Hello,

Know its been asked before....but could use some help.

Looking for first boat advice. Live in Houston area, so would be using it in Lake Conroe and Clear Lake/Galveston.

I see some pretty interesting boats for sale (ex. Donzi 28 Z w/twins), but I question if this is WAY to much boat for a first boat?

Should I be looking for like a Baja 232 or smaller? Or even look at something even smaller to "learn the ropes"?

I do have some boating/sailing experience, I would say my skill level is being able to handle a 18' ski boat ok.

Thanks for the help!

Could use a little more info to help. Are you mechanically inclined and plan to do your own maintenance? Are you planning on towing/launching each time out or keep it at a marina?

Not mech inclined, so would be having someone else perform the maint as necessary.

Don't have a tow vehicle right now, so would be stacked at a marina most likely. Would eventually get something to tow it with in order to bring to other locations.

The larger twin engine boat will definitely be nicer than something smaller when on the water. There is more expense in maintenance, but if you figure that in the cost, no big deal. I like to keep my 292 waxed and spotless, so that takes a bit more work than a smaller boat. If you figure you are in it for the long haul, go with the bigger twin engine boat.

It will take a little time getting used to controlling the bigger boat around the docks but in the end is MUCH easier and more controlled with twins. I can maneuver my 292 with precision around the docks in the wind/current. In general you keep the drives straight and use the gear shifters, similar to driving a skid steer. You will soon learn how the boat reacts to the counter rotating props and be able to crab the boat sideways. Put one in forward and the other in reverse and spin in place. It really makes it a no stress event when docking once you get the hang of it.

I tow my 292 with a 2500HD Duramax crew cab Silverado. Highly recommend a diesel for towing boats like the 28 Donzi you mentioned or larger. Better fuel mileage and the torque can't be beat. I will never tow with a gas engine again.

Good luck on your search! My brother has a cruiser at one of the marinas on Lake Conroe. They love it.

Check your stacking costs and options first, there may be big price jumps to go over 25' etc. As a first boat I wouldn't go much over 28'. Do you need that much length? Your decision. Look at as many different style of boats that you can. Do you want the cockpit dimensions of a true offshore boat? or do you want something more spacious inside. I traded a 33' Sonic to a Formula 280ss. Lost performance but gained comfort, right decision for me. For you? Have fun

It really come down to what you are comfortable with. My first boat is my 30' Formula that I currently have. I have driven several other boats in the past but would not say I had tons of hours or experience. I really only took a couple outings to get used to the boat around the docks. Just like what was mentioned above the twins actually make docking way easier than a single. You have far more control over the boat. Unless you have a ton of money to throw at boats while upgrading I would say buy the most boat you can afford and just take it slow learning.

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Buying your first boat is a huge decision. I can assume since your on this site that you are somewhat of a gear head. With that being said I'm sure that you want something that sounds good on the water and looks like a power boat. So I would suggest buying a Baja Hammer with a 454. Those boats are VERY EASY to drive due to the hull design and yet they still run 60mph. They are a great starter boat that gives you the sound and look that you want. Plus they can be found for under 20k all day long. This was our first boat and we kept it for four years. After that time we sold it for a profit and now own a 29' Fountain Fever. In short the Hammer is a great starter boat for the average gear head.