Re: Buying a boat
I looked at the exact same boat last year. I was in the market for a large "bass style" fish and ski. We found an 02 288 with the 200 XR6 motor. When we got there the boat wasn't in as good of condition as it was described, but I looked long and hard just the same. The layout was just what we wanted (front and rear casting decks, step thru windshield, fully carpeted for the dog, etc). The build quality definitely lacked (most of the storage areas had either broken hinges or locks). The one downside we found was how low the seats sat - you can search the archives, I had a couple of posts about it. I'm sure it woudn't take much to come up with a taller pedastal, but as it was they were just not comfortable for us. We did take it for a test drive, and it was fast - right around 60 gps. In the end we walked away from it due to condition. We then looked at and drove a newer 185 Nitro with a 115 Merc and while the condition was great, it just couldn't hold a candle to the 200.
We looked and looked and finaly found our Procraft. The seats were much nicer, the layout was a bit nicer (rod and ski storage in the center, dual live wells, etc), and I thought the quality was a tad better. What sold it for us was the excellent condition, and the 200 Optimax motor. It runs about 65 gps with the current prop.
One thing I will caution you on, these are LOW free board boats. I've had water over the bow a couple times, and it's not a pleasant feeling. They also ride pretty rough in the heavy chop. That said, I love that I can go fishing in the morning (very comfortably), tubing in the afternoon (pretty comfortably), and lounge in the evening (somewhat comfortably) all on the same boat. I also love that I can explore the real skinny waters (it drafts about 10").
Good luck with the purchase and feel free to ask any specific questions. I'll try to get back to you quickly.
