Price Range: $17-$25K
V-Bottoms Only
Length: 23-29 FT
Desired Engines: Single Engine 454/502 (Big Blocks Only)
Config: Looking for Cuddy or MCOB
Brands: Formula, Fountain, Baja, Sunsation, Nordic, or ?????
Age of Boat: Mid 90's or newer, I think?
Venue: Boat will be used on lakes in Texas.

At this point, I just need some direction on which make/model would best suite me and I also want to make sure I don't pay too much for the boat I find. Prices seem to be all over the place! I'm not really concerned about "all out speed" and am more concerned with a boat that is comfortable, looks nice, rides well, and will have good resale value if I want to upgrade. Just looking for a nice performance boat with a good over-the-water rumble in party cove, and that's a pleasure to hang with, and cut my teeth on. Below are some sample boats that I've found and am looking at. Any thoughts or assistance guys? I am willing to drive to pick up a great deal.
$23,000 1999 Formula Fastech http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/boa/3881112507.html
VS.
$22,995 1999 Baja 252 Boss http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...Boss-102022231
VS.
$22,500 1995 sunsation aggressor http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/13709
VS.
$27,500 1997 Fountain Fever 27 Foot http://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/3843079748.html
VS
$27,500 2000 Nordic 25' Rage http://mohave.craigslist.org/boa/3843945192.html
VS.
$24,900 1996 25 Foot Nordic http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/boa/3894480955.html

look at the 25 active thunder tantrum and 26 sonic prowler . good luck ! my 25 may be for sale soon having the motor rebuilt right now .

I had a Baja 252 Islander its a great family boat and the 252 handles rough water well, i also looked at the 25 Rage before buying my 288 MCOB and the Rage is a really nice boat but comparing to the 252 i had just sold the cockpit area and bow weere much smaller. if your not concerned about the open bow my opinion would be one of the Formula's or the Fountain, you really cant go wrong with a Fountain even the older ones look good. The one you have linked has a ProCharger which is O.K. but just have it checked out by a mechanic that knows that set up. My 252 had a whipple that was not installed properly and i spent a few thousand dollars to get it properly set up.

Thanks guys. I'm leaning towards the 1999 Formula 271 Fastech since it's close and looks clean from additional pics I've seen. Boat has 305 hours. Is $23,000 a good deal? I'm hoping to not lose too much money if I need to re-sell it in 1-2 years and upgrade.

Of the options you listed that's the one I like the best.

that formula looks nice . the fountain does too . i looked at fevers for while

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VELOC...#ht_1806wt_735

This boat is beautiful!! Needs to sell,make an offer. Boat is immaculate, always stored inside.

Here is a TX boat in Fort Hood, Killeen area. Follow thread a while for reduction in price.

http://www.austinboatforums.com/cgi-...num=1361403694

^ That is indeed my boat Give me a call if you have any questions or want to come down and take a ride.

Thanks Jay. I love your boat, it's gorgeous, but it's out of my price range of $20-25K. I could stretch a little but we'd still be too far apart. Awesome boat though!