After scanning through many posts, I think I found my first boat. I plan to spend around $20-25k. I like the year 2000 MC 205, I found a couple postings around $23k and 400-500 hrs. I was wondering was would I expect to pay in the off season (winter). Is this a good starter boat, since I don't know how to fix boats. I want a worry free ride. <BR>Thanks

For about $4K more, you can get a brand spanking new Moomba. <BR> <BR>I really would hesitate to label any 7 year old water craft "worry free".

All boats break and need maintenence. If you want worry free, use that 20-25 as a down payment and buy something with a warranty (new or 1-2yrs old).

As a previous owner of a 205, you are getting a great do it all boat. As you may know, that hull is the same as the old xstar/x2, and now x1. It is one of the best wake producing hulls out there. The ski wake is really good as well. It was the only open bow that was AWSA approved to pull tournaments(at the time). As far as it being worry free, there are no guarantees, but I would not worry one bit about the boat if it was properly taken care of. 23K for it sounds about right. If you find one in the winter, you can always low ball them to see how bad they need to get rid of it.