06-07 260 DA most boat you can buy for $35K-$45k?

[Heracles]

I see quite a few 06-07 260 DA with 200-300 hours in the $35K-$45K price range, some with 496 most with the 350. Any concerns buying a boat that old with those relatively lower hours? Taking into consideration though also ones that are in lakes and not in saltwater more attractive- im lookng at ones with no bottom paint, as its a sign also of it not sitting in the water too much. ANything else? Would you recommend for best cruiser for the price?

 

[bobeast]

In general. With a fixed budget, newer = smaller / older = bigger. There are lots of older - larger boats in that price range which have been well taken care of. Year of manufacture and to a lesser extent engine hours are less important than how well maintained the boat was. For example, I'd much rather have a 500 hour boat that has been used and well maintained, than a 100 hour boat that's sat on a trailer and been neglected for the last 3 years.

This is all to say, don't discount higher engine hours, or older boats. Doing so will severely limit your choices.