Need help getting into a boat (info on yrs etc)
 

Hey guys, I just signed up. I'm a ex-family boater (19' stingray BR I/O) from the late 90's and early 2000's and now am trying to get into some kind of a real boat. I've been looking around on craigslist and found a few within budget and style. But ultimately what I'm looking for a big, fast boat that can take some people and have room for some coolers and gear. The closest thing I found to what I want is a '89 Sea Ray Pachanga. With the Cuddy, 454 magnum Bravo drive. Boat looks awesome to me. It has the drop down cushion seats so you can stand or sit. Lots of room for people. Has a buddy. And most important that 454 with pipes coming out the back end. My questions and concerns are on the age of the boat and the fact I doubt it's fuel injected. What would be the mid 90's EFI version of the Pachanga? I don't see any for sale after '90. I found a '96 Well Craft Scarab 22 with the EFI 454 Bravo. But it's tight and has no buddy from what I could tell online. I like the look of a old Well Craft Scarab or Pachanga. can you guys please help point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.

Been doing some research like crazy. I don't think the Pachanga is what I want. A 26' Formula from the 90's or a Wellcraft Scarab 26' from the 90's is what I'm looking for.....

When you find the boat you like, (this is where you need to read) Get A Survey Done.

look at 26 sonic's and 25 active thunders, as well

ok, where are you and what is your budget? how many people you wanna fit? how fast you wanna go? that 22 is smaller in most ways than your old 19 bowrider. a great buy over 500 miles away is not such a great buy. you come here and say "i have $___k and live in such and such a place" and people will come up and tell you what they know of in your area, or what they have for sale. or who to go see for local info-advice. just be ready for a sideshow. one guy will say "this is the best boat for the money." and another giuy will say "that hull is junk." and they will start a catfight and everybody will forget you are looking for a boat and start arguing. but in the process you will get to see the (perceived) downsides of many different boats...and it is fun to watch. oh yeah; welcome aboard!

I stayed up last night reading about the history on boating (speed boating I guess) and the types etc. The pachanga is NOT for me. Nor do I want a carb boat. I want fuel injection. I searched Orlando, Tampa, Miami and Ft Myers Craigslist. This is what I want so bad I could trade my twin turbo bmw for it if he would. I did see that the 22' well craft scarab is WAY to small. No cuddy, no where to put some coolers and family gear. Basically a 5 seater sport boat. Not for me. I really like the 25-27' Cuddy boats like this formula!!!! This is the ticket man!!! I'd say budget of $15k. This guy below already came down to 15k. Anyone want to trade a boat like this for a '07 BMW with 420HP and showroom condition hahaha. The BMW never gets driven.... I think the wife is right. At least with the boat we'd use it as a family. The car is just for me.

https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/4959456446.html

You would be more happy with that Formula then almost anything out there for the money. Finding a "sport" boat that will seat a lot of people it's very hard, especially in the $15k range! Believe me, I tried.... I used to have a Formula 242ls, and the build quality is absolutely amazing (even better then my scarab), and that 252 you are looking at is a perfect size. Easy to trailer, plenty of room, Will still go 60 +/- and still big enough for when the water gets rough. I dig it, and having a good solid quality boat to start off with is the BEST way to do it, rather then trying to save a few bucks and end up with junk. I will say the sit down seats in the formulas are really annoying, they sit too low and you will want bolsters, but you can ad that later and then you will have it all!

^Exactly. You hit every point bud. The only thing I didn't like about this boat was the seats, which you picked up on. I like the stand-up, flip down bolster kind that have a U-shape to them. But that doesn't seem to hard to retrofit. I do all my own work and have extensive car fab/modification work experience. Yes, this Formula boat is a gem. Just hope I can find one like this in about 6 months when I'm ready to pull the trigger on the deal. So sounds like I'm on the right path. I really want to stick with a Formula boat from I've been seeing. I had no idea about their history until last night. One of the OG's building these deep v's. And I like how well thought out the boat is. The scarab's to me look like stripped out camaro's with roll cages if you compare them to cars. This Formula I found is the best example (minus front seats) of what I am looking for. Could not come up with anything better. I'm not looking to race people or go stupid fast. I want a sporty boat like this that can cruise 45 well with the family and kids. And when I and my buddy's go out could romp it a bit. not looking to modify the engine or race every boat I see.

