Im saving up for my first powerboat right now. Since Im only 18 I have plenty of time to do reasearch, but I would like to know everyones opinion on three boats I have been looking at. Although I am only 18 I have been around boats my whole life and we currently own a new 27' Grady White(fathers) . Im looking at something I can keep at my cousins house at Lake Travis on the weekends (were they currently have a 382 and 353 Fastech) and keep at the marina in clear lake during the week (my apt has boat slips). I was looking at either buying a 271 Fastech, a 26 Donzi Zx, or a Baja 25 outlaw. If there is another brand of boat I should be looking at fire away...Speed is not the top concern, turn key reliability is. I also like the thought of the Baja's ride being better in the rough waters, but im worried about Baja's fit and finish leaving me with maintence.

Formula definately builds a quality boat. Good luck with your search.

I have to put in a plug for a 260 or a 280 Powerquest!

I would look at:
25 Active Thunder
26 Sonic
24 Superboat
24 Pantera
28 Saber

I would vote for a USED Outlaw. Stable & forgiving Hull & good resale {If You Buy USED}.....Because......You WILL want to move up in a few years

Gotta agree with birdog. For the money, a nice, used Outlaw is pretty hard to beat. Some of the other suggestions above would be nice but you're going to put out some serious cash to get into those.

I like Gary C's Powerquest suggestion also. More money than a Baja but not so much as to put it out of reach. Nice boats!

Just my humble .02

The 24' Pantera is a great "big water" boat. If you get into the rough stuff, you'd be a real happy that you went with it!

All three are great boats. Try to buy as much engine as you can afford. I never heard anyone say that they wish they had LESS howsepower!

The best boat for the money will be a USED boat. Try to find one that is 5 to 15 years old.

Good luck!

29 Fountain, will handle both waters good. Tom

I'd go with the Baja 10 times over....

Awesome rough water rig, plenty of speed, and as for the other two, shave 1 1/2 to 2 feet off the length for the swim platform.

I put 120 hours on my 2003 25 Outlaw in one season on a very volatile lake. Motor was a 496HO. I sold it to a friend and now he an his wife are enjoying the hell out of it.

Very best bang for the buck.

Good luck.

Neil