Re: How much to ask for boat/trailer
Keep in mind that there's a big difference in value between a 12' and 14' boat, at least down here there is. Mostly because of weight ratings. I keep a 12, a 14, and 15' aluminum boat myself, the 12' only goes out when it's just me and on small ponds, the 14' will handle two guys in bigger water but still be able to move using just a 10hp, the 15' has a 25hp and will carry three guys and tackle.
I've always been able to get more if each piece was sold separate if all three pieces were A1 perfect. There will always be those that won't or don't know how to outfit a boat and will only buy a complete rig.
I had 12' jon boat last spring that I had tried to sell for nearly two years, it was in good shape but had no motor, no trailer. I put it on a super light, painted trailer which sold for about $350 brand new, and hung an old 12lb thrust trolling motor with a used deep cycle. I had previously listed the trailer at $250, and the boat at $375. I hung that old trolling motor and put the boat on a trailer with the battery and listed it at $1350, it was gone the next morning for $1100 cash. I paid $20 for the trolling motor at a yard sale. The same guy came back a few days later wanting to buy an old Eska 7hp motor I had in the garage. We ended up trading even up for his 15hp tiller steer, electric start, long shaft Evinrude which was too heavy for the 12' boat. His motor was like new. The Eska was running but that's all I knew about it. I also gave him two parts motors as well. He had bought the boat to have a place to use the 15hp but it turned out too to be too big, so the smaller motor made it a great deal for him. A week later he came back with a case of beer and a new spark plug, prop and fuel tank and asked if I could show him how to set up the motor on the boat. 15 minutes later he was ready to go.
Keep in mind that not everyone is capable of building or fixing a boat to fish with, many people need turn key boats.
Those are the target customers of a complete boat. I either make it a complete package ready to float and use, or sell everything separate. The hardest thing to sell seems to be the trailer, no one wants to pay for a good trailer. Most will buy a $50 trailer to haul a good boat on. I have less trouble selling rough $100 parts trailers than a perfect, ready to use trailer for say $500 or so.
