"CP" wrote in message
news

Newbie taking the plunge and looking at used boats in the 19-23 foot
range. Runabout or Bowrider variety for skiing/wakeboarding. Never
owned a boat before, driven, used and helped maintain several over the
years. Want to keep for long term.

Don't want to get into the 17-18' category and regret buying too small,
ie. not enough interior space for people, coolers, toys, etc.

Leaning towards choosing from Chaparral, Larson, Sea Ray or Glastron
categories, preferably with EFI/MFI Mercruiser engine, of course with as
few hours as possible. Boat would be slipped first year.

Favorable candidates thus far (w/ asking prices):

'02 Chapparal 200 SSE, 220HP Merc 29 hrs, 22,800
'04 Glastron GX-205, 220 Merc 54 hrs, 26,900 (w ext. deck)
'02 Wellcraft Excalibur 21', 220 HP (Merc/Volvo?), 80 hrs, 21,900
'98 Glastron GS-235, 5.7L 350HP Volvo, 145 hrs, 23,500 w/4-5k stereo eq.
'05 Larson LXi 208 (new), 220 Merc, 28,500

Any good or bad suggestions, advice or experience with the above boats
would be very helpful to decide on purchase. Looking to buy within the
next two weeks or so. Mechanical check and test drive naturally.

Thanks
Chuck

Go bigger if possible. It's amazing how much crap you can try to bring
sometimes. And, HAVE THE BOAT SURVEYED (inspected). Or, read some of the
horror stories here and take your chances.