I had a 25' active thunder on Lake Michigan and I had to pick my days and even now I cringe every time I think of those days getting the crap beat out of us. No offense but with that budget and size Id find myself an inland lake to buzz around on.
Personally I wouldn`t do anything shorter than a 30' boat with twins. Can you do less? Absolutely. Are you going to enjoy it? I sure didn`t

Well I have not owned, but been on many 20-25 footers in our area of lake huron with tons of fun! I have been on one 17 footer in rough waters and it was certainly sketchy... I feel I would like to stay in 21-25 foot range as I have felt comfortable there and simply don't want to fork over more for something larger as a first boat. I am sure a 30 footer with twins would be awesome and a great future boat!

Purchase the biggest boat you can that has all the features you want and fits your budget. Remember a newer boat doesn't necessarily mean it's a better boat. Boats are judged/priced on a case by case basis.To your question, most boats in the teen to low 20' range will have sit down seating and in 3' slop it turns into a chore on Lake Erie. My co-pilot put up with it for a season and we made a jump to something a little larger and stand up bolsters. To be honest I was OK with the sit down seats at first but when it got rough it was not fun. Try to hitch a ride in something like what your looking at and judge it for yourself.

I think you'd be OK in the 20-25 foot range. We love our Baja 232 and run mostly Lk SC somtimes have to slow down over some of the larger wakes but generally do great. We also run the river and ran the fun run a couple weekends ago and it was a blast. Hopefully you have a boat for the raft off and can join there or for next year's fun run!

We considered the 252 but the 232 is more managable from a trailering sense.

i think a 24 or 25 baja outlaw will surprise you as to what it will take you thru with a little seat time great boat to learn on and on that budget you can find a nice one rather than buying a top name boat that you really cant afford and end up with something that is not in the best condition
look for something that has been taken care of by an owner that had the money to do so not neglected for lack of funds

Great advise, liking this forum a lot already.... moves fast!

I have expanded by search geared toward the Baja's as well, few available! There are a couple nice Z21s and Z25s locally but I can't find any good info or reviews on them.

Z25: No Trailer, but I could get the boat in the water and get it to a local marina from their no problem. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...zi-Z-25-612661

Z21: http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/4523708310.html

Formula 242: http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/boa/4521112161.html

Baja 24 but a little out of budget: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...tlaw-102280113

Nice Outlaw, but only a 20: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...tlaw-102298904

I have just what you need

Based on your user name I have a feeling it is what I "need" but not what I can afford, ha!

The Z series are good runners, the 25 will handle chop very well. Been out in them before, pretty impressive hull. Never ran a 21. That said, bang for the buck fun to bucks ratio, can't beat a 22 classic. Great ride, will handle rough water just fine, is a hoot to drive, and draws a crowd even here in Miamuh where everyone is jaded by the plethora of MTI's, Cigs, Skaters, OL's etc.. Main drawback (only one IMO) is the lack of storage, but for day running it is no biggie..
There is a 99 22 classic on Ebay thats a good looking boat BTW. I know people in that area if you want some boots on the ground inspections done.

Thanks! The one in Lake George? Looks awesome, but out of my range!