What to do
 

Hi I'm looking at 3 different boats not wanting to spend over 20 grand.
1. 1991 baja 260 with 340 hrs $13,500
2. 1997 baja 240 listed for $13,200 with low hours
3. 1995 baja outlaw 24 with new 454 with only 30 hrs on motor and warranty thought this month on it $19,995
Since this will be my first boat not sure really what to look for and what's is the best boat for the money
The only thing that really turns me off about the baja 240 and the outlaw is that you have to crawl though the opening
to get into the cuddy witch seems like it would be a huge pain in the butt. Also the fact the outlaw has pink in it witch is a huge turn off but a brand new motor with warranty seems nice. The walk though cuddy in the 260 is nice but buying a 23 year old boat doesn't sound to promising and I think it would be really hard to resale when the time came to upgrade. But it also has low hrs and has been very well takin care of which is a plus.
Thanks any input would help don't want to make 13 or 20 grand mistake.

Dont be in a rush,,wait it out and you will find what you want..look at other brands as well ..dont just focus on baja..look at checkmate,wellcraft scarab and formula as well.lots of deals out their..

this one is clean http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/4054699863.html

Yeah I have looked at a bunch of other brands have been looking for about 5 to 6 months now. Looked at a couple fountain fevers, sunstations to. Not in a big rush just wondering about what I have found around here don't want to drive all over the place looking at boats. I was just wondering what people thought of these

What yall think of this http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/4041961177.html

First boat?? I would stay with a naturally aspirated merc 454 or 502. You need reliability before a temperamental engine frustrates you and takes you out of the game.

I can speak for the 91 260 as I had one for 14 years (96-2010). Great boat as it has lots of room in the cockpit. Not fast, maybe 55, and because of 21 degree deadrise, can be a little rough ride when the water is chopped up. Trim tabs help this if installed. I had done lots of upgrades on mine thoughout the years including marine air. Sold it to a friend for $12000 in 2010. That 252 on Craigslist that FIXX posted is a great looking one.

If you willing to stretch your budget by about $5k, I have a 2003 Velocity 260 w/496 mag for sale. (Not knocking Baja, but Velocity Boats are built and designed much better) Starts every time, gets good fuel economy and can run upwards of 74 GPS. It has a 2 year old interior, runs like a champ and needs nothing. Also comes on an aluminum trailer.. If interested PM and I will forward more info and pics.

I agree, whatever you get, make it stock engine so you can get used to boating, you don't need any additional headaches on your first boat.

Out of the 3 I would go with the Baja Outlaw 24. It's got an old school offshore look and a deep vee. Don't forget you have drop down bolster seats too. I would make sure the engine is stock. Don't get the modified at all because the reliability is not their.