Newb, sure its not the first time.
 

Ok here goes.
Looking to purchase FIRST boat. I live in Portage Lakes Ohio. Which is only a hour from Lake Erie and can be in the Ohio river in a short trip. I drive a F350 as my daily and have 3 kids.
Looking for general information on purchasing something not to large for Portage Lakes and not to small for Erie.
I really LIKE the Baja 250's and a Regal Ventura I love the layout of. I Like the low lean cuddy.
Thanks for any input or help.
Also trying to stay around 20k.
Like I said I am sure you hear this all the time.

EDIT: closed cooling comment was meant for a different thread.

Check Powerboat Swap Shop on Facebook, There was a 1990 250 posted today for $14,500 in IL, looks clean

Baja Rooster
Due to the slow cruising of the Portage Lakes?
Thanks

Thanks

No need for closed cooling. The Great Lakes are salt free.

Why would he need closed cooling to run in fresh water?

Some people think the Great Lakes are salt. Common thought.

Really🙀

I thought that I was responding to a different thread (OMC Cobra). Completely disregard my post about the closed cooling.

But to your question... The Bajas are a great starter boat and should be well within your budget.

Yup.

Go to street of Chicago even, and ask a few hundred people. I bet you'd be suprised.

Come out here to the east coast, and I'm sure more will get it wrong.

How many people even know the National Anthem ?

LOL. Thank's for saying something.

We took you post and added some drama. LOL.

More importantly, what oil should he be using?!?!?

You would think Coastal Oil would have the proper additives for salt water. :fear:

Ok, so green I thought I needed a closed system. Lol
I am leaning towards the Baja 250's or larger they seem pretty available. What type of things should I look for or steer clear of? How many hours is to many, is there a diffrence of a boat kept in a slip on the water over one kept on a trailer?
I do not have to have a Baja I just used it for an exsample of what I am looking for. There's a sweet Donzi 24 black widow not far from me.
Thanks

The 25-28 single engine boats are great as they're big enough for the family yet still manageable. I got and still have my Baja 272 and it's been a great learning experience, and to be honest I'm glad that I only have one engine as problems and money are limited to just one source.

In your budget you'll be looking at 15-20 year boats, which are still great, but the fuel injection systems of that age can give you fits so a nice clean carbed motor will save you some headaches. I'd say look for a Bravo drive setup and a big block Chevy as that combo is the most popular with parts the most readily available. Other than that just find one that tickles you in the pants because owning a boat is like owning a very expensive high maintenance dog so you better have love for it when it craps on your carpet.

Personally I'd rather have a well cared for boat with 500 hours on it rather than one that's sat covered for twenty years even if it was only fifty hours on it. It's a case by case deal, so it's best to go kick some tires and post your prospects here and we'll tell you what to look for. We have no shortage of opinions here and love to spend other people's money. ;)

'cuz that's what we do! :lolhit:

Awesome thanks!!!