Good Buy or Not?

[ProLineFan]

I am looking to buy a 1996 Proline 170 Stalker with a 2003 Mercury 115 Salt Water series on a 2005 Sport Trail trailer.

It looks great. The guy said it had a tune up about 6 months ago with a carb kit, new water/fuel seperator and a few more things.

The guy is asking 6000 for it.

Is this a good deal?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Good Buy or Not?

Depends on the market in your area. Around here that would be priced at least a grand too high. And that's assuming it's in immaculate condition. Sounds like a nice boat though.

 

[ProLineFan]

Re: Good Buy or Not?

I checked it out on NADA and its over a grand lower than retail.

Around here I would assume that it is a pretty good deal.

Thanks for your input though.

 

[diesel5599]

Re: Good Buy or Not?

I never go by NADA, I do a google search to see what everyone else is selling the same boat for. Also, whatever you do, get a pre sales inspection. No boat is worth it if you have to factor in $5K more in unexpected repairs.

Around here that would be a little high too, but here there's tons of boats for sale, that tends to lower the prices.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Good Buy or Not?

Yeah, Nada is fairly worthless. Boat prices do vary wildy by area. For example, in the pacific northwest prices are WAY higher.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Good Buy or Not?

Also ignor anything that "The buyer said - - - he did this and that - - - ." unless it is backed up with the completed service order.

 

[ProLineFan]

Re: Good Buy or Not?

Also ignor anything that "The buyer said - - - he did this and that - - - ." unless it is backed up with the completed service order.

He does have the receipts and service invoice for what he had done.

Im thinking if i just give it alittle more time he will come down on the price.

Around here on the gulf coast that price is about average or below average for this type of boat.

I appreciate all of you who voice your opinions. Keep it up.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Good Buy or Not?

Seems like an appropriate "asking price" without seeing the boat I cant really say much else. For it to be a deal I would say right around 5k but Its your money. If this is the first boat you have looked at I would dedicate at least a few weeks toward your search looking at as many as you can. If you find the boat you just cant live without then leave anyway and sleep on it and come back the next day. And never purchase a boat without a long sea trial

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Good Buy or Not?

One test--do you feel comfortable with the seller and the way he takes care of things? Is he knowledgable enough that you trust his assessment of positive and negative features? If you do, you can skip a lot of the investigation and adjust your cost/risk analysis. Paying a little more to a solid seller and taking less risk is the same as paying less for a risky deal (including unknowns).
Add in your own knowledge. I didn't take my new (used) boat for a sea trial b/c I spent two days fishing in a friend's similar set-up, the engine checked out in the "driveway" tests (such as compression, running on muffs) and I had enough in the budget to rebuild carbs if needed. I had good confidence in my seller even though I only knew him through the deal. If I were buying an unfamiliar set-up I would have done it differently. No regrets, either, 60 hours and 5 months later.

 

[ProLineFan]

Re: Good Buy or Not?

Thanks guys.

So I would definatly want to go on a sea trail before I buy but would you recommed doing a compression test in the driveway aswell?

What would be good compression on a 2003 Mercury 115 saltwater 2-stroke? Im guessing probably around 100 psi?

Is there anything else that I should check closely before I buy?

Thanks for the input, Keep it up.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Good Buy or Not?

From what I understand most compression testers are pretty in accurate as far as the actual numbers go. What you're mainly looking for is that all the holes are within 10% of each other. (but numbers-wise I would assume over 100 in each would be good)