Is this a good buy?
01-30-2025 | 09:48 AM
#64
Registered
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,474
Likes: 358
From: Mansfield, TX
Definitely going to cost somewhere between 100-150%+ of purchase price to get that one in good running condition and that is typically par for the course of any boat in below average condition. If it's in average condition it will take anywhere from 50%-100%+ of purchase price to get it to good condition. And if it's your first go fast the average time of ownership is about 2 years.
02-01-2025 | 10:48 AM
#65
Gold Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 960
From: Seaford, VA
Now that we have realized that 50k “deal” is a scam, I’ll offer a bit different perspective - My first time driving a boat over 20’ and with more than a 175 Johnson on the back was when I bought my Cafe racer and took it to the ramp. Steep learning curve, yes. A few lessons learned, yes. But, I’m actually glad I didn’t get to that size boat in several iterations.
I owned a boat with fresh, relatively reliable power that I treated/maintained well for 15 years. When I sold it, the interior needed redone but the drivetrain was fresh again and hopefully reliable for the next guy.
I am not sure I would hesitate to do it again, particularly if I was buying a boat from a respected member on here. I don’t know MOSES personally, but as a contributing member of 15 years I would look at a boat like his LONG before I would buy something off FB, CL, Boat Trader, or from most brokers.
Just be smart. Buy a truck that is big enough to handle it - I am talking Diesel, not an Ecoboost F150, CyberTruck or borrowing a neighbor’s 1/2 ton Silverado. Take it out by yourself without distractions the first few times on days when there aren’t a ton of people. Don’t pull up to the busiest lunch spot in town the first time you dock.
I’m a total dumbass and I got through it, but please don’t do it if you’re going to do something stupid and drive up insurance rates for the rest of us.
I owned a boat with fresh, relatively reliable power that I treated/maintained well for 15 years. When I sold it, the interior needed redone but the drivetrain was fresh again and hopefully reliable for the next guy.
I am not sure I would hesitate to do it again, particularly if I was buying a boat from a respected member on here. I don’t know MOSES personally, but as a contributing member of 15 years I would look at a boat like his LONG before I would buy something off FB, CL, Boat Trader, or from most brokers.
Just be smart. Buy a truck that is big enough to handle it - I am talking Diesel, not an Ecoboost F150, CyberTruck or borrowing a neighbor’s 1/2 ton Silverado. Take it out by yourself without distractions the first few times on days when there aren’t a ton of people. Don’t pull up to the busiest lunch spot in town the first time you dock.
I’m a total dumbass and I got through it, but please don’t do it if you’re going to do something stupid and drive up insurance rates for the rest of us.
02-01-2025 | 02:24 PM
#66
Registered
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 413
From: BC
My first go fast boat was a donzi 22zx. Best speed achieved was 73mph!! Man that gave me the itch bad! but glad i started out with something small. Easy to trailer and dock. Had a bunch of trouble free time with it. Id personally start with something in the 21-27ft range for your first one. You'll always want more but can be in a boat with decent power that wont completely kill your wallet. plus only have to worry about maintaining one engine/drive is nice too. My next boat will be twins and in the 30' range but i'll still keep my lil 24'x7" Excalibur for a little bay boat and easy to throw offer for a quick run.
A 27 Fountain Fever is essentially a 24ft wetted surface hull.
Reliable worry free boating is gold.
