I am new to OSO and I am in the market for a upgrade for my current 20 ft Dynatrak 200hp out board. I would like a boat with a cuddy. I am looking at a 236 eliminator. it currently dose not have a drive in it and no power. it belongs to a broker across the state. I had made an offer to buy the hull (596 hrs) and the traler for 15k. Is this a fair price? it is a '97 and i great shape. The owner wants to sell it to me fro 33900 with a 330 454. I had mentioned to him i was not interested in the boat with that power. What would this boat be worth with a 500hp or a 525? I am looking for a hull that has the off shore look but yet fairly shallow. i will be doing most of my boating on inland lakes and an ocassional trip to LOTO or lake Michigan. Dose NE1 out there know of just a bare hull No bigger than say a 26' or something like that. should i just pay the 34k and repower this winter? what is rebuilt 454 worth? How fast will this combo go? Should i just take the plunge and buy a 29'? How long before i out grow/get bored with this combo? Would i get a better price on this boat if i waited to the end of season? I get the feeling that these boats 22' and up do not drop in value withthe seasons.

Where are you located? It sounds like you are around the great lakes.

Having now power or drive is a bit of a issue. I'd like to know where they went and why. If a broker is selling it, then state law may require them to give you the prior owners name and address. With 600hours on the hull, I think that your 15k offer was in line, maybe a little low for a bare hull. I think that 34k is too much for just a 330. It may be worth that amount with the 500. With a 330, I'd expect you to be seeing around 65mph, maybe a bit more. My boat was simular and was exciting for a season and then I started looking for more speed. You would be time and money ahead to buy the boat complete as you want it. It shoud handle low 70's fine. After that, you'll need hydraulic steering and some skill. A hp500 will put the boat over that point. I would wait on a bigger boat. Get the feel for one of this size and power before you step up in a couple of years. The value will go down over winter. After all, who wants to pay storage on a unpowered boat that is for sale?

I did a quick search on this board for some boats that would meet your criteria...

Nice looking boat. A bit over your price range, but you are buying somebody elses work for a discount. This power will take skill to drive. May not be a beginers boat. http://server1.offshoreonly.com/geoc....php?a=2&b=510

Here is one simular to the Eliminator. Obsession was the sister company that got the old Eliminator molds when they moved out west. Be sure to check the boat for a hook. http://server1.offshoreonly.com/geoc...php?a=2&b=1568

I'm not very familiar with these Donzi's. You should be able to find a 22 Classic for your price range. Those are a sharp looking boat. http://server1.offshoreonly.com/geoc...php?a=2&b=1372

An older scarab. He's asking alot for a 91, so it better me as nice as it looks. Some pretty good power too. A unique hull too. http://server1.offshoreonly.com/geoc....php?a=2&b=986

Here's a newer one, but it's pretty mild. http://server1.offshoreonly.com/geoc...php?a=2&b=1510

Here's a bit bigger one. Looks like he's put some work into the boat too. Buck183 could offer you some unbiased advice on the hull type. http://server1.offshoreonly.com/geoc...php?a=2&b=1040

Thanx and i have found several boats out there including a 25' eagle. the 25 is 4 inches deeper and the hull is the same length with the exception of the swim platform. I am considering it at 32500 with the 500 custom big block but he has told me a dyno sheet is at 1000. i think this is a Little outrageous. i like the look but i am considering the 25 in phoenix and another 236 in Utah. it tis the end of season and realistically the value will start dropping soon. I would like to get it on the water this season but by time the guy gets it together the season will almost be over in WI. i have looked the adds over and i guess i would like a little shallower hull to start. My first boat was my Dynatrak with a 200 hp so i am used to stepping neck deep into a learning curve and i have never gotten bit yet. So the 236 with the 500 hp would be a Little bit of a stretch but i like the challenge. would i be disappointed on Lake Michigan? How about smaller water like the St Croix or Minnetonka? I

The 25 will be OK on Michigan until the water kicks up. Then you'll get your butt whooped. It would be a great lake boat-as long as the lake isn't too small.

What is your phone #? I am dealing with a guy out of Oshkosh/Fondu Lac and he is telling me the motor is putting out 500 hp. He old me it would be extra 1k to dyno it. I am really getting tired of the whole scenario and am think about calling it quits for a while. I love the power and the thrill of high speed boating but this guy want more than it is worth(at least in my eyes) On NADA it books for mid 27's with 401-500hp. Is this a pretty true indicator of market value. I guess i usually wholesale large ticket items so i make money on them when i sell. I am not used to high dollar boats. How were the Milwaukee races or didn't you go? Would the 25 be safe on the water after it kicks up, would a person be able to get back to shore safely? I guess i am a novice on bigger lakes. was on Michigan twice and it was calm.

Here is what is in the motor
Merc 502 block
Howard hydraulic roller cam R6212
Mark 4 push rods
7/16 arp studs
JE strip pistons 8.9 cr
10 degree retainers
10 degree machine locks
miller billet aluminum rockers 1.7 r
Detroit race gasket set
HOLLEY 80870 AUTOMOTIVE STYLE W/ELECTRIC CHOKE AND VAC SECONDARYS
98611 VALVE SPRINGS
SINGLE PLANE ALUMINUM INTAKE
H SERIES BEARINGS
ROLLMASTER tc
7/16 dimple rods 4340
mellings oil pump
arp ballancer kit
hiperf 502 oil pan
stainless intake bolts
stainless race valves
bored honed deck plates
decked
balanced
blueprinted
comp head work
4 bolt main
open cahmber rec port heads
forged crank
Bravo 1 and 2 props
dose this combo sound like it wouldmake 500hp it sounds more like 450hp to me. it dose not have any type of power steerign but iti is a step hull. some minor scratches and the carpet is dirty and the mooring cover is in need of repair.

What would i expect to pay off season for this thing running? I like the graphics but i am about 3k over my budget. at least for the time being. he came down to 32500. i was hoping to pay 30k with everything. tax title reg everything. is this unrealistic?
I would be happy with a 430hp 502 but he dose nothave anything like that available. He would give the the boat setup with a POS truck 454 with about 80 k on it for 25 k and i told him no way. Am i being unrealistic? I would go say 23500 for it with garbage truck motor and build somehting this winter. i know where ther are several good project motors 502 , 496's...... I would also like to just cut the check and go fast though.