You aren't yet.... You will tho. Lol. Only reason I went with the Scarab this time around was because I wanted something in the 30'+ range, and if I got another Formula I wanted it to be a 1992 or newer (cause of the rear swim platform and graphic change), and all the 302s & 336s were just out of my price range, and the 31' Scarab Excels are just as roomy on the inside as Formulas (the 22' scarabs are way to small for me, fast but no creature comforts). The only other thing I would consider if you end up with a 24-25' Formula is upping the power in the future. They cruise amazingly, but are heavy boats that are kinda slow getting on plane with a single engine, and will actually cruise faster using LESS gas with a little more power. Throw a small blower on it and you will have an economical family boat with enough power to go out with the boys and get a little crazy with too. I know adding a blower and swapping out the front seats might seem like some big changes when in all reality you probably wanna buy a new boat that is 100% what you want, but they don't really make boats "exactly" how you want, gotta do that part yourself, ha! But starting with a quality built boat that has a good ride, the seating arrangement and cuddy you want is way more important for someone who actually has a family and uses their boat. Formulas are easier to get down into the cuddy then a lot of others as well in that price range too. Oh and don't overlook the trailer! I made my Formula perfect and held off on the trailer and spent every single vacation on the side of the f**kin highway fixing a trailer! Lol

^good to know. I'm not writing off a 26' scarab, just saying I can't see any in my price range from the 90's that are EFI. I know I want those muffler cans gone. That's the first thing that would go. But I don't consider exhaust and bolt on items as major mods. for me major mods is forged pistons, cam, rods, etc. I do not want to get into the motor beyond a "long block" arrangement. And if they are EFI, can't we get tuners for them? I put a full blown laptop based Vishnu Proceed tuner on my BMW and it's nuts. I can control boost, timing, data log etc. Figure there maybe something for the EFI boats. I really like the Formula cubby entry too. as mentioned.

I'm on my third "Bird" 242LS - 272LS - 242SS I never looked for another brand after first sea trial off Florida coast. "84
Depending on your preferences this looks real nice, understated at the least. If that is a 272LS. Note: that is probably an Alpha boat. Not that big of deal IMHO. Has bolsters and I bet it is FRESH WATER ONLY.
When looking for my boats I try to stay Away from salt environments. I look from Phoenix to Ar. You can always call Formula factory "Vintage Division" and talk to somebody that knows your Vintage boat if you have HIN. All parts still available from Formula, Interior, Foam, Interior materials, wiring diagrams, etc. They will also tell you what state the boat was originally delivered to. Their website has a Vintage brochure tab, you call see all the original brochures.
So long as the length is right I doubt you will ever buy another boat
This listed in Sayre, Ok.
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/4970068492.html
Good Luck

Where is the boat classified on this forum???? I'm trying to look at what's for sale.

Can't go wrong with a formula. Pachangas became envisions.

I got my BMW up for sale. I could probably swing having both toys but why... I barely have time to use the BMW. I have to drive it so the gas doesn't go stale. Only I enjoy the BMW. The boat could at least take the family out, parents, friends etc. I think we could get more use out of a boat. I found the classifieds.... been on the BMW forum too long.

26 velocity would be another boat to consider. you do your own work. not lookiing to be on the water this summer? maybe search for a broken toy. repower it yourself. so many people on this forum don't even want somebody else's engine. they wanna start over with power they know what is in it and how it has been run, and how long it has been run...

The OP still hasn't really stated his wants, needs, and must have's. Are you looking to do overnighters? What water will you be boating in (River, lake, bay, ocean, etc)? How many people do you want to pack on? Number of engines? Speed? Reliability? Price range? Will you be trailering? Do you already have a truck?

