We had a 1999 PQ 280 and enjoyed it quite a bit. Sold it when we had our first little one, now we might be getting back into the mix. I've found a 260 that might be in our range (we're planning to keep the next boat for maybe 2 years, then move up) but I've never been on one. Any input would be appreciated - we boat on the Great Lakes, and given that we have two small children, it is very unlikely we will be going out if is at all nasty.

Side note - there seems to be a *lot* of wishful thinking out there selling 280s. There's a couple 1999 models out there asking more today than I paid for mine brand-spanking-new in Feb 2000. And I know what I sold my boat for, after 8 months of advertising, almost 3 years ago - some of these guys are $20-30K overpriced, IMHO.

Mike, the 257/260 was the boat I was going to originally get until the 280 came out. I always liked the looks of the 257/260. Great lines, great freeboard, great cockpit etc. Good day boat for the family with some performance to boot.

While I agree with your pricing of used, have you priced out a new 280 or new 260??? WOW pricing has jumped to say the least from when you and I bought boats.

I love my 260. I'll be honest, I went from an open bow runabout 19' Stingray to the Powerquest, so it was quite a step and has made me very happy. Compared to some of the other builders in the same size, the Powerquest has a roomy cockpit and cabin. I have a 2000 with the 502 MPI. VERY happy with the handling, performance, and quality. I've had it on some rough water and it runs solid. I'd say for the size, it's a great boat and very managable. Plus, if you're looking to upgrade in 2 years, there's a greater market for a 26' than for something bigger. Not everybody can afford the 30' plus with twins. Good luck and hope you find what you're looking for. Just be patient and find one at the right price.

With luck I can give some imput next week, as I just bought one and have been waiting 2 weeks for them to pull it from storage. As to the prices I agree! I've been looking since last Septemeber and the prices seemed to be all over the board. I priced a new one last night with as close as I could get to the same options and it listed at $82,000. Thats a lot of jack for a 26 foot ride! I will say ,everyone I've talked with have had nothing but good things to say about the 26. Good luck in your search. There was a very nice 26 with only 75 hours in the Detroit area a few weeks ago for $32,000.

Jeff, I agree on the new pricing! Wow, they must be gold-plating the stringers these days! For comparison, my 1999 with a 502, shorepower, full Sunbrella canvas, sink, head with pump-out, etc. was $58K. I sold it after 2 seasons for mid-40's, after having it "for sale" for almost a year.

Now I see Lake Cumberland Marine has a boat that is damn near identical for $59K, three years later? And here I thought it was a buyer's market! I'm guessing that one might be sitting for a while...

Just last year at the Grand Rapids show they had the new 30 with 6.2 and I believe they had it priced for $78,000 which needless to say was a steal! I know they had a big price increase this year. Tough not to with the high cost of gas and other materials.

Brian

there are two 260's in the swap section. Also anyone have any comments on the 22 Raizor, Bought it late last summer so i was only out a few times. I know its small but its my first one.

I'm a little biased since I do have mine for sale. But I will say that it is the best boat I have owned. I boat in some pretty snotty water out here on the east end of Long Island and it rides real well for it's size. I had a 25 foot Donzi before this boat. I'm getting out of the boating game for a while. Good luck with your search doc. You already know that PQ makes a great boat!