I am posting this for a friend of mine. He lives in Hasting, MN and is looking for his first boat for the st. croix river. His requirments are that it needs a usable cabin, Bolster style front seats, single engine, porti poti, run at least 60mph and that is has a trailer.

So far the boats that I have though of are (in no particular order):
Formula 242, 271
Baja 24 outlaw, 272
Powerquest 237, 270
Checkmate 235, 24, 253
Wellcraft Nova 23 or 26


I know there are more so please help me out.

Thanks
Don

26 Sutphen, 280 Velocity are good choices too...

i know a few people that for there first boat went for the checkmate 25 convincer. i still love the boat. you can get a 1990 or so for under 20k

I don't think you go wrong with a 253 convincor, it should be easy to find one in that price range. It is a very capable boat with great lines. They respond well to engine mods, handle well at speeds in rough water and will hold there value. What can I say, I am on my second Checkmate.

my dads first boat was a 16ft checkmate race boat, about 35 years later my first boat is an 18 checkmate.....cant go wrong wit a check

Can't beat Formula quality. A rare find for under 20 000$

22-23 Scarab small or BIG block..

Pantera

Be patient. It can happen.

The Formula 242LS doesn't have a usable cabin. It's more like a coffin. Useful for storing life jackets and junk, that's about it. And you'll need a 502 to see 60mph.