New to power boats
 

Hey guys new to this forum and power boats, looking to get 26-28ft power boat. Have only grew up with ski boats. What brands are good ones to look for, motors twin vs single? I would like to stay under 40k, I like donzi just because there are not many around. Any advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Twins over single and keep a wallet near by.

I prefer singles in that size range.

I think single seems a better option for economy sake, I am from southern Indiana so won't be out in big waters all the time

1) Remove that ridiculous word from your vocabulary if you are going into power boats. "economy" Bleh, save it for a Bernie voter.
2) Get ready for a thread with 29 people trying to sell you their boat; of which maybe 25% are what you might be looking for.

Good luck with your search. But first, you need to tell us what you plan to do with the boat:

Overnight accommodations?
Poker Runs?
Longer trips down the river, or just day/lake boating?
Do you have a wife with a say in the matter?
Do you have kids to take into consideration? If so, what ages?
What bodies of water do you plan on running on regularly?
Are trips to salt water within your potential boating trips? If so, this will affect what trailer you want.
What do you plan on towing with?

Are you running Lakes and rivers or offshore?

If Lakes, How big? ie Great Lakes?

Just a guess but if he's in southern Indiana he'll likely boat on Cumberland or the Ohio River........

Considering the above:

271 Formula would be hard to beat IMHO. Could overnite with the wife/girlfriend as long as you REALLY like each other. Tough enough to handle rough water, on or offshore
Can be towed with most half ton trucks.
Fast enough with stock 502/496 to play in Poker Runs
Can handle lots more power if you chose to be closer to the front later in life
Big Sun Pad
Nibble enough to pull the kids tubing.

They look cool as hell !

Great parts support from a family owed business

The 28zx Donzi is a grea boat as well as a 29 fountain with single 500/525.

4 or 5 271 FasTecs on Boat Trader for 29K to 45K depending on year

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

Nordic heat :)

There's a 28' Active Thunder recently listed in the classified....

I think the 26zx would be a good idea. Hopefully will be my next boat. Naturally I have a biased opinion on Donzi. I like them for the same reason you do. It's not the Baja all the other guys have. It's better fit and finish. The zx model is known for its ride and space. It's not the fastest especially with a 454. But I don't think you would go wrong with it. The other one I would look into is a 26-29ft scarab. They are nice well built boars as well and give you the stand out factor.

Not unique enough lol. ;)

I guess. If I was looking in that size and price range I would be on that.

The biggest favor you can do for yourself is to stick with stock power. Reliability is everything in my opinion. Buy as new as you can afford and buy what you like. Doesn't matter what others like or think brand wise as they all have their faults in some way. Just do your homework on the particular boat you're looking at and you'll be fine.

I have a 06 Pantera 24 that can be had for 40k sitting on a Performance trailer

I take my Donzi 22 Classic off-shore all the time. I have all the safety and navigation gear and TowBoat.US towing insurance. Here is a pic from 2 days ago on Lake Huron. The colors are not enhanced. What a beautiful blue world we live on!

http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/x...psdtdcw2qh.jpg

Certainly is a beautiful blue world. I gotta say, that looks awfully big for a 22'?

Sorry......

I was kidding, my boat actually lol. It was just a comment on someone saying they wanted something different but considering a Baja Outlaw, probably the highest production volume short of Fountain.

In any case mine is pending sold... but honestly I'm thinking I'm crazy and should be keeping it. 1 of 3 28 singles, 13 total Powerplay 28's wouldn't be replaceable.

There's a sweet (IMO) 1996-97 Baja 302 Boss on Powerboats for Sale FB forum right now. 20 hrs on 502 rebuilds, external steering, big K planes, drive showers Aluminum trailer for $34k. Lots of space and amenities. Would be all over it if I didn't buy my base model late last year.

I'll just say welcome to the O.O