Any recommended used boats?

I'm thinking to spend around 7k on a used boat, my problem is I know nothing about boats :D, all I know that I need it to be fast (not too fast though), I need to get opinions about brands, motors, etc.., and WHERE can I find used boats, and how to check it before buying :)|||You can find many fish/ski boats in that price range. There are some decent ones like Sea Ray, Maxum, Regal, Bayliner, Sea Swirl, and Tahoe, that fall in that price range. All will be used boats and some will be many years old.



To make sure you aren't getting a nightmare, be sure to do these things first;

1. Don't put ANY cash down until an inspection is done by a local Marine Boat shop, and you select a shop for the inspection. Also you pay for the inspection.

2. Find a good Marine Center and have the seller take it there

3. If the seller refuses to do that, RUN away. They are hiding a problem that they do not want you to know about.

4. After it gets a good clean report, arrange for an on-the-water, test drive of the boat. Test that every switch works the function, the engine starts easily, it runs well for at least 30 minutes.

5. Then check this link to make sure you don't over pay http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats



Some reliable sources are Boat trader, Boat US, iBoat, boat brokers,and boat dealers. Be extremely cautious when looking at Craigslist and EBAY. Lots of scams and rip-offs there.|||For runabouts, Chapparal is one of the best boats made. They use Volvo Penta 6 cylinder engines, which are reliable as can be. My 220 hp does 52 mph with 400 lbs of gear and people when you trim the motor up. I figure you'd have to go older than 10 years old in your price range. They hold their value very well.





The least expensive run-abouts are Bayliners. When you see one, you'll know why. However, they are fairly reliable.





If you can find an older Mastercraft, they are superb ski, wakeboard, intertubing boats and very reliable.





If you are willing to do some possible engine work, the old fiberforms (pre 80's) were very nice with a hard covered top so the sun doesn't beat down on you. The motors are smaller with under 200 horsepower, so don't expect to do over 40 mph.





First, you need to select either an open bow, closed bow or cuddy cabin. I like the open bow based on our needs. If the waters are rough, you can seat some heavier people of front to keep your bow down and smoothen the ride. Depending on where you boat, I'd stay with no smaller than 18 feet, preferably 21 feet in your price range. The 3 feet makes a ton of difference in choppy waters. A swim platform is an excellent addition. If there is no swim platform, make sure it has a ladder or install one yourself. Make sure you have a life vest for each passenger, tie ropes, bumpers and an anchor to heighten your experience.





Great boating!! If you have motor problems, ask on this board and I can prolly answer it.|||You do realize what BOAT stands for right, Break Out Another Thousand and I can't even tell you how much you will live by this. Just check out local ads, craigslist ect. and dont think you'll stop at that 7k...|||What type of activity will you be using it for? wake boarding,fishing,cruising etc