I am on a budget... Help me choose...
 

I am looking at getting a boat, nothing special just something I can cruise around on and be stable enough to go cruise on the great lakes...

I am looking at a 1985 Mirage 27' twin Chevy 350's (50hrs. on each), new interior... he wants $9500, I am thinking he will take closer to $7000

I am also looking at a 1998 VIP Vindicator with the 7.4MPI engine, looks very nice... he wants $14900 but I think I might get him down around $12000

One more boat i am looking at is a 1988 Baja 240 Sport, looks nice from the pics, interior looks clean, has a 454... Wants $12500 said he would take $10500

So which one would be the best choice? Of course the VIP Vindicator looks nicer and more up to date because its newer, but the other boats look nearly as good.

Thanks for the help.

I would say the best one of them is the mirage !!!
I know its the oldest,,,but they are real good boats for ruff water and the 2 350's are reliable and very good on fuel.
Plus if u have an issue u always get back on 1 engine !

I like the dual engines as well... What do you figure the top and cruising speed of that boat would be?

Jast a WAG,, Cruise 45mph, top speed 55-60mph.


Darrell.

Cool... And it is a pretty solid stable hull.... can get me across lake erie to Port Clinton and such...

i have an 88 240 sport, and its a great boat, but i absolutly hate my cuddie... its pretty big once your in there, but you have to crawl to get in...its really only good for sleeping... i would love to get 26-28 footer with more cuddie height...

I think I am pretty much set on the Mirage. I have read about how they hand lay the hulls, extra bracing, and such...

I am just hoping this boat is big enough and has enough power to get me across the lake (lake erie) to the islands. I had a smaller boat and the main reason I got rid of it was because I did not feel safe taking it out on a bigger lake (only 19')

Here is a pic of the mirage...

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...afdd8a2e10.jpg

Good looking Mirage. If you think it's the boat for you, spend the money to get a marine survey done. They are not that expensive and can save you money down the line.

PS. I am a big believer in twin engine boats. If something goes wrong 20miles out, you may not get home fast, bet at least your getting home.


Darrell.

are the engines merc's or something else?