My First "speedboat" - 88 Baja 240 sport or 88 Python 24?
 

Long time recreational boater here (cruisers and run-abouts) with a long time need for speed. Looking to enter the speedboat world and currently looking at 2 options:
88 Baja 240 Sport - stock 454 - 330hp, Bravo 1, ~260 hours, all stock
88 Python 24 - newer (2 yr. old) mildly built 468, Bravo 1

Both are ~ $8000 and a bit rough - typical interior, upholstery issues, couple non-working gauges, couple deck cracks, etc.
I normally boat on a relatively large inland lake where we get some decent chop (1-3) and occasional rollers (2-4) and main concern is a decent ride in this type of water. Speed is secondary but still desired - 60 + would be nice.
Any feedbacks or comments on what you think may be the better option would be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately my budget is in the < $10,000 area so pickings are slim.

Thanks

For 10,000 I am sure you can find boats that are in better shape. Keep looking there are tons of boats out there.

Yep lot of options out there for under 10k. the baja will be a bit slower but still quick and will ride well

Wait until fall or just before winter and get a better boat! For an 88 I would think they would be in good shape for that price, but I am definitely no pro on pricing! I just wouldn't jump too fast at that price and age.

Have you looked for a 242 Formula? Similar I think.

Brian

And dont be affraid to look at boats that are listed as high as 15,000. They may take a 10k offer.

Look both of them over good. Most 25 year old boats will have rot somewhere, mine did and it took me a year and a half to replace everything..

That being said the early 240's are good boats. Ride good, high freeboard, decent cockpit and cabin room for the size. I run mine out in Lake Erie, it does pretty good for its size.

$8K seems high for older boats that need work. Post some pictures of the boats.

Sincere thanks for all of your comments - as you all mention these did seem a little high but based on what was available in semi-local regions they seemed to be representative. Chose these two for this post because after reviewing many threads here they seemed viable starter boats in the 24' class with a balance of speed and ride. I'll definitely keep looking, and possibly hold off til season end for bargain prices. I definitely appreciate further comments and suggestions for boats similar.
Don't have pix here at work but will post some later from home.

The Baja will be easier to sell when your ready to upgrade

try to find a 24' formula with bolsters -- they are out there for 10k and make a great inland boat with a bbc

Would you be interested in an 82 python 24 with cuddy,chevy 496 highly modified, armeson asd6 conversion, trim tabs in very nice shape?

Is the python you're looking at this one?

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/3873297960.html

Just curious what kind of shape it was in. I believe the pythons were 24x7 boats weren't they? If so they will feel smaller then the 240 and most likely have lower freeboard which I think makes you feel "safer" in the boat. I run my 240 on the Chesapeake bay and it can get rough from time to time. It does well for what it is. And handles very predictably.

Seeing some great suggestions here. I would try and save a bit more money. Many new options will appear in the next two months.
Try and remember, even if you can get one of those boats at $6000 if motor goes or it has transom and or stringer issues the seemingly great deal becomes terrible.
If you can spend a couple thousand more upfront you can get a far better boat. Spend a couple hundred on a mechanical and at least a moisture check on the hull.
Many 1988 vintage boats will have hull and mechanical issues. If they already appear rough, beware. You will probably need a survey any way for insurance.

Check out the swap shop -- there a 242 formula there for 4k. Engine is out on a stand -- but easier to check for rot/ stringers / issues. Throw a set of bearings in the engine and go
and its in New York...

Will the 240 even go 60 with 330hp?

in ideal conditions, yes

No. Well, maybe on the speedo, not on the GPS.

construction quality varied on the pythons or so I have heard. On the other hand, the 24/7 hull is a really good design (there is a reason everybody and there cousin Jimmie has splashed it). If it gets lumpy I would rather be in a 24/7.

Mine will. But it will also spin a 23P 4 blade to 4800 rpm and i've been told it shouldn't do that either.

If you are looking for a nice 24 footer under $10,000 and in great shape check this boat out.
It appears to be prestine.
http://boats.smartcarguide.com/listing/28739697/

Ill let ya know one thing..my 88 240 would outrun that concord on any day, any conditions, and would feel so much safer in mine then that boat. I have the perfect scenario for you on the two boats you are considering. I was at Lake of the Ozarks for the last big offshore race, couple years ago. I didn't own a bigger boat at the time I owned a 21 ft checkmate, but one guy I was with owned a 88 240 sport, and the other one owned a 25 ft Sunsation, which is a 24/7 hull. Conditions were VERY rough, 5-8 ft waves. I rode to the race in the Sunsation to the races, which it wasn't as rough as it was on the way home, but anyway, I got out of the Sunsation, and rode in the 240 on the way back, and FELT sooo much more safe. I loved the 240 so much that when he sold it, I ended up buying it. Granted the boat has been completely gutted and redone, it has the x-dimension raised 4 inches, 2 more stringers, and two more bulk heads then stock and top cap glassed to the bottom, and all wood taken out and replaced with foamcore, this boat is as solid as it gets now. Not to mention the 240 dwarfs the 24/7s. Just so much more room, in the 24/7s its just a tight squeeze..If it was me I would look at a 240 or a 24 outlaw over a 24 python, or sensation, or pantera anyday..I would sell ya my 240 but not for under 16,000...

Dude, the Concords a are solid, fast ride. I'm not doubting you have a nice boat but that LS7 is mint and in his price range

Oh Im not saying its not a solid fast boat..but its not a very deep boat, and not sure it has a 24 degree deadrise like a 24/7 or a 240, so it will not take the rough stuff like these will..but it all depends on where he boats at..honestly I think I have seen that concord on Carlyle lake..not up close though..

Here's the spec on the Concord LS7


Length 24' 4" with Platform
Length 23' without Platform
Beam 93"
Weight 3300 lbs.
22 degree vee
60 Gal. Floor Tank

It's not a 24* dead rise but I'd say the ride is still pretty good. I have a 20 ft Concord magnum ii with a 20* dead rise and it rides nice until you get into some nasty water. My buddy has a 20 ft Baja outlaw and its pretty quick just doesn't ride as nice as my boat and I pretty sure it has a 21* or 22* dead rise

240 baja all the way! It will ride better and faster in the rough and the 24 degee dead rise is night and day difference. I had a 88 240 sport years ago and went back to a 94 outlaw sst (same hull) after owning many boats in between.

I have a 91 240 and its a great boat, I've had good luck with mine takes 1-3 waves fine and it'll get you close to the 60 mph range. I wouldnt pay 8k for an 88 if it needs work, I'd sell you mine for right around there and it needs nothing and its 3 years newer. The formula 242 is also a good boat to look for but you will often pay more for a formula. Good luck with the boat buying.

i see decent boats for 8 to 10 grand all the time . i bought a 88 wellcraft nova spyder with twins a couple years ago for 9 grand in really good shape .