[dmcummins]

I live about 4 blocks from a marina on the Mississippi river and Im thinking of buying a boat. I have had a 27' sailboat in the past, but I don't want a sailboat for the river.

I also don't plan on spending alot of money, something in the $10,000 to $30,000 range. I don't care how old it is and I want a larger boat so I know its going to have some years and hours on it. It doesn't need to be very fast either as I just want something that I can take some friends and family out on the river from time to time. The wife says it must have a bathroom but we probably wont be staying overnight on it.

Some of the boat I have looked at are in the 28' to 35' range. They are crusiers. Some have one engine, some have two. Some are fiberglass, some are steel or aluminum. One was even an old wood boat, but I'm not sure I want a wood boat.

So anyway, any suggestions and what to look for? Should I have one or two engines? Hull material? Any brands to stay away from? I will keep the boat in a slip at the marina if that makes any difference.