Entry Level Performance Boat?

[pkrrvr619]

Friend and I were having a chat and this kind of coincides with the "how does one get into performance boating" thread.

What are suggestions for an entry level performance boat? Let's define performance boat as basic inboard boat runs 60mph on up.

For midwest/ east coast people, i was thinking a cobalt or baja with a 496 and bravo.

For West Coast any of the ultra, caliber 1, etc 23' v bottoms with 496 and bravo.

What say the RDP brain trust?

 

[rivermobster]

Basic inboard that does 60?

Pretty much any jet boat ever made?

 

[Shlbyntro]

I wouldnt neccesarily call a Cobalt a performance boat. mind you they are great boats but more along the lines of the Cadillac of run abouts

 

[NeedlesRat]

20’ or 22’ stoker. Ride quality and performance are unmatched.

 

[ChrisV]

stroker, baker, hydrostream, stv, etc. Outboards of course. Easy 60-70mph boats imo.

 

[RiverDave]

For a new one I’d be talking to Todd at Tahiti, or Barron about their little boat or finally Luxe about their new 19.

All three of those came on the scene to be an entry level performance boat

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Just about any 21-23’ “west coast” I\O with a 300+ HP small or big block will do 60+.

$30-$40k for a nice used 15-20 year old example. If you want to get into the hobby, start there.

 

[rivermobster]

20’ or 22’ stoker. Ride quality and performance are unmatched.

I wouldn't call a Stoker an entry level boat personally?

 

[FROGMAN524]

Apparently a Hallett 210 with a 520 is $150,000 so that’s out.

 

[2Driver]

Basic inboard that does 60?

Pretty much any jet boat ever made?

Laugh, I routinely had the Ultra up to 75 between Cave Creek and Parker.

 

[rivermobster]

Laugh, I routinely had the Ultra up to 75 between Cave Creek and Parker.

Of course. I'm just going by what the OP's requirements are?

 

[DRYHEAT]

Apparently a Hallett 210 with a 520 is $150,000 so that’s out.

Does a Hallett 210 need a 520 to go 60 mph?

 

[FROGMAN524]

Does a Hallett 210 need a 520 to go 60 mph?

Small block is probably still $125,000

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Small block is probably still $125,000

Yep. You could literally buy any 20 year old used boat, have the interior and gel completely redone, and engine and drive gone through for under $80k..

And not have all the emissions crap on the thing.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

25 standard deck Daytona with a 496HO

 

[DRYHEAT]

Small block is probably still $125,000

Crazy if it is, but then again, I haven’t priced new boats in a long, long time. If that’s anywhere near the truth, I wouldn’t think there would be many being built.

I guess I’ll go back to living under my rock and leave the boat discussions for the movers and shakers.

 

[fat rat]

Entry level would be someone that has very limited boating skills and not whole lot of money. My first boat was a 19 carribean, 454 330 hp and would run just over 60. I ordered it new in 1987, 12k out the door. Money well spent ran it for 15 years and we had a blast.

 

[Croz]

Does a Hallett 210 need a 520 to go 60 mph?

Nope

 

[DRYHEAT]

Nope

I just thought it was funny, a 520 in a 210 being considered an entry-level performance boat.

 

[BBYSTWY]

I'd agree with the baja for midwest....older 24 outlaw or even an islander if one wanted an open bow....I believe helen keller could drive one at 60 lol

Lake type boat....I'd be looking at a nordic rage all day....40-60k will run 70 with mild power...however over 75ish they are a driver's boat so could lead to some sketchy things if the person is a true novice....

 

[yuppie]

I'm seeing plenty of old boats as low as $25K and some decent boats around $30K. Not sure it'll get much better than that for "Entry Level".

Bajas, Eliminator Eagles, Shockwaves, Magics, etc.

 

[rivermobster]

Entry level would be someone that has very limited boating skills and not whole lot of money. My first boat was a 19 carribean, 454 330 hp and would run just over 60. I ordered it new in 1987, 12k out the door. Money well spent ran it for 15 years and we had a blast.

This is what Entry Level means to me as well.

 

[Croz]

The perfect entry level performance boat is 2FFs 210 that OD1 has listed for sale. Perfect river boat, that’s also sexy af at a fair price. Buy it before 2FF cuts the bow open! Lol

 

[MPHSystems]

Basic inboard that does 60?

Pretty much any jet boat ever made?

Blasphemy!!!

All jet boats do 100!

 

[jeepdog]

The perfect entry level performance boat is 2FFs 210 that OD1 has listed for sale. Perfect river boat, that’s also sexy af at a fair price. Buy it before 2FF cuts the bow open! Lol

yep x 100 better than entry level

 

[Chili Palmer]

Entry level and performance are two words that don't go together in boating unless they are connected with a lot of dollar signs.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Crazy if it is, but then again, I haven’t priced new boats in a long, long time. If that’s anywhere near the truth, I wouldn’t think there would be many being built.

I guess I’ll go back to living under my rock and leave the boat discussions for the movers and shakers.

Thane has one for sale now as a stock boat. I’ve been eyeing it but want my own colors.

 

[RiverDave]

The perfect entry level performance boat is 2FFs 210 that OD1 has listed for sale. Perfect river boat, that’s also sexy af at a fair price. Buy it before 2FF cuts the bow open! Lol

I want to buy it, and Stacy says "What the hell are we going to do with a 21' boat?".. My how things have changed around here...