I mean no one can help at least without a run down. Lots of knowledgeable people on here but without the info it's hard to help.

^sorry. I already have a truck. I have a '14 1500 Silverado with the tow 3.42 gears and G80 locking diff, and 5.3L, 4x4. Rated to tow like 11k LBS. So truck is not an issue to a point. Plan on using in Tampa Bay and Boca Grande. Intercostal and slightly off-shore; run parallel to the shore line. Looking to carry 6 adults. Go out for a long day cruising and having fun. I'm just about dead set on the EFI 7.4L Formula 252. The only thing I don't like about that boat are the front seats. I like the flip down bolster seats. I can't imagine that is too expensive to swap out on my own. I like the cuddy entrance and wrap around seating the Formulas have. Good looks, lights on the bow, sky lights... I mean the whole thing is dead on the money minus the seats. I do my own work, so some maintenance items like water pumps and upper end work is not an issue. Really rather not go into the motor. If it's got good compression, and relative to the specs for it, I'm good. I can work with that. I put up my BMW for sale last night. If I could sell it I have a 252 in my sights down in Miami. 3hrs away... Not a big deal. Looking to spend 15k-ish on the boat and trailer.

Click on the "Classfieds" tab at top of page. They just redid the format so it's a little hard to navigate now but................

Chaparral 2355, 2335, 2135 Sport, and the 2550 Sport are all 90s models that have optional big block EFI power and quality on par with Formula. Stretch your budget a little and probably find a deal on an early 2000s 235/265ssi models that have cuddy cabins and EFI power as well.

^I will keep my options open. I did some more research on the Formula 252's. Apparently they're not a true 24* vee bottom boat. 22* apparently. And I really want a boat that comes with bolster seats. I don't think I want to mod that. Not even sure where to buy the frames and all. I need a 25-30' sport buddy with EFI power. I found a '96 Powerquest? in Miami. Apparently the company is gone out of business. Boat looks nice, but it's not in the best shape.

Powerboat swsp shop is a group on Facebook, 22,000+ members, used bolsters complete with bases go up for sale almost daily. But if you are wanting more suggestions you should check into Envisions or Mach 1s, they are both offered in 29' versions with U-shaped seating and fuel injected single big blocks and can be found for 15-25k depending on age and condition ect. Not the fastest but are big boats with huge cockpits and cuddys that handle the rough well.

Ok, List of what I have found:

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...d-Xl-102330845

https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/4959456446.html

http://sarasota.craigslist.org/bod/5037098161.html

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/boa/4984302928.html


Thoughts? About all I could come up within budget and that I liked.... I don't know...

Search craigslist at Lake of the Ozarks , Missouri. TONS of freshwater well taken care of boats. One long road trip is nothing when you are trying to get a specific boat in a specific budget.

Found a few on CL ozarks. But that's a long long way from tampa. Plus FL will tax me when I register it in FL vs buying a FL boat they will not. I'm sticking to something in FL. That 26' Donzi ZX is top of my list!!!!! That is literally exactly what I want. Looks like it needs a good scrubbing inside and out though. Started off looking at 5-10k boats, now i'm looking at a 21k Donzi. Ha.

You guys don't pay sales tax on in-state purchases? How fantastic. Up here in Michigan we pay it regardless of where we buy it. A nice 6% on top no matter how many times the vehicle changes hands.

I looked through your links and also liked that Donzi from a styling standpoint. But I'm betting the Powerquest has more room. I spent a lot of time running around with a Powerquest 26 a while back. It "felt" twice the size of my Baja H2X (24'). And my experience with Donzi has always been that they felt smaller for their size. My experience only, however.

