You might want to check out Stan's (OSO-cig1988) Cigarette Bullet. Completely redone with 454 Mags. It's a nice boat and in your price range.

I Have A 36 Mirage With Brand New Power 500 hp #3 speedmasters Updated Everything New TrailerFor That Price

Looks like you have a lot of good sugestions here. Basicly, I think a 27-29' single you are looking at 6-7 years old to get it in that price range. Or, 30-34' twins 10-12 years old.

Another option for a very nice laid out boat and plenty fast is a 288 Sunsation.

Good luck

In your price range
Under 50k at $35,000.
Older but solid mechanically........
Twins, Reliable Mercruiser stock power..........
70mph with 5 or 6 people...........
Vee hull for great ride..........
small cabin, bolster steating, sundeck for the chicks, thru hull exhuast for the thunder, Name brand for bar trash talk and resale, simple colors and styling white with silver black and red stripes, tandem axle trailer with brakes, located in Texas for delivery, service and new owner operating lessons. Will trade back in if you want to go larger later.....

1988 29 Fountain 8.8 meter with Twin Mercuiser 365 Magnums low hours 250, bullet proof and smooth shifting TRS outdrives w/ Eagle custom Drive-on trailer with brakes. Financing available with approved credit. You are welcome to drive, test, inspect, survey as needed BEFORE u buy! Real nice Ride for the money. Any upgrades or alteration for personal taste can be handled!
Get on the Lake! $35,000

Another Formula bigot checking in...this one above would be great.

I was in your shoes a few months ago, but had a slightly bigger budget. I've never been one to get a "starter" version of anything so I jumped in to a Formula 336 as my first performance boat. I didn't want to contract 5' itis in a year so I got the biggest boat that would fit in my dock.

One question you have to answer is single vs twins. Twins cost more, but you get a faster, more stable, better riding boat (more weight), and maneuverability in tight quarters is awesome. This is from someone who's had one only a short time.

Even though you say you won't stay overnight on the boat, it's nice to have the option to get out of the weather, or on the spur of the moment find a nice quiet cove and anchor overnight with your sweetheart....

Man, that IS a killer deal.
Brand new gel - n - power for around 50K.
Does any one run SB on Erie?

25 outlaw, good all around boat and good resale in this area. I had four of my buddies who started in 25s and were very satisfied.

Thanks for all the info everyone. If you were one of the people who have a boat for sale in my price range please send info and pics to: [email protected]

I have found several 1999 28ZX Donzi's and 1999 Fountain 27 in the $50K price range.

Yellow7,
I have a boat you might be interested in. It's a 25' V-bottom....custom graphics in gel (not paint or stickers), fuel-injected, runs very well, and looks awesome. I won't fill up the post but if you are interested, let me know...much less than $50K also . [email protected]

NEW (WITH WARRANTY!!!!!) 24 VINDICATOR. ALL COMPOSITE, 496 MAG BRAVO 1, TANDEM TRAILER W/ ALUM. WHEELS, CABIN, PORTA-POTTI, JBL STEREO, DROP DOWN BOLSTERS, MOMO WHEEL, FRESH WATER TRANSOM SHOWER, ETC. ETC.

I am the exclusive dealer for these. See them at VIPBOATS.com and www.yachtworld.com/bartusmarine (building the buyavindicator.com website now!). The are really nice and will run 67-70 all day. Used boats equal $ and down time which are not a good way to get started in the sport if you can slide into a nice reliable new boat.

Have a yellow '04 for $49,995 and a black '04 for $53,550, out the door.