which boat is best ?
 

here is the question i want to buy a 29 to 32 ft for strictly pleasure cruising no poker runs or racing just want to get out there and maybe sleep in it for a few day trips just want a sharp looking boat and reliable with a 50 k budget,i know its a preference thing, the lake i run has 3 ft to 5 ft waves some days .
i like ...
baja
fountain
sunsation
powerquest
so over all good around boat for my application any input would be great!!!!!

I'd go with a 28' Sunsation. 2002-2004 to keep within your budget. Find one with shore power and a fridge maybe with AC. Stock with a 454 MPI 385 hp will top out at 62mph with 24p Bravo 1. I think Sunsation got it right with the color scheme for that vintage. Other manufactures have kinda old school color schemes for the respective model years. The cock pit is basically the same size as the 32' Dominator. I would choose the 28' over the 32' because the 28' is a single engine not a twin. It also delivers good MPG and is half the cost when it comes to winterization and tune-ups. The only down fall is where the head is located, under the V-bunk, if you spend the night and someone has to go everyone knows about it.

Good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for.

If you want to stay with a single..Buy a 280 Powerquest..if you want twins buy a 300 PQ. Better built boats,awesome ride and TONS of room in both cockpit and cabin

For sleeping and space I would go with PQ or the Baja, both will ride just fine but be bigger then the others for space and sleeping..

^LOL^ Twins are more desireable. No 28 will handle 3-5's. The bigger the boat the better to overnite on. Fountain will suck for cabin room. Sunsation a lil cramped. PQ gets my vote.

For the requirements you stated, I'd vote PQ also. Good build and roomy.

Different requirements....different recommendation

If you don't care about the year a 31 Bullet cigarette is great boat!!! I love mine handles the waves great!
Brett

Shameless Plug for a 2000 35' Nordic Flame, within your budget with new trailer. PM if interested.
Thanks,
Dean

+100

You still have the Flame Dean? Mine will be heading south in a couple weeks...is bigger than iwant but may have to call you

You could probably find a Donzi 33zx near your price range.. Good size cabin and a wave crusher.

With your brief description of use, it sounds like the pleasure/performance group is more what you are looking for?
Single bb or twin sb. The classic cost and maintance and vs manuverability and speed.

Of your list, PQ sounds like the best fit.

Is Formula up for consideration? Well built, comfortable, sporty.

For your application... All I can think about is a Formula SS.

Not as fast, but great layout and actually good enough to overnight on. Great outside space and layout, great quality.

Sunsation.

theres a 28 Active Thunder in the classifieds thats in your budget too..good power and probably a better riding boat than all listed.

+1

Funny...reading your specs, I thought Powerquest all the way....and it would seem that a lot of people agree with me! My first boat was a 29 PQ, and we basically wanted all the same things that you do. Great turn-key boat, huge cabin, microwave, fridge. I'd look for a 29 or a 30.

Second choice would be Formula, but you will generally pay a bit more for one...

x2

You can get into 33 Baja Outlaws in that price. Thats what I would be looking for.

I just catch this post. Well for adding.. I own a 1999 Baja 29 outlaw 1999 with 461pc 520lbs 480hp single engine. wot 60mph speedo. 3mpg... real offshore (and look) hull for the 3-5 wave. Forget the flatter bottom go fast in wave. A 28 sunsation will be 10mph faster, but in 3-5 wave, I don't thing it will be fun!! and that even at the slowest speed.. I know I'm in Florida now and it's winter time,,wavessss.. Need the trim tab mandatory!!! After it's trim, load of fun, no hard hitting bottom between wave but mostly 'splash' where everybody on board enjoy... Speed between 23-45mph in waves,, wot at 60 so.... I'm sure the single 29 OL is easier to navigate in 3-4' waves than a twin cause of the weight. In big wave want the boat at level asp..!! and yes if my engine stop,, well I'II call BoatTowUs where for $150 for a year unlimited tow..

Get twins. Love em!! Though formula isn't on your list the ss does sound ideal. I'd look at a few.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...port-101841586

Great advice, I am with you based on boating requirements posted.

Beautiful boat, love the aft lounge seating. The engines were repowered or rebuilt.

+1 I agree thats a sweet boat.

If I didn't have a need for speed I'd have an ss. They are nice boats. Crawled all over one before I bought the 272. I just love the classic 2 bolsters and bench sun pad. Thru hulls. All that just my thing. The ss is a great mix of sport and luxury though.

+1

Check out the 280SC or 320SC PQ. They do not have a ton of cabin space, but they do have a ton of cockpit space. I have a 280SC and love it. She's not too bad in the ruff stuff either. You will not see speeds of 70+ mph, but you will see a nice cruising speed of 40 - 45mph with WOT in the 60+ range.