What's your budgett

Right around 20k. If I sell my current boat maybe 32k.

I have a 1997 Checkmate Conivincor 253. It is a great boat. His pricing isn't too bad on that boat. In my opinion a lot depends on how well the boat has been maintained. Was it stored inside or outside? Did it sit in the water for long periods of time? If you are serious about the boat I would crawl around the bilge and tap the fiberglass with a screwdriver handle. Listen for hollow sounding spots that indicate rot or delamitation. Look for any blistering on the bottom of the hull where it sits on the trailer bunks. The Checkmate is a fast, fun, responsive boat.You will have the wind in your face even when seated while driving. I have never owned a Formula but have owned a Powerquest which is similar. The Powerquest had a taller windshield (no wind in the face) and was a slower less responsive ride. More like driving a cruiser. All depends on what you are looking for

Thanks Hadleycat, does your boat have a 502 or the 454? I also found a newer 242 with a 454 that I was looking at, it just seems a lot smaller than the 253. Checkmates sound like great boats, the only bad I've read about is a little proposing. Ever have any issues with it?

My boat has a Procharged 502 (approx. 700hp). I have never had any problems with porpoising. I would think a little trim tab would take it away if you did. I believe the reason my Powerquest and the Formulas do not popoise is #1 They have a hook built into the hull between the between the outer strakes which acts as a trim tab partially deployed. #2 They do not have a pad like a Checkmate does. Both of these items also make them slower boats. The porpoising that some people experience on the Checkmates happens when you reach the speed where the boat is trying to climb up on the pad but you are not going quite fast enough so it falls back off the pad. Then repeats itself over and over.

I know dockside marine in willnington Illinois took a real nice formula 30 in on trade this year.... Not sure what its for sale for. They may take your boat n trade. It very well could be in your price range.

NADA is pretty much worthless for a 20 year old. All it is for is to give banks a basis for what they will loan.
The boat could be worth anywhere between 10k and 20k depending on condition.