Any advise on a good starter powerboat? Something say under 30k... more mid 20s if possible? 24' or so...

What brands and years could i look at?

There is actually a good article on this in Sport Boat magazine this month.

Michael

run away... run far away... this is an addiction that will do nothing but cost you thousands of dollars and get worse as you grow older! I started with a Formula 242LS which I thought was harmless... ran about 60mph and was a blast!

Now fast forward a few years and I am driving a boat that the power cost more than my first house!

All I can say is get something you like. Nothing will be better money spent than a good survey and brand for brand... you will hear good and bad about everything but in reality it is all fiberglass and not much different in that price range between one and another. It's all about personal preference... Just GET A SURVEY! Get a mechanic go over every inch because nothing stinks worse than spending your hard earned money on a boat and having problems... Good luck and happy boating!

The yellow Baja is my old boat in that write up.

Would a agree get what you want. Even if you have to wait longer it will be worth it. What boats are you looking at? Baja,checkmate,scarab?

Depends on needs, experience level with boats, and stuff. But definately have it surveyed if you find one your interestwd in

I would be more concerned with the number of owners and their basic nature than a particular brand. A boat with lots of maintenance records and a knowledgable owner will inherently be worth more, as it has most likely been properly taken care of.

Give us more details on your intended boating waters, passenger load (family? friends?), budget and previous baoting experience, and we'll try to help out.

+1 on this... This is a time to be very picky and buy exactly what you want. Remember that you're in PEAK SEASON right now too, so you'll pay more now than you will at end of season. Don't settle for someone elses junk and find a friend who knows something about boats! I didn't have anyone help me (mainly because I didn't have any friends who knew about boats), but, the boat I ended up with had been maintained and was well taken care of.

There are 22 Checkmates for sale in the Classifieds. Good starter boat as is Baja.

One hell of a good looking "starter" boat

PM me if interested

I'm with LSX. Looking for first powerboat I've been boating most my life but on 33,36 foot carvers parents boat. But no powerboat experience I'd b boating mostly lake Michigan St.Joe South Haven area. I was thinking around 30 foot or so something I can spend a weekend on with the wife mostly just us with some friends now and then. I found what looks like a good deal on a champion Chase 910i but never heard of them b4 its a 97 any thoughts on those boats good or bad. I'm open to about any brand. One more thing any one know anybody from St.Joe South Haven area that I four many meet up with and learn a few thing from. Thanks for any help/advice