 

[Bajastu]

My frirst boat was a Hallett Vector with a bone stock 330HP BBC and a Bravo One. Bought it for 10k, used it for a few years, sold it for double. I see that there is a Hardin Marine spalshed Hallett Vector for sale on Offerup for 17k, located in West Covina, CA. Seems like a killer deal for a first timer.

https://offerup.com/item/detail/6696e99b-a8c4-346b-afd8-9a55d21ecda9?_branch_match_id=1142494691299935688&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz09LSy0qLdBLztd3TzXJNQ3MKzQpTwIAUmYm4B4AAAA%3D

 

[Yoshiro]

I'd be looking for something like a 15-20 year old Nordic rage with a 496. Engines run well for the long haul if taken care of properly, and the boats are built well and safe. Then you have your choice of closed bow or open and the price of these boats isn't out of the question.

 

[FROGMAN524]

This is a little high but an awesome boat regardless

Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/S90KyXEq4wb

 

[port austin pirate]

Basic inboard that does 60?

Pretty much any jet boat ever made?

have to correct you there RM you meant to say100 mph

 

[CLdrinker]

You can get an HTM for 40-50k and run near hundred.

Don’t get silly with the trim button though rookie

( I was that rookie lol)

 

[Lotoguy]

In my part of the country it's a Baja, Fountain or Formula fastech, then on to Donzi, cigarette and up from there.

 

[River Runnin]

Entry level and performance are two words that don't go together in boating unless they are connected with a lot of dollar signs.

Or Kommiefornia and Glass! -- Even though they be boaters here from all over the country it only applies to Glass and offshore! --- And weather!

 

[Badchoices03]

"Entry Level" in any sport or hobby is very subjective to who you are talking to...

 

[RiverDave]

This is a little high but an awesome boat regardless

Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/S90KyXEq4wb

A little high? Giraffe Pussy comes to mind.. That thing was built when I graduated high school..

RD

 

[rivermobster]

have to correct you there RM you meant to say100 mph

Get in line and take a number with your corrections...

@MPHSystems beat you to it!

 

[rivermobster]

Or Kommiefornia and Glass! -- Even though they be boaters here from all over the country it only applies to Glass and offshore! --- And weather!

Clearly you've never water skied at Pine Flat.

 

[twocents]

If you don't mind metalflake, the Glastron Carlson CVX 20 with a MerCruiser 350c.i./260hp stern drive is a little over 60mph and should be bought for between $15,000 to $20,000 on a trailer. Still lots of them around.

 

[Waterjunky]

A little high? Giraffe Pussy comes to mind.. That thing was built when I graduated high school..

RD

This is a little high but an awesome boat regardless

Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/S90KyXEq4wb

This is about exactly what I would love to get. I even like the colors. I do agree with you Dave, not sure what they are smoking... Then again if they get it.....

Ever since I sold the Cobalt, I have been thinking something like this. The delta and I would have a great time.

 

[River Runnin]

Clearly you've never water skied at Pine Flat.

Back in the day! When I was runnin my non-performance boat in rivers or shinny waters, I could never find a skier that wanted to go!

 

[rivermobster]

Back in the day! When I was runnin my non-performance boat in rivers or shinny waters, I could never find a skier that wanted to go!

Pine Flat was The finest glass I've ever skied on. Early early morning in Parker was a close 2nd.

 

[Outdrive1]

I have a great little Shockwave coming. 2016, low hours, 60k. Perfect boat to start with.

 

[Outdrive1]

The perfect entry level performance boat is 2FFs 210 that OD1 has listed for sale. Perfect river boat, that’s also sexy af at a fair price. Buy it before 2FF cuts the bow open! Lol

Sold!!

 

[RiverDave]

This is about exactly what I would love to get. I even like the colors. I do agree with you Dave, not sure what they are smoking... Then again if they get it.....

Ever since I sold the Cobalt, I have been thinking something like this. The delta and I would have a great time.

That closed bow 210 Paul has is a nice boat that doesn't have the early 90's Hallett interior in it for around 30... much newer but a closed bow.

RD

 

[DRYHEAT]

Thane has one for sale now as a stock boat. I’ve been eyeing it but want my own colors.

View attachment 1195030
View attachment 1195031

Nice boat, is that the one they’re asking 150 K for?

 

[Waterjunky]

That closed bow 210 Paul has is a nice boat that doesn't have the early 90's Hallett interior in it for around 30... much newer but a closed bow.

RD

that 21-23' range is what I will be shopping in. I prefer the look of the closed bow also but with kids and friends, it needs to be an open bow. The look on that one is a little dated for sure. One of the big things is waiting for prices to stabilize a little, Covid is still messing with pricing along with this inflation and the economy is changing rapidly. Two of the three mentioned say prices are softening. I paid cash for the crawler last year so the toy fund is on the lower end right now. I am probably going to sit out for another year or so unfortunately. That also said, the kid is only a kid once - I want him on a boat with the family and friends.

 

[MK1MOD0]

How about an old Eliminator. Hard to beat the performance , and doesn’t break the bank. 90 on a budget.

Gratuitous pic.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Nice boat, is that the one they’re asking 150 K for?

Yep. Can’t even get $150,000 for my 335 600s boat