker run in Buffalo this August. Good luck in your search and don't be afraid to drive across country to get exactly what you're looking for.

agreed!!

That's my short list as well.

Lots of other nice options out there as well.

x2

i have an 87 wellcraft nova i would sell. oh, 45,000 not 4500!!!:lolhit: the fun part is shopping. actually buying is the scary part.

not sure you got my pm so, if you go to powerboat listings and to sutphens. there's a white and blue 33 with merc hp 500s bravo 1 drives in mint con. that boat run s as good as most 40footers. will run around 80mph. priced cheap. 38,000 they have a lg cabin because the bow angle and there a 26 degree hull. its in conn but the guy uses it in maine on sebago lake.