I remember my first boat well. Purchased a 1987 Stratos VT 200 with a Mariner 220 EFI for $6600 back in 1991. The hull was what is referred to as a Mod VP (I believe)....tunnels cut into a vee hull. It ran great(low 70's)and served us well for 2-3 years. Had next to no repairs or issues and sold it for $6100. Those were the days!
I guess it would seem like a pos now but compared to what my current rig costs to run/insure I could definately get used to low/no cost boating!