Help me find a boat!

[Noahs40]

Hello everyone, I am going to be a first time boat buyer. I was really hoping to buy a used Cheetah Stiletto or Scorpion, open bow. This seems to be a nice boat in my price range for my first boat. If anyone knows of any good deals or knows of some one selling their boat please let me know! By the way I live in Arizona, thanks guys! :)

[Havasu1986]

What size, year, motor etc.:)

[Jyruiz]

And what is you price range?

[Jordy]

How about something like this:
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97404

[Havasu_Dreamin]

Since this is your first boat, some things to coonsider. This is obviously not all inclusive but hopefully at least marginally helpful.....:)
Break
Out
Another
Thousand :p
Ask yourself these questions:
Since this type of question always seems to come up every so often I wrote down some things I would consider in purchasing a new boat. This is by no means an exhaustive list of things to think of but hopefully it is a good start.
1. Where do you plan to do most of your boating?
Topock up to Needles and Laughlin? May want to consider a jet boat due to the river being shallower North of Needles unless you know the river like the back of your hand. Topock down to Havasu springs? Can pretty much run anything there. The Parker strip? Again you need to the river well to avoid some of the shallow spots. Big River down to Blythe? Almost exclusively jets.
2. What do you plan to do when boating?
You going to want to water-ski? tube? wakeboard? Find a cove and just chill out?
3. How many peeps will you have with you usually?
If you're only going to take 4-5 peeps total, a closed bow may work, more than that on a regular basis you'll probably want an open bow.
4. What are you looking for in terms of quality? Do you care that everything is thru-bolted? Do you care if the hull has some type of coring to it? Do you want a kickass stereo system?
You can ask all of the questions you want and there are plenty of us on here that will answer them.
The thing to remember is that there a plenty of people on here that think their boat is the absolute best boat money can buy, that's called cheerleading, especially when they are way off base. There are reasons that two similarly sized and equipped boats may be as much as $15k apart in price, and it aint all profit. You get what you pay for. The boat industry is like any other industry, there is a definite tier as to who is at the top and who is at the bottom. Not everyone will agree on who is where either. Pick out which boats you like, based on the lines, and the functionality of it's amenities, how it's built , or because YOU think they have great graphics. Bottom line, get the boat that will work best for YOU.
Go to each and every builder you are interested in and take a tour of the factory. If they won't show you how they make the boat, leave. See how the boats are actually built. How do they lay the glass up? Do they use multiple layers of the same type of glass, such as only random directional glass, or do they use multiple layers of different types of glass, bi-directional, tri-directional, quadaxial? Is all of the hardware thru-bolted or do they just screw it into the fiberglass? Does the boat have full-length stringers or not? Are the screws on the underside of the ski locker capped off so you don't scrape your hand or your skis or wakeboard?
Ultimately, you're the one that will have to make the payments and be happy with your boat so you need to get the boat that fits your needs the best.

[Jyruiz]

How about something like this:
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97404
Lol, I was going to refer him to Matts boat if his price range was close.

[Noahs40]

Wow thanks for all the responses so far! I thought I had e-mail notification on but I guess I didnt. I was HOPING to spend around 30ish (less would be great!). So far the best deal so far is a brand new 2007 Cheetah Scorpion 23', open bow, 350 motor, red and white for 32k directly from Cheetah. Cheetah seems to offer a pretty nice boat for a low price. What do you guys think? I was wanting around 23-24ft, decent motor (small block with power or biggie). And is there a good bank that deals with boat loans I might look into?

[Jyruiz]

Wow thanks for all the responses so far! I thought I had e-mail notification on but I guess I didnt. I was HOPING to spend around 30ish (less would be great!). So far the best deal so far is a brand new 2007 Cheetah Scorpion 23', open bow, 350 motor, red and white for 32k directly from Cheetah. Cheetah seems to offer a pretty nice boat for a low price. What do you guys think? I was wanting around 23-24ft, decent motor (small block with power or biggie). And is there a good bank that deals with boat loans I might look into?
Try to get a test ride, if you like it, go for it.

[andy01]

Check your pm's.

