Newbie Powerboater
 

Hi everyone,

I'm just wondering what's a good size and engine choice for a beginning performance powerboater? My father and I have experience around Bass boats and Jon boats, but never anything on the lines of 25ft or bigger. Let alone anything beyond an outboard. However, we're both into offshore races and would like to pick up a performance boat to cruise around with and gain experience. My father doesn't want anything that will require a ton of upkeep either. As for price, below $50,000 if possible.

I'm just looking for suggestions and ideas here more than anything. I don't post much on here, usually just read and browse around.

Thanks everyone,
Lance

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Welcome to OSO!
Oh and to answer your queston

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

how does your dad feel about 60 gals per hour?

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

[QUOTE=Lance19]Hi everyone,

I'm just looking for suggestions and ideas here more than anything. I don't post much on here, usually just read and browse around.

You mean lurk. :D Welcome to OSO.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Welcome to OSO!

There are plenty of boats under 50k. Try a Donzi 22 classic. That'll give you the thrill, teach you to drive a performance boat and won't brake the bank.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

You need to tell us where you plan to boat and how you plan to boat.

In general, a 27' single engine big block boat with 400+ hp is a good place to start.

If you want to be able to hammer true 2' chop in comfort at 55 mph all day long, then go with a 30' twin big block boat.

You'll be able to find a 2000 model year single in your price range that is a good boat with good resale.

You'll be able to find an early 90's twin in your price range.

60 gallons per hour is correct in a 30+ foot twin at 65mph.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Wasabe, nice thought. But he said below 50K. Tough to find Cigs that are in top condition under that price. Believe me, I've been lookin.

Lance, there are plenty of boats around that would fill your need perfectly. Personally I would not recommend getting anything under 24/25 foot. For a first boat you dont want to go too expensive or too big. Get your feet wet for a year or so then step up in size and cost. Look in the 24 to 28/30 range. Start with a single engine then step up to twins. Believe me, after about a year you will be ready to anyways. Its better to go too little than too much on your first boat.

Also, welcome to the board.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

HHHmmmmm, I'm thinking Cigarette. Maybe, say 28 feet with twin small blocks (cheap on gas, maintenance). One with new paint, interior, engines, drive. trailer, etc. Easy to tow but handles big water like a 38 footer. I wonder where you could find a boat like that for sale under $30K?


Oh, wait. I know.... :D :D :D

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Ok. I stand corrected. Keep forgetting about the Cig 28s. Just not too common.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

There's a clean one in Boat Trader now. I know the boat and it hauls azz! I think the guy wants 30k. A deal for wath you're getting.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Welcome Aboard, enjoy the ride...whatever you choose

CIGARETTE :rolleyes:

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

you can buy a lot of boat with 50 k there are some nice cigarettes, bullets 31ft twin bbc and mistresses or awsomes 35ft twin bbc for 35 to 60 k depending on condition just locate a good surveyor and go for seatrails in the boats when its choppy out. nows the time to buy as the industry is a tad slow and its winter time. good luck and ask questions here on oso there are a lot of knowledgable people here to point you in the right direction. i like the old cigs 80's they are very well made and solid rough water boats and you can find them with big drives like ssm#3a's that are alot stronger than the newer braos, you might want to stay away from trs drives also. good luck.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

All boats require upkeep. If you don't take care of your boat, that $50,000 investment will be worth $20,000 real fast.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Dude.. you will fit in fine! Welcome! :D :D :D

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

I am considering selling my 1998 Baja 24' Outlaw. It is a good starter boat. Perhaps run a search on the 24 Outlaw and see if you like what it offers. If so, I would be happy to talk to you about it or help you with other ideas you might have.

Feel free to PM me.

Thanks,
Allan

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

No chit? wow, never heard you talk of selling it over on HMS.. what are you planning on upgrading to?

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

You might want to check out older (89 and up) Formula 242's with single BBC and Bravo. This is really a 26 foot boat in today's terminology. Be sure to get it surveyed and have the engine leak down tested.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

For a first boat under 50K I would say 25 Checkmate or 24/25 Baja, 27 Fountain if you can find one for 50K. As for maint. Go with STOCK 454, 502, or 496.

WILL :D

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Welcome to OSO.

