Boat Purchase Opinions...

[mrfizban]

I was referred to run my used boat purchase across on the board to see if anyone had an opinion as to whether I was getting a good deal or should go for a little lower price. So here’s the boat I’m currently thinking about buying:<br /><br />1995 Chaparral 1830-SS<br />4.3 – 180HP Merc<br />319 hours but pristine condition (looks like brand new)<br />Stored in heated garage, all that normal no saltwater, no dry rot, no rust, etc.<br />Options:<br />Bimini; Cockpit cover; Bow cover; Mooring cover; Camper package enclosure; dual batteries; depth sounder, AM/FM Cassette stereo. <br /><br />Trailer: Shoreland’r with Surge brakes, spare tire, and detachable break-away tongue. <br /><br />NADA for boat = about $9,000 low / $11,000 high<br />for trailer about $1,000 low / $1,200 high. <br />• Only note on NADA is price includes a “Bridge Enclosure” which is the camping package with zip-up side curtains and back, but the option is $1,700 in NADA and I’m not entirely convince that some canvas and zip-up windows could equal $1,700 used so I’m not sure if NADA had something else in mind when they listed that option. <br /><br />Total asking price = $10,900. <br /><br />Does anyone have an opinion on whether this is a good deal or not, or to ask for less? Thanks. <br /><br />Jeff

 

[Solittle]

Re: Boat Purchase Opinions...

Find out how long it has been since the manifolds & risers were replaced. If never - get an estimate & include it in your offer decision.

 

[mrfizban]

Re: Boat Purchase Opinions...

SoLittle, <br /><br />You bring up a debate I haven't decided to bring up but I've really been wondering. As a former Auto Mechanic, I'm amazed at how many of these 3.0L and 4.3L engines have been rebuilt or had work on them after only 5-10 years. The typical V6 engine put into production for automobiles can last at least 2000 hrs more more likely 4000-6000 hrs off rugged start/stop extreme conditions and for 10-12 years with maybe only having to be worried about changing best. Manifords, rings, lifters, valves, whatever should never be an issue on a boat where the engine is used for a mere hundred or so hours a year and then all the fluids drained and stored in a garage. What are these boat owners doing to need repairs on these thing? Or is there some other factor entering the equation on boat engines that I'm missing here. So of course I'm not going to ask if manifolds were replaced as that would seem sort-of like asking if the steering wheel was replaced recently. Thanks for the advice though.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[garycinn]

Re: Boat Purchase Opinions...

Seems like a little high price to me.<br /><br />Here's one from a dealer with no trailer. It looks much rougher than the pristine one you describe, but they are asking $6,500.<br /><br /> http://www.boattraderonline.com/caddetail.html?/ad-cache/6/3/8/72678038.htm <br /><br />I'd offer $9.9K or possibly $9 even. All depends on your local area, the demand, how bad you want it . Is it from a dealer or individual? If it is a dealer offer much less, there's probably more room to wiggle than an individual sale.<br /><br />Here is an example of a $9K comparable boat:<br /><br /> http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/7/7/75959677.htm <br /><br />Good luck. Sounds like a nice boat.

 

[KCook]

Re: Boat Purchase Opinions...

Jeff - very few boat motors get the benefit of closed loop cooling. That and they are run "normally" at considerably higher RPM than a car motor.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[mrfizban]

Re: Boat Purchase Opinions...

Thanks Gary, it's a private party and I think I'll use your ads for bartering power.<br /><br />And KCook, thanks for the info. I suppose closed loop cooling could make some difference and also the higher RPM's would account for a faster wear-factor. But still probably not much more than three times the rate which means an engine should last for 1000 hours before anyone would start considering replacing stuff or worrying about breaking down. Oh well, who knows. Thanks again for the info.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[garycinn]

Re: Boat Purchase Opinions...

Here's another. Same year, one foot bigger, less money (and a dealer with lots of markup).<br /><br /> http://www.boattraderonline.com/caddetail.html?/ad-cache/6/6/2/75142962.htm <br /><br />I'd feel better if I got closer to the "low" side of NADA (and even better lower than that). It's very doable.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Boat Purchase Opinions...

Having bought and sold several boats over the years, I have come to think of NADA values as being on the "high" side. In-case you haven't heard of this site www.bucvalue.com you might want to sign up (no charge) and run the numbers on the boat you are interested in and see what they say.

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Boat Purchase Opinions...

Originally posted by waterone1:<br /> Having bought and sold several boats over the years, I have come to think of NADA values as being on the "high" side. In-case you haven't heard of this site www.bucvalue.com you might want to sign up (no charge) and run the numbers on the boat you are interested in and see what they say.

Real good site I ditto waterone1.