New Boat Inquiry (for a friend) - how would you spend $30-55K?

[h2osk8er00]

So I have a buddy that is in his late 50s that is looking for a boat to meet his needs (namely driving and the occasional surf/ski). I told him I would put some feelers out there to see what people thought. I am partial to Tigé but also told him Malibu (amongst others) all have decent boats as well. His budget is partly unknown as he sent me a $74K listed boat (https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/bo...156512957.html) but told me he only really would rather pay $30-50K for something that could seat up to 15 people. I think he just liked this boat because it was local and looked clean and it had been sitting over a month online. I told him the seller probably owed the bank that much for the boat and that it probably wasn’t worth what he was asking for it. Of course the Raptor motor is sweet too.

I am really just looking to the pros to see what boats people recommended and where he should start his quest... He is a cash buyer so there is incentive there for the seller already. However, he is patient and is willing to wait another year if needed for the right boat. I have no idea what I can do to help him hone in on the right purchase but I know a lot of people on here may know something that he should look for. I even thought that maybe even an older Malibu LSV (2005-2008) might work (don’t shoot me). LOL. He is vintage.. can turn a wrench.. owns about 5 boats that I know of. All of them classic and immaculate. He likes the exhaust sound so no FAE. He is a ford guy so he likes the Raptor lure of the newer Tigés but I just think he would be better served getting something battle tested which can do the simple boating things for which he intends with minimal maintenance. The 350 (too me) was a solid motor and had so many variations that I am looking to y’all to see what you think he should get. I sent him the www.onlyinboards.com link to get him looking. However, I would like to steer him to a specific model for a specific price to help him know a good deal when he sees one. Worth saying, I always preface that with you truly never know what boat will be the best value as there is always some form of inherent risk, especially buying used.

Done rambling... Let the forum recommendations begin! Let’s help this guy spend some money and stimulate the economy! Feel free to search some boats and post what you would buy knowing what you know now! Appreciate the read!

Mike


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[sandm]

that rz2 would be a great boat. my opinion it's a little overpriced but if it's been sitting for a month the market has spoken as well.

good luck but my advice in the next 45 days are if you find something in the 30-50k be prepared to buy it then. boats still seem to be selling in hours or a day if that cheap.

i'd recommend something but he can check onlyinboards just as easily as anyone else and as quick as they are selling, anything on another forum or CL by the time it goes thru this website likely sold.

oh ya. we sold our z3 last month and passed up 4 or 5 cash offers that were more local for the kid that had to get financed. didn't matter to me that I sat on the boat for another few days to get a wire from bank and cash buyers seemed to think they were owed a discount for cash. in this market if he tries to nickel and dime, they will pass for another buyer. just some food for thought.

[h2osk8er00]

[mention]sandm [/mention] no doubt the market is fire

[h2osk8er00]

Really just looking to hone in on a specific model... is there a specific year/model that anyone thinks “that’s a great boat/setup that I always liked” or what have you. I think every model has their pros/cons...I would love to hear y’all’s input on what your experience has been with any type/year/brand of boat to see if I can find something worth mentioning for the price range. May be best for him to wait until winter now but I still wanna gauge what they’re going for now and if he is patient see how the prices fluctuate over time.


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[freeheel4life]

Around here its fairly well known that the 22-24v models all surf pretty well either listed or with a shaper/gate. Depending on previous owner ballast mods may be requires to get it there.

That RZ2 would be a score and could be converted to GSA fairly easily.

[h2osk8er00]

Around here its fairly well known that the 22-24v models all surf pretty well either listed or with a shaper/gate. Depending on previous owner ballast mods may be requires to get it there.

That RZ2 would be a score and could be converted to GSA fairly easily.

You think that price is good for that RZ2? Thanks for the feedback! Maybe it would be best to also ask are there any models to stay away from at all costs... there is always an issue with a certain year/make/model that may help steer the purchase as well. Appreciate it!


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[freeheel4life]

I dont think the price is great but as other have said its kind of the market right now. If he wants a good price I would recommend buying this December and January

I wouldn't buy any Calabria ever....thats just me personally.

Older 2012 and 2013 MB B52 23ft models surf like a beast and would buy in a heart beat, especially if they have a 6.0. They are a bit underpowered with 5.7s IMO.

A lot of guys love their older SAN 220s and 230s i work on a few and they are holding up well to time minus the standard ballast pump replacements and other wearable.

Supposedly some of the older Centurion storm series boats can throw a nice wave as well when you get them dialed in. Even those older models had a lot more deadrise angle than others at the time(one of Centurions bug market claim these days).

I'm a fan of old Moomba Mobius LSVs as well.....as long as you gut the stupid sprinkler system valve body for ballast and do it right.

[h2osk8er00]

[mention]freeheel4life [/mention] this response is just what i was looking for. Thanks my man. Invaluable feedback from someone that sees a lot of boats I presume! Anyone else feel free to chime in. Appreciate the help!

Mike


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[boonecragun]

Can’t go wrong with the 22-24v/e boats. They are still in that price range.

[h2osk8er00]

Can’t go wrong with the 22-24v/e boats. They are still in that price range.

Nice Boone! Thanks man! Long time no see! Hope to see ya next month bro!


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[h2osk8er00]

[mention]freeheel4life [/mention] you know anything about the 2010 X-star? Here are some pics... local guy may wanna get rid of it. Had another friend tell me they were too surf worthy but looking for a holistic approach as the buyer is. It only surfing, more so cruising and skiing.









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