First Boat for $20K
 

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. :bong:

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://images.craigslist.org/00606_7...jC_600x450.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/01010_a...Fl_600x450.jpg

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 !!!!

No offense, but I think the 253 (wide) is one of the worst hulls ever made for anything over 1 ft waves. I owned one, and I have a friend that now has one. It's like a bathtub compared to the 251

The 24x7 boats are hard to beat in that price range. A hull that is 30 years old, yet still raced today. Simply amazing for anything but hanging out in the cockpit

A lot of good deals on older 24 Baja Outlaws or 25 Checkmates out there. Good luck.

I would go for a checkmate over Baja. My advise is find a few models and brands that you like and buy the nicest boat you can afford. It will be cheaper in the long run.

lol they arent the best, but for the price range hes looking at they are good IMO.

That Lightning has spoiled you, lol

Lol. They are roomy tho! My checkmate still holds my personal record for how high in the air I have been in a boat, eye to eye with the guy on the fly bridge driving the cruiser that made the 6 ft wall of water in front of me :)

Not my boat but ran across this one.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/4557953321.html

And the GAS.....

B Break
O out
A another
T Thou$and

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to start looking a little more in to Checkmates. I fully understand expensive hobbies. I already have a couple. I really like that 30 ft Scarab.

I cannot confirm nor deny how good these boats take off and land when driven with some "sense"...:whistle:

But you could ask dad and the 16 people that were on top of his Gibson when it took place. Some noobs were like "we could see your propeller!" LOL

My gf was with me, I hit the first wave right off the back of the boat at 45...that sure got her attention.

After that, I dont think you couldve stuck a sewing needle up her bunghole if you used a sledgehammer.

Seemed like a lot of boat for the money if it checks out. Get on the scarab forum and see if anyone knows anything about the boat. Lot of guys on here from around that area and they may be able to help.

Here ya go..........

http://www.sbspickwick.com/1997-avanti-33.html

pantera 24 or save another 10k and get a pantera 28