First Boat Opinions
 

Looking for some options and opinions on a first boat.

As a guy that is fresh out of college here are some things about me to help:

• Would be boating on the Mississippi near Dubuque Ia.
• Most of the use would be on the weekends.
• Would like to be able to pull with my current truck can tow up to 6500lbs.
• Would like to spend less than 40k.
• Not really sure what my main use for the boat would be, definitely do not need to go 80+ mph, but want to go more than 50.
• Would to fit 5 people comfortably.

I have looked at 20 - 26 Baja Outlaws, 21 - 26' Baja Islanders, Crownline open bows, Sea Doo, Scarab and Yamaha jet boats as well.

I am partial to the Bajas because my parents had 3 of them and really liked their 33 Outlaw. Also like the old styling and colors.

Anyways enough of my rambling.

Would prefer under 26' as I would think something longer may be overwhelming. Also something shorter than 20' may not meet my requirements.

I would be doing mainly day trips, but not sure if I would only be doing day trips.

25 Outlaw
26-28 Powerquest
26 Sonic
288 Sunsation

we went with powerquest over baja because it has more cockpit room. more space between back seat and front seats. all in whats important to youl

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I live in North Liberty where you do and have a 288 Sunsation that will be up for sale soon. It will be a bit higher priced than your budget, but let me know if its something you would ever want to take a look at!

I agree with the above comment about sticking with stock power. BUT with 2 496 boats I’ve been around, they had a lot of electronic issues and to diagnose, they needed a mercury scan tool that cost several hundred $. Graduated college in 2010 and bought MY first boat, a 21’ Baja Hammer. It was a good first boat but it’s not for big water IMO. Small fresh water lakes it’s perfect. Never boated on the river so I cannot comment there. Since then, I’ve had a 19’ jet boat, 27, 29, and now a 32 Fountain.
A 27’ Fountain may be a good fit for you. On an aluminum trailer, it might be within your trucks towing capacity. I believe the dry weight is 4700 lbs. I’m partial to Fountains but early to mid 90s and up, they all have hydraulic steering and K plans. Not a standard feature on a lot of Bajas. I like the 502 mag the best so far. They are fuel injected so they start a lot easier than carb motors. 27 with a 502 would probably hit high 60s mph. Have decent stock reliable power. If this is a hobby you feel you will continue, don’t start off too small, you will alway want to go bigger. After a couple years the 27 will feel small. There are a lot of other nice boats out there like Nordic, Checkmate, Sunsation, Formula, and etc. but I cannot comment on them.

What exactly is your tow vehicle? I think that may be your limiting factor. Remember, that Towing Capacity number is with NOTHING else in the vehicle, just the driver. Passengers, cargo, coolers, etc. etc. all subtract from your GCWR.

I had a 26' Sonic with a 500EFI on a cheap aluminum trailer for my first boat. It was 7280 lbs. total. My Tahoe was BARELY enough truck with a 7500 lbs. rating.
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