Question about a potential boat purchase

[MAndreou]

Hey everyone wanted to introduce myself and say whats up. Had a quick question for some of you boat experts since I don't know too much about boats. I'm in the market for my first boat for the summer. I came across a boat that caught my eye. It's a 2000 Aquatron SE 180. I looked at it today and will be taking a test drive next week. The carpet needs to be replaced and the rest had normal aging. He wants 6200 for it. Now I researched aquatron boats and didn't find too much. I know it was a company out of Georgia that was in business for 10 or so years that seemed to make good boats. My question to you guys is is this a good deal? Good boat? Good price? Etc.

Oh the boat comes with a trailer, no boat cover, CD player, a few life vests. Also couldn't tell me how many hors were on it.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

Welcome aboard!! I don't know anything about those boats, but I'm sure others who do will be along shortly

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

Welcome to iboats.......

Here is a C&P from NADA and the boat better be in ABSOLUTE PERFECT shape with maintenance records and more.......seems priced too high Its over $2K over average and it is still "off season"

2000 Aquatron Industries

180 SE(*)

Pricing	Suggested List Price	Low Retail	Average Retail
Base Price:	$13,995	$3,760	$4,290
Options: (add options)
TOTAL PRICE	$13,995	$3,760	$4,290

 

[southkogs]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

Welcome on board.

The key with any used boat is condition. You're getting this one on the water, so that's a great start. Is THIS the boat? If it is, I'd bet good money that's a Mercruiser 3.0 in it. At 18' with a 3.0, it'll hit somewhere in the 40's, seat 4 or 5 snugly and pull skiers and tubers okay for general use. It'll probably trailer pretty well too. EDIT: removed my price comment with Bob's listing above. It made more sense

I dunno' much about Aquatron, looks like they were only around about 10 years or so. Best to consider them a mid to lower end boat - but don't let that stop you from lookin' at it. If it was well cared for, it could be a nice running boat for you. Do a quick search on the forum for threads where others have looked at boats ... you'll see things about checking for rot, soft floors, transom flex, etc.

My suspicion on this boat (since the carpet needs replacing) is that it may have been stored outside and uncovered. That has the potential to damage the hull itself as well. Check that carefully. If you can get a marine mechanic to look at it, probably worth the fee.

 

[MAndreou]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

Thanks for the replays guys, yup that's the boat! It seemed to have a decent amount of space. I asked him how fast he got it to and he said around 40. I'll definitely look into those things southkogs. From the pictures what do you think of it?

 

[southkogs]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

... From the pictures what do you think of it?

Looks like a "maybe" to me. I spun through CL and looked at some other boats to get a feel for what you had in the area.

The Aquatron looks like a nice starter boat. Assuming you have a family (or at least plan on having you and three friends in the boat most of the time), and plan on boating inland staying out of BIG water - also assuming that you're planning mostly on cruising, swimming and pulling skiers and tubers it's not a bad boat. 3.0 isn't gonna' win any speed records, but should be good 'nuff. If the viny isn't all cracked and sun faded, and truly just the carpet needs replaced - then it might be a winner. But like Bob said, she might be priced a bit high.

Look at THIS one: same general boat, but $2K cheaper. I'm wondering why he had so much work done on the engine (including replace it), but it's a decent lookin' boat in pictures.

THIS one is $3K less. Says it needs a "good cleaning," which could mean anything. But he's tradin' up ... so, maybe he took good care of it.

One more for ya' - I like THIS ad. The ad itself reads like someone who takes good care of boats. Additionally, the boat is clean lookin' and stored in a garage. It's an aluminum boat and an outboard - not critical, but a great starter package (easy hull care, and I think outboards are easier to learn to maneuver). That Johnson is a great motor and looks fabulous. And $2K cheaper. - It's not quite as big, and certainly not as fancy lookin'. Definitely, doesn't have the same power as the other boats - but she'll get up in the 30's.

If you can see the difference in that last ad vs. the others, you can kinda' see how you spot the dude who enjoys boats - took care of the one he's sellin' - and will be the best chance for a nice buy.

The Aquatron may be just fine. It's gonna' be more comfortable (probably) than the last boat that I posted. If you've got ladies on board, they generally love those sunpads like on back of that one. And the swim platform is nice to have. But it doesn't look as well cared for as that last boat (which is a big deal with used boats).

 

[MAndreou]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

Thanks for all the info and taking the time to look up those other boats southkogs, definitely appreciated. By the looks of things it is priced a little too high. Those other boats are worth looking at too! Oh, forgot to ask, is it normal that there is no indication of how many hours are on the aquatron. I was under the impression that mainly any boat had some sort of indication meter/gauge. Thanks again!

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

No hour meter on my boat.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

southkogs gave some excellent suggestions. I would keep an open mind and read more of the forum here.

There are SO MANY hidden items to the untrained eyes in regards to boating.

I will admit it is a pretty boat. If it is the right boat for you.......NEGOTIATE the right price. I realize it is a hard thing to do but you MUST separate emotion away from the purchase. Be prepared to walk away

 

[MAndreou]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

Wanted to give an update and ask another question of the boat pros. Think I'm going to pass on the aquatron. I did stumble on a 99 bayliner capri that seems to be in good shape, going to check it out wed. Once again though its seems to be over priced according to nada. Well most likely anyway. The problem is the seller doesent know what model it is. I asked the seller to look at the title and was told it wasn't on there either. I don't think it's a 1750, but could be wrong. Was hoping someone could check out the post and maybe be able to tell by the pictures/info given.
1999 19 ft Bayliner Boat with trailor

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

DUDE SLOW DOWN AND RELAX.....


according to your first post this will be your first boat, so be patient and look at a LOT of boats the more you look at the more experience you have to find the right boat, there are HUNDREDS of boats that fit you and your situation, the key is finding the right one. You have to understand that your situation is the same as so many others interested in getting into boating and many make the mistake of finding the wrong boat and thats where you hear the age old saying "The two happiest days in a boat owners life are when they buy a boat and when they sell it". Don't fall into this trap, slow down and learn, learn to make an educated choice and find the right boat for you.

We can help you a bunch, first thing you need to do is learn what to look for in used boats,

WATER ROT, in the deck and in the stringers, soft spots in the deck are a tell tale sign that the deck is rotten and in most cases if the deck is rotten the stringers are not far behind. Rot can also destroy the transom so this is a pretty big deal, if the deck is solid and shows no sign of being replaced its a pretty good sign but don't overlook the stringers regardless.

I hope you do not take this post as a beating, its not meant that way at all, I just hate to see anyone taken advantage of, we see it here all the time, don't be that guy and make a rash decision based on a lack of knowledge and experience on your part and someone looking to take you for every dollar they can get out of you.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Question about a potential boat purchase

That Bayliner is the 1950 Capri. My folks have one a few years younger than that boat.

Not a bad riding boat, power is decent and it's somewhat roomy. I think the bow rider is a bit snug for such a big boat, but they aren't bad. That one looks like it was stored outside (not so good) but covered (better than most).

Check the hull as suggested, but also look at the electrical stuff (switches and systems) my parents boat has been plagued by electrical glitches (nothing that ever left 'em stranded, but still a pain).

Price looks okay.