PQ problems or advice
 

I am considering buying a early 2000s powerquest 280. Are there any common problems or concerns that i should know about from you experienced guys before i make an offer?
The boat has everything I've been wanting in a boat and seems to be in good condition.
Just haven't had a PQ before.
The boat I'm considering has been used mostly in the inter-coastal, but if I buy it it will be going to lake Cumberland to live out its days.
We will be moving up from a Caravelle interceptor 232.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Powerquest Are good solid boats. I was looking at the 280 when I was buying a boat and ended up going with a 270 because the 280 I was looking at wasn't taken care of. They aren't the fastest hulls but have a good ride. Everyone that I talked to that has a 280 loves it.

What motor does the 280 you are looking at have? There is one for sale in Chicago that looks nice with a 502 mag.

It has the 496 in it. Do you have any info about the one in Chicago? I havent agreed to purchase this one yet. I can still look at another one.

It's on the grandsportcenter.com page or you can search it in Chicago's craigslist. It looks sharp, but doesn't have the weekend package if you were looking for that. It only has 350 hours though on a 2000.

The 496 is a good motor if you want to keep it stock. My dad has it in a formula and it has been running strong.

Pockey, I have a 2000 280 Silencer. I love the boat. This is my 7th season with it. Like Kicker said, they are not the fastest boat, but they are a great ride and a lot of room. The best speed I saw was 68 on my GPS. It is has a larger cock pit and a ton of storage.

Murf,
what engine does yours have? The boat I have now tops out around 50mph. So I'm sure I couldn't be disappointed in the speed. We are mainly wanted the improved ride and more room.

The extra performance won,t hurt either.

Pockey, I have a stock 502. You will definitely love the ride and the room. It is a great boat.

Had a 99 with a 502. Loved it. Still miss it and wish I had it back. One thing I really liked over my 290 was actual space to do maintenance under the hatch. The 290 was a royal pain in the ass in that regard.

Pockey, did you make a deal on the PQ yet?

Not yet, going to drive a baja that is similar tomorrow. Can't make up my mind which way to go. Just have never owned a PQ before, nor have my lake buddies so I'm a little scared. But I really like that PQ. That's why I'm begging for advice from the PQ gurus!!!!!!

You wont be disappointed with the PQ. They are great boats. I have not seen another PQ where I boat, but I like that.
What size/model baja arer you test driving? Have you driven the PQ yet?

I have looked at bajas before and they just felt cheap on the inside. Since I am in Michigan there are a ton of powerquest around me and I love them. The amount of room compared to the fountain and checkmate is really nice (I have buddies with both). I like to think of powerquest as almost a poor mans formula.

Powerquest did follow a lot of designs from Formula. I think of them as an affordable Formula-like boat.

The baja is a 275 boss, really nice, both boats have their features that I like. Not sure which way to go. I guess i could wait till one sells and buy the other one.

IME, the build quality of the PQ is much better than the Baja. It will hold up better. The only area I've had to 'fix' on mine has been the wiring - while the hulls & interior are above average build some of the electrical was average construction for the marine industry. I've seen big name factory boats with worse. Some of the connections will need some work after a while.

Heck, mine is a '94 with original vinyl, foam and wood on the interior. Only a few surface cracks on the deck or hull and everything still working (seat hardware, etc). It's not babied either, it get wet everyweekend and stored outside. A buddy has a '02 and the quality seems just as high. You'll be hard pressed to find better value IMO.

Thanks for all the input. I think the boat is in really good shape. I may go try to make him an offer this weekend if i can get away from this dang job long enough.