What I want is a fast 35-40 ft boat that will not lose all of its value in 5 years. I like the cigs, OL and a few others. I am less concerned about cosmetics if I can get the hardware and hull. The twin step cigs I would like to buy are about 100K out of my price range. So even though most of the boats I have talked about are 75 mph boats and no steps, that is becasue they are priced in my range.
What I am afraid of is that this boat will need 25k of mechanical work to get me on the water this summer. Cosmetics I can live with for now.
On top of that this guy will take less than 75K and my boat as a trade. I like that kind of deal as long as I know what I am getting.
So let me get this straight (and I'm sorry if this comes across harsh - please don't take it that way).
You want a boat that is mechanically tip-top, runs in the 80+ range, but don't mind if the cosmetics need attention? Correct?
Oh, and you want to retain value.
Here's where it get's harsh.
Boats don't retain value. No matter what, you will sink more money into it than it will ever be worth to someone else.
Mechanically good, and cosmetically not-so-much... Think about it. If the previous owner didn't take care of the cosmetics, how much time do you think they spent on the maintenance and mechanics??
I know, you're working with a budget - most of us are.
"I like that kind of deal as long as I know what I am getting."
You are buying a used boat, you never know what you're getting.
I happen to know of a boat with a bit of history that was even surveyed before sale by a reputable guy, and she failed and went down, insurance wrote it off.
All that being said, you have decided you want a 35-40, and you want FAST.
What do you define as fast?
And, are you gonna run out in Lake Mich., or are you gonna stay mainly on the inside? What you need to go fast is different, as well as the definition of fast on those different waters.
Like I said, I'm trying not to be harsh, but instead, trying to help you figure out what the hell it is you really want. If you just want a boat to pick up broads, just buy anything with a #1 on the side, and spend lots of money at a strip club, and invite them out on the boat. Oh, and take pics. People seem to like that.:seeya: