I'm looking to buy my first boat. I'm looking at Mirage, Scarab, and Baja mostly. It seems those are the boats that will be in my price range. A 27 foot Fountain is what I really want, but out of the price range. What do you guys think would be a good boat to start with? I'm a mechanic and have no problem pulling an engine and building one. Of course I want a fast boat.

Let me know the upsides and downsides to these boats. A 24-26 foot boat would be perfect. Here is one I've been looking at.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/boa/4617169018.html

There is a 27 fountain on eBay with a buy it now for 24,900. Might be able to get them down. I would stay with a little better known than mirage. Whatever it is make sure you get a hull survey to check for moisture. May not catch everything but way better than going in blind.

I woud cross Mirage and a bravo 3 drive off your list if you want a fast boat.

For 20K or less you should be able to get in a single engine mid 90's or so Baja. Like a 260, 272, 252. 24 outlaw. Or if you dont mind a older boat look at a force hull!! You could get into a 280 maybe a 320 with twin BBC for around tha price. Baja would make a great first performance styled boat.

Check out Checkmate Convincors....251 and you may be able to find a 253 in your price range.

Nice handeling boats, stand up bolsters, decent ride and are a pretty fast hull with some power.

But I do agree with 92, a baja is a good starting point for a first go fast boat.

Just remember buying a boat is the cheapest part of owning a boat.

Solid boat and a classic hull; and a great motor. Smart upgrade would be hydraulic steering, but that's it.




http://richmond.craigslist.org/boa/4605790709.html

Sent Pm

I dunno, there have been quite a few "First boat for $XXX" threads lately. I realize some folks are looking to getting into boating on the cheap, but it seems a little suspicious there have been so many lately. Just my .02

Since I'm a Sunsation guy, I like this one:

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/30808

It's summer time. People are on the water in someone else's boat or on shore watching someone else's boat. Plus, a couple of threads on this when there is probably tens of thousands in this country looking at boats now.

Take snowmobiling - when do newbies look ? Dead of winter.

PS: There is a good looking Warlock with stock power that just went up for sale here on OSO.

X 1000 on getting a survey done on a boat you want to buy before you buy !!!!