bigger is better !!!!!!

496 with closed system cooling (no winterization) will increase your boating season.

Since you will be boating on the big pond I can tell you this for sure. Go 30' or bigger and I mean old school LOA. If you do a lot of boating out there (Lake Michigan) it is only a matter of time before you get caught in big water! I would not want to hammer my family in a single engine 27 lightning. I boat in what I would consider the smallest safe performance boat for Lake Michigan a formula 272 SR1 that is 29' new school LOA. You can not replace the safety of twins or the ride of a longer hull for any amount of small single new boat gratification. There are a ton of older used boats out there that are in awesome shape that would not require any more tinkering around than any newer boat. For 60k you have a huge window of opportunity some that come to mind 38 cig flat deck, any formula SR1, Hustler 32 sport, Sonic 31ss. The deals are out there just make sure to have the boat surveyed for any possible problems and above all let all spontaneous buying decisions be made by your wife at the mall.

See ya out there
Russ

Without a doubt... OLDER AND BIGGER! :D

If your friend is going to be on "big water" like Lake Michigan, he will want (need) as big a boat as he can get. I would recommend at least a 31-foot boat.

Something like: Cigarette, Sonic, Formula, etc.

Good luck! :cool:

Monty : The only thing i can tell you is.........
If your buddy buys a 27 Fountain {What ? 24'-25' ?}
to run on lake Mich.............DON'T GO WITH HIM !!!:D :D

NOT knocking Fountains !! That is NOT what that boat was made for.........

Single engine boats in big water are not cool. IF you happen to lose an engine, you can't position yourself to prevent being swamped by that roller coming at your side or rear.

Something to consider if you are going to be out where the water can suprise you.

G

I feel that if you are able to do your own work and enjoy it, bigger/older is the way to go.

I`d rather own an older Cigarette, they are big wave crushers and hold thier value incredibly well as far as boats go.

But, be prepared for some time in the bilge :eek: :eek:

Kurt

Older and larger...........

Like an old 38' Scarab flat deck :) :D :D

BTW, for sale!!!

Thanks for the responses and advice guys. I beleive he's actually leaning towards "Too Old's" 1985 35' Cigarette Mistress. It's hard to resist those classic lines.

We're both hand's on, tinkering type guys. It'll give us something to do during the winter off-season. Last winter I buit a 1200hp, twin-tubo Corvette for example. A little wrenching doesn't bother me or my brother in law.

go with too olds cig you can't beat that deal :D