You can find year-2year old Sabre FTDs in that price range. Im going to look at a Sabre this afternoon, like you this will be my first REAL boat of my own. Ive done quite a bit of research and I dont think Ill be dissapointed for going with a BCB for my first real boat. Ive been fishing out of an 18 1985 Winner this year so It will be interesting to see how this newer BCB fishes and rides compared to the old Winner, which is basically an old Ranger w/ a different name.13 PIV w/ 200 MercIG: WarriorRiverCustomRods