1975 Super Caprice 17' I/O value

[ultima-thule]

Hello everyone,

I have an opportunity to buy a 1975 Super Caprice 17', it has a Mercruiser stern drive, brand new interior, brand new roof, and has been mechanically well maintained. The asking price is $3000, does this seem reasonable?

Anything specific to watch out for on this boat? Also , I think the engine is a 4 cyl 120hp, but I'm not sure.

I look forward to your replies.

Thanks.

 

[mr 88]

Re: 1975 Super Caprice 17' I/O value

Well I looked in the fiberglassics.com library and did not see a 1975 SCaprice listed.Not saying it isn't one just not listed.Anyway the motor is pretty bullit proof.I have a 67 boat that is driven by the same setup. The 75 has a "newer" type 1 outdrive that is easy to find parts for.That should be pressured checked to make sure the seals are all good.Compression test on engine to make sure all cylinders are within a few pounds of each other.New roof ? you mean convertable/bimini top or is it a hard top? Are there any soft spots on the floor and does the inside of the transom feel solid. Now on to the price I think 1500-1800 max maybe 2 if stored inside, with a hour meter that shows under 700 on the engine.I also know he will tell you or show you receipts for the interior etc that may run 700-1000,thats not your problem and to try and justify the price because of what he spent is not part of the bargaining process with this year boat,period.Now this guy may have money or not be in a hurry to sell so he can set whatever price he wants.I think he will have a hard time getting the 3G from someone that knows anything about boats.3G on Craigs normaly will get you a 1985-90/ 19-21' setup with a inline 6 or V8.The 4 is econmical to operate compared to a 8.

 

[ultima-thule]

Re: 1975 Super Caprice 17' I/O value

Hey, thanks for the reply.

Have a look at this, http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/MFG it's the boat on page 11 in the 1975 section. Yes, it's a convertible soft top that he had made recently. It has been stored indoors every winter as far as I know, I'm not sure about the hours on the engine or the soft floor but I will look into that. It also has recently repaired gimbal bearings and engine mounts. I suspected the price might be a touch high so thanks for the input.

http://www.fiberglassics.com/wiki/images/f/fa/Mfgb75011.jpg

 

[mr 88]

Re: 1975 Super Caprice 17' I/O value

Wonder why the engine mounts went bad,which may have caused the gimbal bearing to blow out.Two reasons for replacing gimbal B is bad bellows which lets water in and a shift in the engine.which means misalignment and the drive shaft beats the gimbal bearing.So having said that check the stringers where the motor mounts are lagged into for any rot.



Missed the disco boys on page 11,nice.

 

[ultima-thule]

Re: 1975 Super Caprice 17' I/O value

Great point about the motor mounts, I'll have a look at the stringer for sure. I guess I should get a retro outfit to go with the boat...

 

[mr 88]

Re: 1975 Super Caprice 17' I/O value

Just took a quick look at the local Carigs and there was a 1982 Searay 19' witha 1989 engine good condition etc for 2200 which means 2 or with some nic pickin 1800. Where abouts do you live? Sometimes that has a bearing on the market place. Yep a glitter ball would look great hanging from the top.

 

[ultima-thule]

Re: 1975 Super Caprice 17' I/O value

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

[mr 88]

Re: 1975 Super Caprice 17' I/O value

That may be a reason for the high pricing. Pretty much everything in Ontario is more than most of the US.I am not saying that in a deragatory way just stating fact.I live in the Buffalo area and see it all the time, Cars, food , Motorycles,gas etc...Just check out Craigs in Buffalo and Rochester to see the difference in pricing on boats.May be worth it to take a 2 hour trip and pay the tax if any.Unless you want the ease of a close by boat. Just offer what you think is fair, if he balks give him a piece of paper with your number,tell him you are looking at some other boats and if he changes his mind before you buy one ,give a call,then start walking.....good luck!