[HavasuSelect]

I dont know how new you're looking to get but this is def worth a look....
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142561

[Noahs40]

That's a nice boat for sure, might be a tad older than I was wanting. Here is the boat Cheetah is selling.
http://members.cox.net/byeager21/scorp.jpg
http://members.cox.net/byeager21/scorp2.jpg

[BigDoug]

Noah, check your pm's :D

[Run_em_Hard]

Wow thanks for all the responses so far! I thought I had e-mail notification on but I guess I didnt. I was HOPING to spend around 30ish (less would be great!). So far the best deal so far is a brand new 2007 Cheetah Scorpion 23', open bow, 350 motor, red and white for 32k directly from Cheetah. Cheetah seems to offer a pretty nice boat for a low price. What do you guys think? I was wanting around 23-24ft, decent motor (small block with power or biggie). And is there a good bank that deals with boat loans I might look into?
For a boat that size you would want a big block. More power, will get you out of the hole better and better resale.

[HavasuSelect]

For a boat that size you would want a big block. More power, will get you out of the hole better and better resale.
Ya, what he said:D Plus you'll prob end up wanting more power once you have it.
Other then that it looks like a nice boat. I love the gel and the colors. Nice and simple, nothing outrageous. Good luck with it.

[catman-do]

Looks like a nice boat. Like the others said, get bigger power or you will regret it.

[Jyruiz]

I know that there is several people here with 23' boats that have the 6.2 and are happy with it, but if you are into speed, than yes, you better pony up for the extra power.

[dirty old man]

check boaters outlet in Upland. They may still have a 24 Hallett priced way under market with BBC

[Noahs40]

Yeah I think I will look for one with a big block then. Last thing I want is to be dissapointed with a new boat! The guy at Cheetah said that it has 400HP...either he was wrong about the power or the size of the motor because that is alot of power from a 350. Ill search for that Hallett, thanks!

[syke-o]

Yeah I think I will look for one with a big block then. Last thing I want is to be dissapointed with a new boat! The guy at Cheetah said that it has 400HP...either he was wrong about the power or the size of the motor because that is alot of power from a 350. Ill search for that Hallett, thanks!
the 350mag is 300hp... the 496mag is 375hp, and the 469ho is 425hp... i dont think he knows what he is talking about

[shueman]

Yeah I think I will look for one with a big block then. Last thing I want is to be dissapointed with a new boat! The guy at Cheetah said that it has 400HP...either he was wrong about the power or the size of the motor because that is alot of power from a 350. Ill search for that Hallett, thanks!
I was by http://www.boatersoutletandmarine.com/index.html the other day. Ted's got some nice inventory on hand right now, including a coupla 21' Halletts.

[Boataholic]

Depending on what year make and model you are looking for I have a 24 foot stiletto with 454 mag. The boat is the mid cuddy-open bow with 125 hours. I have not actually put the boat up for sale just yet. But if the right situation presented itself the boat would be for sale.

[Boataholic]

Also the price that was qouted to you by cheetah was 32k,(base boat) take into consideration the upgrades you will need to have doneto that boat to keep you happy for some years to come. (ie motor package, elctric hatch, stereo, bimini top, boat cover, dual batteries etc.) these few upgrades could easily add another 6k to that price. just my 02 cents. I learned the hard way my first time.

[Deano]

Just cut through all the crap and buy mine! You can put as many naked chicks, or kids, or guys (if your into that kinda thing) on it as you want. :D

[Noahs40]

Boataholic, that price was after they took off about 8k. Still not sure if it had the big block though, Ill have to double check. Do you have any pics of your boat? What price were you thinking?
shueman, looks like there are some pretty good deals. The only ones that caught my eye were a bit higher. I seem to find tons of great deals on 21 footers! thanks!

[Beer-30]

Look around at USED. I too was near purchase on a Cheetah (24'), but started looking at used. For your price range you can end up with WAYYYY more boat.
I was looking at new 22s and 24s in the $55K range. I ended up with this for $54,500:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2433cropped.jpg
30 feet of boat for the price of a 21'-22'. It was 4 years old in '05 when I bought it, 140 hours, like new. 496HO, stereo, still shows like new today!

