PDA

View Full Version : Boat help for the newbie....



DURANGOR/T
09-08-2005, 10:14 AM
Hey everybody, as you can see by the post count, Im new to the site, and was wondering if you guys might be able to give me some direction. Im looking to upgrade in to a bigger higher performance boat in the off season, so Im looking for ideas as to where to start, and what to look for. Im going to be looking for something in the 23-28 foot range. Id like something with a cuddy for the short overnighters or weekends, good in bigger water (Lake Michigan) and also something that will still be a 60 mph or quicker boat. I cant afford new, so Im probably going to be looking used. Been looking at some Baja's, and some older Fountains, but just not sure. Would like to keep under $35,000. Any ideas or brands to chase would be great. Thanks.....Durango R/T

DURANGOR/T
09-08-2005, 10:51 AM
Nobody has any ideas, lol......Durango R/T

UnionJack
09-08-2005, 10:53 AM
Thats a tough price range

DURANGOR/T
09-08-2005, 11:01 AM
Yeah, its looking to me that the stuff in that price range is going to be a bit older, but still somewhat feasable. Guess Ill keep looking.....Durango R/T

Nord
09-08-2005, 11:05 AM
I'd have to agree on the price range thing also!!!
I think you might be able to find something along those lines in the 55 to 55K price range!
All your gonna get for that price is the SS Minnow!

liquidasset
09-08-2005, 11:06 AM
Keep saving

HocusPocus
09-08-2005, 11:08 AM
check your local Boat Trader (http://www.boattrader.com), you should be able to find something in your price range. im guessing you have a durango... is that gonna be your tow vehicle?

HCS
09-08-2005, 11:09 AM
Best advice. Keep saving or you'll end up with a heep.
Hell, you can't hardly buys a ski boat for 35k these days.
A new one anyways.

DURANGOR/T
09-08-2005, 11:10 AM
Been checking out boats.com, and been finding some older Baja's and Fountains and things like that around that price range, just not sure if buying a bit older boat is going to be like opening a can of worms I guess. I suppose if its been taken care of one would be alright. Just looking for ideas......Durango R/T

Boozer
09-08-2005, 11:10 AM
A friend of mine just sold his 98 Baja 272 with a 502 EFI for $43,000. Boat had only 200 hours on it and ran very well.
If you look around enough you'll find what you're looking for it just depends on how long you're willing to wait for the perfect oppurtunity to come along. Now that winter is coming and gas prices continue to go up I think there are going to be a LOT of good deals coming around.

Sleek-Jet
09-08-2005, 11:13 AM
That price is doable, you're just going to end up with a boat from the mid to late 80's, maybe the early 90's. Carrera's, Baja's, Sleek-Craft Enforcers, Nordics... the list goes on. There are quite a few boats out there in that length and price range.
The one thing to keep in mind is the mechanical and structural condition of the boat. You would be money ahead to take whatever you are looking at to reputable shop and have them check the motor and drive out before you spend any money. And always.... ALWAYS... take the thing out on the water for an hour or so before you buy it.

DURANGOR/T
09-08-2005, 11:20 AM
Thats a lot of what Ive been seeing, is late 80's, up to mid 90's in that price range. Just looking for ideas as to who makes a good quality boat in those years, that can still have that descent performance edge. Yes, the Durango R/T will be the tow vehicle. Durango R/T

JetBoatRich
09-08-2005, 11:25 AM
Here's some boat help for newbies, DON'T BUY ONE. Just bum rides for as long as you can. :D
Not bad advice :D I would be a RICHER man had I done that :D

DURANGOR/T
09-08-2005, 11:26 AM
http://newimages.yachtworld.com/1/3/7/2/1/1372165_1.jpg
This is the kind of stuff Ive been seeing, 1988 Fountain 8.8 meter, 29 foot, for 33,500. Doesnt seem to bad. Durango R/T

abraman1326
09-08-2005, 11:32 AM
A co worker just bought a 2000 26 ft. Crownline for 30K. 100 hrs, 454 motor. ONly runs 57, but in your price range. You'll find something. Good luck...
BRA

Sleek-Jet
09-08-2005, 11:33 AM
I guess another question would be where are you going to do most of your boating??? :confused:

DURANGOR/T
09-08-2005, 11:34 AM
Going to be doing most of my boating out in Lake Michigan, and some of the bigger bays here in Michigan. That and also looking to do some trips to Chicago, and across the lake to Green Bay and such. Thanks.....Durango R/T

HocusPocus
09-08-2005, 01:07 PM
looks like a lot of boat to be towing with a durango.

blackcloud75
09-08-2005, 01:21 PM
Here's some boat help for newbies, DON'T BUY ONE. Just bum rides for as long as you can. :D
Everybody knows, Boat Owners have more fun on everybody else's boat, not theirs.

BajaMike
09-08-2005, 01:23 PM
Going to be doing most of my boating out in Lake Michigan, and some of the bigger bays here in Michigan. That and also looking to do some trips to Chicago, and across the lake to Green Bay and such. Thanks.....Durango R/T
Offshoreonly.com has a lot of boat listings for that type of boat, and also many are in your area.
Offshoreonly.com Forum (http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=6)
And you may be able to get more help in the forums there...they are mostly bigger boats and more east coast oriented.
:D