New guy on the water...
 

Hello All:

I did not see a section for introductions, so I figured this would be an acceptable spot. I am looking to pick up my first performance boat. I am from SEPA and would mainly be trailering the boat to rivers, beaches and lakes. I really want to explore the Chesepeake, MD area, day/overnight trips and of course the fun part of boating, meeting new people and hangout spots.

I am in the process of narrowing down for what I am looking and want to get some opinions and suggestions.

Size: 25-29'
Power: Single 454HO, 496MAG, 502, 525... etc. Nothing with a blower. I want more of a fun, good running boat than one that is really fast and will give me headaches later.
Brands: Checkmate, Baja, Fountain, Scarab...
Price: Under $30K I do not really want go get into financing a toy unless the rate is too good to pass up. Again not looking for monthly payments.

Basically I am looking for something that is well taken care of, not looking for a project or having to dump a ton of money into to get on the water weekly, as good on fuel as a boat with a big motor can be. Something my wife and myself can go out on and have fun and bring friends on from time to time. Hope you all can steer me in the right direction. Thanks in advanced.

Welcome buddy. So your are asking for advice between all different brands? Ok, let me get comfortable.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]526528[/ATTACH]

I have a Velocity 280 that meets your guidelines. PM for a link if interested.

Padraig

You are in the right place, just go to the classifieds. If you can go for as big as you can for the cash that you have to spend. Another thing check out engine access in the engine compartment, some of them you need a shoehorn to get into them to do anything. Sorry, most of them in that size range.

You are in the right place, just go to the classifieds. If you can go for as big as you can for the cash that you have to spend. Another thing check out engine access in the engine compartment, some of them you need a shoehorn to get into them to do anything. Sorry I should have said most of them.

If you are planning on running out in the bay or ocean at all I suggest you try to go with twins, and most likely the best all around boat in this size range is a 28 Pantera or 28 Active Thunder. Here's what looks to be a very nice one in your price range:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o53141-en.html

Decent looking 27 Fountain in Ct. For $29,500 with what he is calling an HP 500 although it does not look like one. If it is a legit HP 500 then that is a nice package. There is also a 26 Scarab in Wi. That looks really nice for 25,000. Good luck

im also in the market for a speedboat in the 30k range. I hate to buy anything older then 2001. Keep us updated if you find anything good.

To be honest for a solid well maintained blue motor under 30k will be very very rare. Also don't rule out solid good looking older boats like a 272 sr1 or Novas. Late 80s early 90s. Great riding boats. Not speed demons but will make your bay trip comfy. Just some ideas

id rather have twin small blocks in a boat that size. sbc's are much cheaper to maintain than big blocks and they dont kill bravos..

Welcome! I found a great deal locally on an 03' Velocity 260 with a 496mag for my first boat a few summers ago. I absolutely love it. Looked at a handful of bajas and a checkmate as well before deciding on it.

Thanks Fellas! I am trying to gather some information and buy the best boat I can for my budget. Doesn't mean I have to spend $30K exactly, I would love to spend less if I could. Having to trailer it everywhere makes it more difficult than keeping it in one spot, but that leads to more costs and I would rather be able to dip it in the lake and not have to drive a few hours to go use it every weekend. I would love Twins but I am afraid of feeding them weekly. I know everyone is bias to one brand or whatnot, I am open minded and looking at everything. I am probably going to pull the trigger in the winter when everyones 2foot itus is kicking in.Keep the great information and suggestions coming.

Wakeboarder, I have a 93 35ft Lightning for sale, twin HP 500's, very nice looking boat. Both motors recently freshened. Triple axle Manning trailer. Cruise anywhere from 55 to 60 and has seen 82 top end. ($35,000)