[Jyruiz]

Look around at USED. I too was near purchase on a Cheetah (24'), but started looking at used. For your price range you can end up with WAYYYY more boat.
I was looking at new 22s and 24s in the $55K range. I ended up with this for $54,500:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2433cropped.jpg
30 feet of boat for the price of a 21'-22'. It was 4 years old in '05 when I bought it, 140 hours, like new. 496HO, stereo, still shows like new today!
Damn bro, you got a smoking deal.

[Beer-30]

98 Hallett Vector
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This boat belongs to a friend (98 vector 21 here on the boards) and it needs to GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!
454/Bravo
I think the hour meter says 230 (can check when I get back to Havi in a couple days, and can also get more pics)
In-Control foot throttle and trim
Has a decent CD/stereo system, 2 10's, i think 4 6's, 4 amps.
Bimini, cover, etc. Hasn't been run since Big Doug detailed it at the beginning of Feb. Will run low to mid 70's depending on conditions.
30K OBO
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/6385hallett.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1634101_0380.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1634101_0376.JPG

[Beer-30]

Huge stereo that is only months old. Very nice boat and big for the $. Great Havasu boat:
27 advantage open bow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a bitchn 2000 boat show boat by advantage 27' mid cuddy open bow for sale. Need it gone. It's a 9 for used boats. Too much to list. Email or call for more info will send pics. Please no lookers, family problems and just need it gone.
Thanks
chuck
chknlolo@sbcglobal.net
Must go 50k firm.
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=25750&stc=1&d=1173221193

[jdogginla]

I could be wrong, but weren't you trying to tell your friend to get rid of this boat in your garage last year??
98 Hallett Vector
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This boat belongs to a friend (98 vector 21 here on the boards) and it needs to GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!
454/Bravo
I think the hour meter says 230 (can check when I get back to Havi in a couple days, and can also get more pics)
In-Control foot throttle and trim
Has a decent CD/stereo system, 2 10's, i think 4 6's, 4 amps.
Bimini, cover, etc. Hasn't been run since Big Doug detailed it at the beginning of Feb. Will run low to mid 70's depending on conditions.
30K OBO
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/6385hallett.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1634101_0380.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1634101_0376.JPG

[Beer-30]

I could be wrong, but weren't you trying to tell your friend to get rid of this boat in your garage last year??
Well, yes and no.
It wasn't ME, it was actually Dicumore ('s garage) and he is much more friends with Wade than I am (I think they share a house or something :D ). Anyway, yes, it was last year - that's true enough.:)

[Beer-30]

Damn bro, you got a smoking deal.
As did you. I remember when your deal happened.

[dicudmore]

I could be wrong, but weren't you trying to tell your friend to get rid of this boat in your garage last year??
that was so last year--that Hallett is now for sale at boaters outlet in Upland for 25K :D
but at present in the ole garage (or it will be when the kid brings it back down) is an 02 24' Cheetah Stilletto with a 496HO--mid cuddy open bow. I think high 20's will buy it :D

[Noahs40]

Need an open bow, nice boat though!

[Noahs40]

I havent heard much about Genesis. Are they good boats? I think I found a smokin deal! Check it out:
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/9/88059389.htm

[Jyruiz]

I havent heard much about Genesis. Are they good boats? I think I found a smokin deal! Check it out:
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/9/88059389.htm
I checked them out before I bought, nice boats and there are several peeps here with them who are happy. The 6.2 won't get you to 60mph on that boat, if you are concerned about speed.
Here is one worth considering, 5k more, but has a 496 and some other must have options.
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113846&highlight=genesis

[Mrs.HLB]

I checked them out before I bought, nice boats and there are several peeps here with them who are happy. The 6.2 won't get you to 60mph on that boat, if you are concerned about speed.
Here is one worth considering, 5k more, but has a 496 and some other must have options.
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113846&highlight=genesis
Thanks jyruiz! It has been a great boat! Let me know!
Mrs.HLB

[dicudmore]

hey noahs40 here's that Stiletto :cool:
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=26603&d=1174062686

