What does 60k buy you?
 

I have spent countless hours looking for a boat and having no luck. I have to come to conclusion that I'm living a dream to be able to purchase a 98 or newer 35ft boat under $60k. My wife is stuck on a 353 but I'm open to other brands (not baja) just would like to own a high 70's low 80's boat, a vacuflush is a must and able to have my wife and I with our two toddlers aboard without being on top of each other.

It bought my 2005 Sonic 358 that was garage stored and like new clean on a brand new 2013 triple axle trailer.

What's the speed of a 358 with 500s?

There were a few 353s on Powerboat Swap Shop page on Facebook.

I had 496 HO's and ran a best of 73mph with the wrong props. New owner corrected the prop issue but have not heard speed yet, My guess is 75/76 or so.

http://americancustommarine.com/2015...-35-lightning/

Here you go, exactly what you're asking for.

Have a friend thats considering selling his 1998 38 Fountain Fever...572NA motors(65hrs) with Bravo ITS XR drives(25hrs), WOT 85-86 cruise at 3500rpm@ 56
Hes thinking of listing it for $57K with trailer..

Fountains are on the top of my list but not much room in the cockpit for entertaining two kids.

Fountain are the smallest for a family. Formula, sonic are more appropriate for what you have to do... Unless you go with a fountain 47! Different animal!

It's to bad you don't like Baja because they are good boats. Don't listen to the Nay sayers, they are a lot of boat for the money and resell good. I had 2 of them and both were real good boats with no issues. My first was a 29 and ran it 5 years no problems the second a 36 for 2 years. The 36 was huge and plenty of room for wife and 2 kids. The fountains are to short inside and cockpit space is small. The Sonic's are a good value and you will appreciate the cabin space.

I totally agree that Baja is a great boat just that everyone that I boat with has one.

Then get like a nortech v hull!

Look at a 340 or 380 PowerQuest. Great boat with lots of cabin space. A 340 (2001 or later) will run close to 80 with 496's. My 380 with 502's ran 75 with CMI exhaust.

I sold my 380 for much much less than your budget. Slept 4 adults, enclosed head, A/C, new aluminum trailer, new paint, new interior. Deals are out there, just keep looking!

I have a very clean 1998 38 fountain fever that is right in your price range. It's listed on Ebay right now. Fresh top ends on hp 500's

The 340 PQ in the classifieds looks pretty solid.

99 powerquest 380 w 525sc motors @350 hrs.
Fresh water boat outa loto @$69 on a tri ax.

That's a lot of boat for short dough.

Edit. Boat trader. Com