[Chocaholic]

We picked up a used Chapparal 210SS with a 5.0 Volvo and SX outdrive for around your price range. It was a used 2003 that we bought late in the 04 season with about 100 hours on it. We live on a lake so we put a lot of hours on our boat. With routine maintenance (engine and outdrive oil, impellor, battery maintenance, etc), it's been completely trouble-free. Pulls tubes, wakeboards, and water-skiers with ease. Even better since I put on a 4 blade stainless prop.

Chaparral is not Cobalt, but it's not as expensive either. Cobalt is to runabouts what Mercedes is to automobiles. Big, comfortable, heavy, and reliable....but not all that sporty.

If you intend to beach your boat (we do), you may want to avoid an inboard or a V-drive since the prop is the lowest point on the boat and not adjustable. A traditional I/O might make more sense for general use. There are lots of reasonably priced brands out there...Regal, Chap, Four Winns, Bryant, Stingray, Monterey, and the list goes on.

With all that said, I'd recommend Volvo over Mercruiser....just personal preference. If you go over 21', consider a dual prop outdrive for better hole-shot. Also, I wouldn't be afraid of buying a used boat with records and less than 200 hours.