I am in need of some good advice. I am looking to buy my first boat and I need it to fill multiple rolls. I need it to be a good riding boat that can handle the LOTO but still have the room for a family of 6 + some, and have some of performance of an offshore. I will do most of my boating at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri River, and so smaller lakes like Mark Twain Lake. I have a budget of around $25- $35k. I would really like a Baja Islander 272 but they are hard to find. One of my main questions is would I be happier with a bigger boat like a 28 foot MCOB Nordic Heat, or Magic Wizard or a smaller Baja 252 I have been able to find a lot of these that are in my price range and with good hours. I have read lot forums about the Nordics and Magic boats not being able to handle rough water. If that’s the case how do they run in the ocean and bays but not the lake?

I can't speak to the brands your looking at, but I would suggest spending at the top of your budget and getting the biggest (length) you can. 6+ people in an offshore boat is tight unless your well into the 30+ foot size.

Always go bigger. Sometimes wish I did that. 4 adults is rough in a Donzi Classic. I should have bought a 90's era ZX like this http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...3-ZX-102289723 But I wanted very easy towing and launching. You might have to sacrifice a few wants, like a center console works well with 6 plus people.

29 Envision. Make sure you get one with a 496 MAG HO. Hard to find as most came with a 7.4L, 7.4L MPI, or 6.2 MPX. Premiere 54 in LOTO had one on the lot last October that would have been perfect. An '02 I believe the HO.

Buy the biggest boat with the most reliable stock HP you can afford.IMHO from the manufacturer options you listed, an older 28' Nordic Heat Open Bow might fit the bill. A 28' Sunsation MCOB may also be a good choice but probably higher than your budget. Good luck.

What about a late 90's 29 Baja Outlaw. You can find them in the 30's with 7.4L EFI's. Not an open bow tho. Just another suggestion. Good luck.

Not trying to spend your money, but trying to increase your options. If you could swing $40k, you could get into 30-32'. I'm not sure if everyone would agree, but Ing was eluding to it, you'll want a few feet bigger once you have had it a year. I also agree a Donzi ZX would be a very good option. I don't like saying no to particular manufacturers because I'm concerned about offering owners of those boats and the thread heads south like waterfowl in the fall. Test drive whatever your considering. How well does it plane, accelerate, handle (porpoise), etc. I know you start with what looks appealing and fits your needs, but if it drives like crap, you'll kick yourself in the a$$.

Sounds like your better off getting a pontoon boat. 6+ is alot of people in a boat.

I had 6 on my boat for a poker run a few weeks back and everyone had more then enough room.

I was like u stared out at 15-20k and with what we wanted it wasn't there ended up at 60k