[Noahs40]

I like that alot!!!!:)

[dicudmore]

I like that alot!!!!:)
come and get it--the kid already has another boat so this one is just sitting...
needs a detail and gas :D

[Noahs40]

I know this sounds like a dumb question but since Im a newbie here, how much is 200 hours compared to like miles on a car? I dont know if 200 hours is like 15k miles or if its considered alot more like 100k miles. Sorry for the dumb question! :D

[wedge44]

Noah,
check out my boat, it's been on the boards a while I was not in a big rush too sell, I'm negotiable, I have more pics at work...wedge
her is the link..wedge
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131725&highlight=wedge44

[Beer-30]

I know this sounds like a dumb question but since Im a newbie here, how much is 200 hours compared to like miles on a car? I dont know if 200 hours is like 15k miles or if its considered alot more like 100k miles. Sorry for the dumb question! :D
There's no real comparison there. Basically, 25-30 hours is probably average for a season of boating. 100 hours would be better - per year. The more the engine is run (minimal sitting time), the better.
A stock, production motor will go roughly 1500-2000 hours with maybe a set of valvesprings. If you are real picky, two or three sets of springs.
I've had my boat a little over two years now, and have put on 60 hours.
Therefore, 200 is barely scratching the surface.
An internal combustion engine sitting still is not good. They should be run at least once a month for at least a half an hour. I just fire mine up in the back yard during winter months and such - or I take it out to our local lake and run it around (optimal).

[KineticoH20]

Hey Noah, take your time finding the right boat, I had built a new Genesis 251 in 2005, it was a nice boat built by the Casillas Bros they do very good work, and now have separated from elements that have given them a black eye. They are in Moreno Valley I believe. The 24 with a 6.2 I believe to be a little under powered, If 55 is ok for your situation then go for it, it is a pretty boat. Anything 24' 20 26' should have at least a 496 mag. Take a look at the Ultra's alot of boat for the money, I just built one. Fisrt pic is my Genesis second the Ultra. Good luck.

[Noahs40]

OK that makes sense for sure. Maintenance should not be a problem for me as I am pretty mechanically inclined (done a few motor swaps) but that helps put it in perspective! Good to know!

[Noahs40]

Smthopr8tr,
Those are a couple of very nice boats! 50k range is more than I want to spend now on my first boat. The thing that I like about Genesis is for the length they appear to have a fairly deep hull whereas the Cheetah looks a little shorter. It makes it look like youre getting more boat for the length. Thanks for the advice!

[KineticoH20]

Smthopr8tr,
Those are a couple of very nice boats! 50k range is more than I want to spend now on my first boat. The thing that I like about Genesis is for the length they appear to have a fairly deep hull whereas the Cheetah looks a little shorter. It makes it look like youre getting more boat for the length. Thanks for the advice!
Noah, there is no question that I would take the Genesis over the Cheetah. If you can live with the speed the 6.2 will be a reliabe power plant. There are a ton of boats in the 30k to 40 range look at quite a few if this is your first boat. And frrl free to ask questions here, there are alot of guys that chime in:eek:

[Noahs40]

Awesome to hear! Everyone on here seems really cool so Im glad I found this site! I wouldnt mind a 6.2 but would like something bigger would be great for sure :D

[spectras only]

[b]Smthopr8tr,
50k range is more than I want to spend now on my first boat. The thing that I like about Genesis is for the length they appear to have a fairly deep hull whereas the Cheetah looks a little shorter.
Noah , if you want depth for a given hull length , yuo'll need to look elsewhere. For example , a 22 Donzi ZX [ can be had for reasonable $$$ as a starter boat ] will have much more freeboard than a same sized semi custom west coast boat . You can trade later when you want upgrade to a bigger west coast boat like an Ultra Shadow that has excellent freeboard :idea: .
Ps; I have the 6.2 , albeit two of them !