25 Active Thunder...a few for sale on the east coast...nuff said. ;)

Let the games begin!! Did someone say Apache? :D

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

cig 28ss my first boat learned alot and didnt lose a penny


baja fresh is THE boat for 25k-30k

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Dude. Your an AZZZZZZZZZZhole. LOL. :D

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

I grew up on Bass boats and have to admit they are an absolute blast to drive. My Father's last 3 all ran over 80mph. When I bought my own boat, we tried cruisers but that didn't work out. (too slow) Try to stay in the mid 1990's or newer unless you find a Formula or Cigarette. GET A SURVEY on anything you consider buying. Big blocks will burn 15gph/ ea. at cruising speeds. As said earlier, I would suggest starting out with a 24-27 single engine. Baja makes several models in that range. Welcome, and good luck.
Russ C.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

welcome aboard. look at the 25 and 28 foot checkmates. good bang for the buck.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Sounds like a few members boats on here would fit that bill.. I have mine for sale as well as some others. the 24-27 foot range with a single STOCK big block is a good starter boat, a put gas in it and turn the key without many surprises. Then in around a year or so after learning that boat, go up to a twin engined 30+ foot boat..

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Hi again,

Thanks everyone for responding and the welcoming. My dad read over the posts so far and we now have plenty of ideas. We have the money (combined) to do a mostly cash acquisition, but we'll probably finance some just to reduce the cash outlay. What about insurance on powerboats? Currently we're both using State Farm and just wondering if the addition of a powerboat will drastically increase insurance or are we better off to use a boating insurance agent?

Just wanted to add that we're in Virginia and will be boating on Lake Anna, the Chesapeake Bay, and near the coast (Atlantic).

Thanks again everyone,
Lance

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

in that area get a sonic... easy resale of sonics on that area


but baja freshs boat id THE one... trust me it was my first boat and dint lose any thing... buy at 25k+ and what is your down side? at the most 5gs in two years? and thats WORST case... on a 60k boat your 2yr downside could be 10gs... and you WILL be in a new boat in two years.. thats just statstically fact :eek:

hope that helps

if anyone thinks im wrong, please speak up

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

do you want a single or twins?

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

I have a policey with State Farm on my boat. 1988 Baja 240 Sport with the 454 mag. Boat is registered and policy is in Pa. Costs me 500 a year for full coverage. Was told by my agent that State Farm did not have a performance premium like some companies have. But look around anyways. Never know what kind of policies are out there.

As far as financing. Contact board member DaveP. He specializes in performance boat financing and can help you out.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

There are plenty of 26' Sonics here in the Mid-Atlantic. I would pick one up with a 454, HP500, or 496HO. You will love the boat. I boat on the Potomac and Lake Anna, and have several friends who live on Lake Anna.

You are about 8 months too late. I sold my 1999 26 Sonic with a HP500EFI this past spring. It was right in your price range too.

Make sure you click on the link below in my signature and come down to the party. Its in Richmond, and you will meet 200 of your fellow enthusiasts.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

welcome new oso brother in the 50k price range ya could never but never go wrong with a cigarette number one choice. but the only cig ya can findin the range would be either a 28 or 31 but they would be old . but my choice in that range nothing better then pantera 28 , also a powerplay 28 . just my old002 whatever ya get we are to help once again welcome

donz jr

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Lance,
I'm in Mechanicsville....you must be somewhere closeby (Where?). We spend time on the James and Chick. Good Luck with the search. I can't make the Winter Chill Out, but try to go. Also, the Richmond Powerboat Association puts on a poker run from Hopewell to the bay in July. It's a blast and you should get involved with some of these types of groups.
Russ C.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

No boats in mind, just thinking of selling to save up for a new boat. NOt sure yet what I am going to do, just kicking it around, that's all.

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

http://cgi.msn.ebay.com/ebaymotors/w...spagename=WDVW

:rolleyes:



:evilb: :evilb: :evilb: :evilb:

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Lance, good luck with your search. Keep us apprised as the HRPA would like to invite you to become a new member this summer. That is if you would like to hook up for some serious Ches Bay / Atlantic boating! :D

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

Stop it Wasabe, your only proving his point! Thats not a boat, its an overpowered launch. :eek:

Re: Newbie Powerboater
 

:evilb:

I was teasing. :drink: