We got our first boat a couple seasons back and had it in the shop most of last summer, so still trying to figure it all out. 27 Fountain.

I plan to keep the boat through next summer, but am kicking around the idea of what’s next. I’d really like to get into a ‘small’ OB Cat. Need a minimum of 5 seats. Skater/MTI are all way out of my price range. Seems NorTechs are reasonably priced comparatively, but I’m sure as with anything you get what you pay for.

I’ve looked around some, but not a ton of smaller Cats that aren’t brand new or 1-3 years old. I don’t mind something that’s 10+ years old if well maintained.

Is a 150k budget out of the question? I don’t want to finance more than 50k, so this is what I have to work with.

If I had 150k to spend on a cat...https://www.screamandfly.com/showthr...000-Skater-32B

Why did you have to send me that?! Looks like a solid deal and a Skater.

Guess you more than answered my question though! I do have a HELOC line open hmmm 😬

It's a good thing you have that HELOC in addition to the $150k you'll be spending on that older 32B inboard, because it will undoubtedly need a lot of money put into it. Even if well maintained, there's very good odds any older inboard will need a myriad of parts replaced or rebuilt (headers, tailpipes, drives, coolers, heads, superchargers, etc.) at time of purchase. If you'd rather not tap into your HELOC, I think you're much better off looking for a good used newer outboard for $150k than an older inboard boat. I know of a 2013 Spectre 32 w/ 300XSs and a 2007 Skater 30 w/ 300XSs that both sold recently for just under $150k. Not only will you get a much newer outboard package for the same price, but it has a lot less to need replacing/rebuilding due to age/hours.

My wife would frown upon the HELOC for a boat lol

I hear you on maintenance. I’ve got 40k into my single that I’ve had out maybe 12 times? It’s a 98 though, so comes with the territory.

I’d still need to sell my boat as well, best case not required I suppose. Really just trying to see if what I’m looking to spend is doable and it seems there are some boats in my price range. I feel like all I see posted are 40’ + for 350k-1M, which I just can’t do in addition to maintenance, fuel, insurance etc.

I appreciate your feedback!

You’re probably not too far off from owning this boat with most of the offers coming in at 60-70% of asking price currently…

https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...ed-o82534.html

That boat is sold and no it did not need a ton of parts.

That said the OP wants a OB cat. Curious have you checked what insurance would be?

Seems that is what kills it for me.

I haven’t specifically called, but found some threads on here with agents that will cover cats. Sounds like anywhere from 2-5k given what I’m looking at. I’ve heard way higher as well, but it’s probably for a 1M+ boat.

I took Tres boating course last year, not sure if that’s a requirement for all brokers, but should help with rates and getting coverage.

still for sale. Call Mean Dean This is a nice piece. 115k

Are you sure he told me it was sold a couple weeks ago?

Edit: Just talked with Dean it is not sold yet. Not sure what happened. PM him if interested.

It is a nice low hour piece if it's still for sale. The HP500's are nice motors, I have 780 hours on mine and still running good. (Top ends 320).

If not he also has a nice 30 spectra as well but depends on how much you are stuck on a OB boat.

His screen name here is,,,,,, wait for it,,,,,, Dean Ferry! LOL