I have a wife no kids, but will eventually, a lot of times will be on smaller water but will go to bigger lakes like kentucky,cumberland, and Dale hollow. Don't plan on staying in it over night, but would like to pull a tube If needed and would like to go on some poker runs. No salt water

24-28 pantara (this would be my choice)
25 26 27 29 Baja
25-26 checkmate
27 Formula
Progression
Super boat
If you can find it 25 powerplay


First power boat was a 25 Baja with 502. Was a great boat. Lots of people will talk crap about them but they make a gets smaller powerboat. Put over 600 hours on it.

Given your price range and intended usage a mid sized Formula, Baja Outlaw or Checkmate Convincer would be my suggestions. Dime a dozen and good used deals to be had. 24/7 boats like the Pantera and Superboats are fine for a couple but the small cockpit gets crowded awfully fast when adding family or friends. Trust me, I owned a Pantera. Good luck.

Thanks guy more or less the answer I was looking for needed a place to start

Take a look at the 28 Powerplay in the classifieds.

On my 4'th baja outlaw, loved every one of them. Try looking at a 25, 26 or 29 foot outlaw. Good boat at a good price. Mercury power, can't go wrong. I've boated of the coast of Atlantic City in the ocean and never had problems. Look for the mercury 496 HO motor, 425 hp. Think you'll be happy with that motor. 25 or 26 ft will have 1 motor, 29 most likely 2. Try staying with 1 motor if possible

Agree 100% with the above. ^^^^^^

Single engine is so much easier and cheaper on maintenance. Baja offer decent space and performance in a straight bottom deep V. No tricks, just jump behind the wheel and you can drive with your mates or cruise with the girls. Manageable size, good looking boat.

There are some Baja haters out there but bang for your bucks, a 25 Outlaw with a 496 would be a good thing to own .

My 2 cents.

RR

I would consider a 242 Formula with a stout Big Block Bravo combination, Small enough to park around most single family homes, tows well with 1/2 ton PU, handles anything you will encounter on the waters wher you live weather wise, excellent resale when it's time to move up.

Like others have said, 25 OL is probably your best bet. Just be prepared, as they are almost as prevalent as jet-skis on Cumberland, so if you're worried about sticking out that's not the boat for you.

Sounds good, I found a 26zx donzi with a 454. Would that be good option