^Yes, FL is pretty tax friendly. That tax and handout mentality up north has doesn't work. Look how well Detroit is doing. Tampa is booming. As I type this reply, my subdivision is crawling with new home construction 7 days per week. I complain about it b/c I can't get any sleep but it's a good problem!! FL is back kid. I built my house last year, one of the first houses in here. Nice change of pace from 2007-20012 times. I don't know much about the power quest. how is the construction? The Donzi looks awesome. The power quest cabin looks pretty bare.

No sales tax of you buy within your own state!?!? Wtf must be nice! Lol that Donzi looks bad ass, nice and modern looking too. If you are cool with just a bench rear seat then that would be a good choice cause I believe they have a nice wide beam. Plus a 20k boat will probably cost you way less in the long run then a 10k boat... ask me how I know.... lol

When I was looking the boats I came across were all pink, teal,purple, yuk.1990's boats were in my price range.Looked a long time found a yellow/orange Scarab.

Do a deal on the Donzi.

If you're looking at a used boat, and most of us are, remember that every single part on the boat and engine is used and worn to some degree. Fact! If you can find a few boats that you like, my suggestion is to buy a popular brand name that is the latest model with the lowest hours that suits your budget.

Donzi has a great reputation and the one you have linked looks pretty nice and well maintained. A great entry into performance boating, relatively simple with stock power and a boat you could re-sell in a year or two if you want to move up to something bigger.

All boats will cost you money in the long run but a standard late model boat will generally cost you less than most.

Good luck, hope you find the boat that suits you best.

RR

^That's pretty much what I was thinking. Why spend 10-15k on a teal/purple mid 90's boat that's 20yrs old. When I can spend 3-5k more and get a later model boat that looks a heck of a lot better and will probably serve me better and be cheaper in repairs and maintenance. I am in love the 26ZX. Perfect size. 1x engine. 454. EFI. White/RED. Bolsters. 2001 model. It does need some TLC and cleaning up, but i'm ok with that. Spend a weekend or two scrubbing it down inside and out. Right now I have my BMW up for sale (Ebay, CL & Autotrader) so once it's gone I can go start kicking tires. I've learned more about boats in the past month than I ever knew. Even when I had a bow rider and jon boat... didn't know half this stuff. But the dons is EXACTLY what I want. It has a re-man engine. I would need to figure out if they have papers on the rebuild and who did it. How many hours are on the boat itself etc. But first the bimmer must go!

Firstly, I apologize for picking at your posts and possibly taking a few things out of context, no offence intended here. :).

All I can say is I hope you get a buyer for the BMW (nice sounding car by the way) very quickly and hopefully before the Donzi gets sold and you change your mind again.......lol.

We're all hoping for a good ending and maybe some photos!

RR

I think you could also be very happy with a Velocity 280. Fast with a deep cockpit, bolsters very decent cabin for the length of the boat and did I say fast?

Padraig

Boats are super fun but the one thing that rings in my ears.............."The easy part is buying a boat"

The thousands of dollars of repairs and hundreds of hours of labor to keep up.
My body is aching bad today did 1 side of the triple axle trailer.... bearings, race, brake plates,need a few pain pills to go back out and finish,lol.

MichiMike hit the nail on the head. I just had to replace the winch, bump stops, and EVERY rusted out lag bolt that holds the bunks to the trailer on my 31' Scarab... and next week I get to replace the steering pin in one of my outdrives. It's like having another kid. Totaly worth it but also a constant pain in the ass! Being able to have a place to work on it is a must, but if you can keep it at home even better! When I want to work on it I have to put the kids to bed first, wait for the old lady to give me the ok, then drive to the storage lot, hook it up myself, Being it to my shop, get it backed in and set up in the building, work on it all night, then clean the shop back up, Bring it back to storage, unhook it, go home, shower, and go to bed (usually for only 2 or 3 hours cause then it's time to get up for work). FML

^Dammit man lol. FYL. My plan is similar, but bring it to the house for the weekend to do the work and then back to the storage unit. I work in the water treatment plant business. I'm well versed in 304 or 316 SST hardware due to corrosive environments. I can see that anything I replace will be SST.