Thanks for all the information. From what it sounds like I'll definitely avoid a cheap top gun. Buddy of mine has a really small jet boat with a 460 he's trying to sell. Not good for a bunch of people but it's simple and fast and that's probably where I'll start. Something easier. Thanks again everyone.

Can't beat a jet boat for bang for buck fun factor, good choice!

Can't beat a jet boat for bang for buck fun factor, good choice!

as a first time boat owner. If you want performance/speed. As others have stated. Start smaller. 29 fountain, fastech 292, etc.

if you just want to get on the water and have fun…see where it goes. Get a jet boat or something simple. Even an outboard

I would not advise getting a 38 top gun as a starter boat. They aren’t starter boats.

good luck

remember: if it f**ks, floats or fly's, it's cheaper to rent it. that said, one of my favorite boats was my 18' Cee Bee Avenger jet boat with a junk built 454. had more fun with it than anything else and had less than 3k in the whole thing.

Yeah I've rented ski boats before and dinghys and I just think going out on the lake going fast and hanging out with your friends is the most fun activity you can do on a hot day. I live in Coeur d'Alene and if I had I boat I'd use it all the time.

That is funny I just looked at that yesterday and thought, pretty clean but I bet a slow pig!. Those motors are reliable though.

Had boats like that when I was young and a buddy has one now. They are not the fastest but simple and a ton of fun. Best thing is they are so basic, easy to work on and for the most part not much to break if the motor is mild.





'

Going to throw the 4-letter word around here. Baja 25 Outlaw...dollar for dollar bang for the buck... Ride it hard, put it up wet or baby it and keep it clean. Either way mid upper 60's/70 mph boat, easy to trailer with a 1/2 ton, deep V, ton of fun and most all are turn key with stock power and can be picked up in the 30K range. Many rag on them still to this day but most of us cut our teeth on them before moving onto bigger and badder. Just my .02. Good luck in your search!

This right here! A late 90’s Baja with some 496’s will go this speeds for 100’s of trouble free fun hours!