[dicudmore]

Smthopr8tr,
Those are a couple of very nice boats! 50k range is more than I want to spend now on my first boat. The thing that I like about Genesis is for the length they appear to have a fairly deep hull whereas the Cheetah looks a little shorter. It makes it look like youre getting more boat for the length. Thanks for the advice!
remember the 23 and 24' Cheetah's are a mod-VP tunnel style bottom--for moderate lake chop it will probably ride smoother than a comparably sized V-bottom

[Noahs40]

Oh OK, so its actually better for chop to have a slightly shorter V bottom?

[dicudmore]

Oh OK, so its actually better for chop to have a slightly shorter V bottom?
I was just saying the bottom of the Cheetah is not a true V-bottom, its more like a tunnel--in light/moderate chop may ride softer than a conventional bottom. That is the theory behind the design anyway :idea:

[Noahs40]

I see what youre saying now! Yes, :idea: ! Thanks! :D

[SHOTKALLIN]

ok noah this is the short list. all under 45k. pick one and pull the trigger.:D
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/0/9/87966509.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/9/7/87754497.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/7/85310537.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/7/2/87834272.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/4/6/87351646.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/9/0/86315490.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/9/87778829.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/7/86316037.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/8/86315438.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/2/86316032.htm
http://www.boattraderonline.com/caddetail.html?/ad-cache/6/4/0/88013340.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/5/81327085.htm
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/5/4/87637754.htm

[Jyruiz]

Needs to be open bow, most all of those are closed bow.

[Noahs40]

Wow thanks! Some of those are nice for sure. I really like that Ultra on there, alot of boat for the money

[KineticoH20]

Noah, take a look at the Ultra shotkallin posted, it is a nice boat, the 247 is a great hull and the ultra will keep a higher resale than the Genesis. The Howard is also nice. There are alot of 247 owners that might chime in also.

[robsformula]

Noah, I have a 96 formula with twin 454's I am looking to up grade this year. If the price is right I would part with it. 260 hrs. Its been a great boat, now its time for 35' or better.

[THOR]

Noah, take a look at the Ultra shotkallin posted, it is a nice boat, the 247 is a great hull and the ultra will keep a higher resale than the Genesis. The Howard is also nice. There are alot of 247 owners that might chime in also.
I have the very last Ultra 247 ever made. It is a very solid boat and runs just shy of 80 mph with the HO.

[SHOTKALLIN]

Noah, take a look at the Ultra shotkallin posted, it is a nice boat, the 247 is a great hull and the ultra will keep a higher resale than the Genesis. The Howard is also nice. There are alot of 247 owners that might chime in also.
get the dcb 247 and cut open the bow. its only 33k

[SHOTKALLIN]

Needs to be open bow, most all of those are closed bow.
i have a chain saw he can borrow:D

[SHOTKALLIN]

what is it $3500 to ad an open bow?

[SHOTKALLIN]

that dcb 247 in disco bay looks clean!

[Noahs40]

I have actually seen a couple of closed bows that were converted, some look really good too!

[Noahs40]

Well I am going to the Havasu boat show tomorrow so hopefully I can find a good deal!

[496mag]

check boaters outlet in Upland. They may still have a 24 Hallett priced way under market with BBC
I know the guy that owns this boat, its a consignment boat so if you are interested in it contact me and I will see if you can cut out the middle man and save some money.

[vmjtc3]

98 Hallett Vector
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This boat belongs to a friend (98 vector 21 here on the boards) and it needs to GET OUT OF MY GARAGE!
454/Bravo
I think the hour meter says 230 (can check when I get back to Havi in a couple days, and can also get more pics)
In-Control foot throttle and trim
Has a decent CD/stereo system, 2 10's, i think 4 6's, 4 amps.
Bimini, cover, etc. Hasn't been run since Big Doug detailed it at the beginning of Feb. Will run low to mid 70's depending on conditions.
30K OBO
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/6385hallett.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1634101_0380.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1634101_0376.JPG
Hey beer30 That garage looks just like dicudmores garage. I have spent many an evening sitting in there. :D

[Havasu Sun]

hey noahs40 here's that Stiletto :cool:
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=26603&d=1174062686
I saw your post when I was searching for a used boat and doing research on cheetahs. Is the boat in the pic for sale?
PM me any info you have.
thanks