26k for a 98 454mpi boat is way too much. 55-60mph tops. But hey if you like it, only you know what it is worth to you. I paid 32 k 11 years ago for a 98 260 powerquest. I sold it 7 years ago for 24k. It had a 454 mag. And it ran a best of 62. Don't rush it. You will know when the right boat at the right price comes along. Good luck!

I have a 1995 Powerquest 22' that I am selling right now. Great boat, But I am only getting 60 mph with a 454 mag. Kind of a slow hull. Why is everyone asking $10000 to $12000 more than Blue book value

Because sellers are basing their Asking price on the other Asking prices they see- not much relation to what Actual sale prices are.

GlassDave is incredibly talented and equally knowledgeable, he is right. You are willing to spend good money; slow down and do your research. For $26K you can wind up with a great boat. Despite some of the previous posts, it is a buyer's market STILL. I've been in performance boating since 1977, take your time, keep your eyes on the OSO classifieds and you'll score a great boat.

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/boa/3933275592.html If you want to go faster I have a drop in 502 for 4500.00

Oh man, dont buy it. The ONLY reason the prevous 251 was worth 26k is because of the blue motor.

A 25 footer with 330hp is going to be a real snooze-fest.

Agreed, that's a lot of boat for 330 hp!

26k for a boat that old with a 454mpi is way too much... The seller would be a fool not to accept your offer of $26k....

Just as a comparison, not suggesting you buy mine (because I have decided to keep). My Velocity 260 is a 2003 (thus 5 years newer) has a 496 mag which will run 74 (GPS) w/Labbed prop, has huge stereo, quality of build from factory isn't even compariable, new interior, the list goes on.... I was asking 26k.... So there are much better deals out there. $26k will get you a much nicer boat in this market.

And mine comes with a new alernator as spare, spare working bravo lower w/nose cone, just sayin... Again, I am not selling anymore, just trying to point out there are better deals out there, and with summer coming to a close within the next few months, there will be even more deals out there. Mine will actually go up in asking price because I have many upgrades coming in the off season......

Found another 1999 Checkmate 251. This one has a 600 hp 540 C.I. motor with 70 hours on it. Have to run 93 octane in it. Priced pretty reasonably. What kind of troubles can I expect with a motor like this? Has a stock Bravo 1 drive