Overpriced?

[jpenley]

Bellow Boaters,
I am no stranger to boats and definately no stranger to getting my hands dirty in a boat rehab either, but I have never owned my own boat and really don't know whether a boat is worth it or not. This is where my question comes into play.

I have been looking for an inexpensive fixer upper in the range of $1000 - $2000. Of course I haven't had much luck in my area unless I want a Jon boat with a paddle, maybe I am just not looking in the right places. Anyway, I came accross this boat for $1500. I can't see the boat being anywhere near worth $1500 and not about to pay it either, so I am trying to determine what would be a fair offer for the boat or offer to just get it out of his yard?

It is a 1982 17' Sea Sprite Bass w/115HP Mercury Outboard + Trailer.

I know that the boat has not been in the water since 2001 and I don't know the last time it was started, but was told it ran when it was parked here 4 years ago. I have looked over the boat and do not see any hull or transom damage other than some faded paint. The interior of the boat is a completely different story. The seats and carpet are destroyed and the fiberglass on the interior will have to be completely refinished (hopefully not repaired) and the compartment hatches will need new seals and hardware. The livewells appear to be in good shape, but I do not know about the pumps and aerators. Console instruments appear to be ok, but I would replace them as well as all the electrical with updated instruments and new Throttle assembly. I figure I will make him two offers one if it runs and a lower offer if not. So now to the pictures(Please look past the trash that has accumulated). Should I make an offer on this or completely pass it by.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Overpriced?

Wow.
What is the condition of the transom, stringers, and floor?

Looks like something built a nest in the lower unit.

If you are willing to stick 300 hours and a couple grand into rebuilding it, it might be worth $200.

The engine is underpowered, thats why they put the hydrofoil on the engine.

The trailer doesn't fit the boat, lights are not legal, bunks need replacing, frame needs blasting and paint, axle needs ? bearings? tires?

Oh just pass on this one, its gonna cost a fortune and still be worth nothing when you are done.

Just my opinion.

Welcome to iboats.

Be patient, there are a lot of boats for sale out there, one will come along.

Look for a good boat and trailer that needs engine/work;
or a boat that needs work but has a working engine from the mid 80's or early 90's.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Overpriced?

If all the boats in your area are "all used up", maybe you should venture outside to parts of the country where the boating season is only a couple months long.

Here are a few boats that are available in my area.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1989...45&_trkparms=65:7|39:1|240:1318#ht_500wt_1206

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Bass...5&_trkparms=65:7|39:1|240:1318#ht_2783wt_1094


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1988...45&_trkparms=65:7|39:1|240:1318#ht_877wt_1191


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Soli...45&_trkparms=65:7|39:1|240:1318#ht_500wt_1206

I'm looking at the Ranger myself.

 

[jpenley]

Re: Overpriced?

WOW was my first response as well. With an asking price of $1500 I thought that either he knows something that I don't, or he is clueless. I actually started to POST this under the "Funny "TLC needed" boat ads on Craigslist" thread, but it wasn't an ad on Craigslist and I was curious about actual worth.

I am going to take your advice and keep looking. I had pretty much come to that conclusion already but wanted a knowledgable opinion. I'm not in a hurry for a boat of my own.

Besides, maybe the photos will entertain a few folks!

 

[jpenley]

Re: Overpriced?

"All Used Up" that is such a fitting expression. Everything that I have looked at here is in this condition or worse. It's kinda depressing!

The Ranger is nice and I have never thought of looking on ebay(Why I don't know!). I am also thinking about taking a trip to the lake this weekend and looking for "For Sale" signs at the marinas or maybe swing by a few dealers and see what they have, although Dealers usually mean "Out of My Price Range".

 

[jonesg]

Re: Overpriced?

The stringers and transom are shot on that boat.
Its hazardous waste at this point.

$1500 will fetch a really good boat.

 

[jpenley]

Re: Overpriced?

The stringers and transom are shot on that boat.
Its hazardous waste at this point.

$1500 will fetch a really good boat.

I have decided not to pursue this boat for obvious reasons, but out of curiosity. How can you tell the Transom and Stringers are shot from the photos? It would be good information for the future.

Thanks,

Jeremy

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Overpriced?

How can you tell the Transom and Stringers are shot from the photos?

We can't really....however, seeing how it full of debris there's no way that thing hasn't had water laying in it and that's all it takes to rot everything out.

That boat actually looks like a great project if the motor ran and you could get it for next to nothing. We've seen some amazing rebuilds on here.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Overpriced?

He can"t tell.

 

[timdan94]

Re: Overpriced?

if you are willing to come to pa for a boat try pennswoods.net there were a lot of good priced boats on there and they were in good shape.

 

[jpenley]

Re: Overpriced?

if you are willing to come to pa for a boat try pennswoods.net there were a lot of good priced boats on there and they were in good shape.

PA wouldn't really be a problem, especially for a good deal. I was ready to head to GA for one, but have never gotten a response from the seller. I will check out that site.

Thanks