What is it worth?

[JBC118]

1988 18' Marlin open bow...
4.3 Mercruiser
Very clean , one owner...
Owner asking $4400
Any thoughts??

 

[GA_Boater]

It all depends on what you will pay for her. We can't see or test drive the boat.

 

[JBC118]

The boat is super clean, one owner, and runs and drives nicely....
NADA shows a bit less, but this boat is really nice

 

[nickmo]

NADA prices are worthless when it comes to a boat.

 

[bspeth]

You pay for condition. 4400 sounds good but then again I cant see the boat.Plan on doing some routine maintenance if you get it only then will you truly know if you got a good deal.

 

[JBC118]

Do you guys like that engine/out drive set up?

 

[thumpar]

The price seems a tad high considering the time of year. Just make sure you get a lake test before purchase.

 

[NHGuy]

Yes the drive and engine are super.

 

[Scott Danforth]

its either a bargain, or its way high-priced. depends on condition, condition, condition.

could be a garage-kept gem, could be a freshly carpeted rotten hulled boat.

we cant see it.

 

[philbullet]

I'd do a compression check before purchasing.

 

[southkogs]

Price would be high for my area, I think. But if it's super clean and in really good condition ... I'd pay more for a well kept boat.

As Scott said, check three main things: 1) Condition, 2) Condition & 3) Condition.

There's a great link at the top of this forum to help with that.

 

[JBC118]

Thanks for all the input, lake test Saturday

 

[rlb81]

Good luck! Lets us know how it turns out.

 

[BigManDan72]

I just bought a boat of similar vintage and that price seems fair for a boat in great condition. Negotiate a bit and you should be able to get it for about $4K.

 

[H20Rat]

If it is in good shape, that is a fairly good price for that boat. Time of year matters, but also location. Up here in the frozen north, boat prices are always inflated, so that would be a bargain.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, that boat is 27 years old. A lot can happen that that amount of time. I had a boat of that vintage. It was near to falling apart when I traded it in, in 2006. It looked pretty good, even to the dealer....

I would think you can get a newer boat for that amount of $. Offer no more than $2500.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Yep sounds like WAY WAY too much to me...

 

[SkiDad]

I'm sure you could get them to take 4000. I over paid for my boat based on condition. I paid 3900 for my boat 4 years ago. It was so clean you could eat off it. We have used it 15-20 times per year and paid for itself.

 

[Rranger]

Spend the money take it to a reputable dealer to check it out, engine, drive, floors, transom etc. Unless of course you are able to judge it. Boats are full of little turn into big and expensive surprises if your not careful. Overpaying a bit for a boat that isn't going to whack you with a bunch of fixing costs isn't a bad thing. Just make sure you know exactly what you are getting.

 

[JBC118]

I pulled the trigger and bought it....for a 27 y/o boat she's in real good shape..
Thanks for all the input. Gonna take her out for an end of season spin.