What would you buy?

[ElmoTheDestroyer]

So ive been looking for a boat in the 21-24ft range (24' would be better) ... must sleep at least 2 adults, preferably a kid or 2 as well. The more amenities the better (cooktop, head, etc...)

My budget is about $4000. Ive Asked about a few boats ive seen on here and people keep telling me their junk (older bayliners and such). So.. Since I can't seem to find anything "good", I'm asking for your help! I know my budget isnt huge, but it's what I have. I don't care about the quality of the dash/gauges/interior... All that matters is that its a solid boat (can get rough around here at times), and is mechanically decent. (no force engines )

I live in the Seattle area, and am willing to travel 250 miles or so. Let me know if you find anything that you think would be good!

Thanks!
--Joe

 

[H20Rat]

Re: What would you buy?

just being honest, but I'd never buy a boat of that size/type with only a $4,000 budget. You aren't going to find anything good for that price/size, 99.9% of the boats you find will most likely be absolute garbage, and will need mechanical work. The trailer alone for a boat that size is worth half of your budget.

Think of it this way, that class of boat is going to go for around $8,000-$10k minimum. If you are paying less, you are just making a down payment on a much larger purchase price. A new engine, outdrive, and interior will EASILY push you over what you would have spent to start with.

One other thing to keep in mind, you said you don't care about the interior shape, but want a solid drivetrain. Those two things go hand-in-hand. If the owner didn't care about the interior, they certainly didn't look under the engine hatch. If the owner kept the interior in good shape, chances are the drivetrain is also.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: What would you buy?

To be honest, in this size and with your price limits, you'll have to look in person at everything you can find.

Your choice will be made by condition, not be theoretical brand and model preferences. You'll be looking mostly at 1980s or older boats, so up-close condition, maintainance, and use history mean EVERYTHING. You can't rule anything in or out just by brand or model.

Grouse

 

[ElmoTheDestroyer]

Re: What would you buy?

I know how to check most stuff out on a boat im looking at, but im curious, how do you test the strength of the hull/stringers?

 

[shrew]

Re: What would you buy?

The problem with a $4K boat in that size range is it will cost many more thousands in maintenance and repairs to get it up to safe operating condition, particularly if boating in the ocean. The saying "There is no such thing as a free boat", applied to very inexpensive boats as well. The reality is, a boat that is rock solid with a strong running, well maintained engine simply doesn't sell for $4K.

However, that being said.....take a look at sailboats in the same size range. Your chances are far greater of finding a sailboat that can be used as a pocket cruiser closer to yoru price range.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What would you buy?

So ive been looking for a boat in the 21-24ft range (24' would be better) ... must sleep at least 2 adults, preferably a kid or 2 as well. The more amenities the better (cooktop, head, etc...)

My budget is about $4000. Ive Asked about a few boats ive seen on here and people keep telling me their junk (older bayliners and such). So.. Since I can't seem to find anything "good", I'm asking for your help! I know my budget isnt huge, but it's what I have. I don't care about the quality of the dash/gauges/interior... All that matters is that its a solid boat (can get rough around here at times), and is mechanically decent. (no force engines )

I live in the Seattle area, and am willing to travel 250 miles or so. Let me know if you find anything that you think would be good!

Thanks!
--Joe

put a '1' in front of the 4K and you can buy my boat!!!

Seriously, a boat in working order of that size range is going to have a residual value of around $10 - $15K even in the older age brackets.

with your budget, you are looking at a much smaller boat, or something that needs a lot of work, hence more money beyond the $4K.

 

[JoLin]

Re: What would you buy?

I hate to add to your woes, but these guys are right. You're looking for a lot of boat with WAY too little money. What you find will be junk.

Ted has it right... you need to put a '1' in front of that $4K figure to buy a decent cruiser that's 10-15 years old. And you'll STILL want to hire a professional surveyor to insure you aren't throwing away your money.

My .02

 

[dave11]

Re: What would you buy?

I have a nice boat that meets your requirements, but you need to start with a 5 in front.

 

[rbh]

Re: What would you buy?

I would try for something like this if the hull/transom/stringers in good shape, aint pretty "YET" but could just take some elbow grease.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/24-S...13326?pt=Power_Motorboats&hash=item3a6a5a698e

 

[duped]

Re: What would you buy?

I dont think you could go wrong with a merc powered Sundancer. You could get something decent for that money ( especially this time of year! ), and even if you have to put some labor into it, it'll at least be worth *most* of the money when you're done. You could do a lot worse. Older sea rays hold up a lot better than most of the boats of that era. Look around, people dont want to store them! That would be my take.

 

[JoLin]

Re: What would you buy?

I dont think you could go wrong with a merc powered Sundancer. You could get something decent for that money ( especially this time of year! ), and even if you have to put some labor into it, it'll at least be worth *most* of the money when you're done. You could do a lot worse. Older sea rays hold up a lot better than most of the boats of that era. Look around, people dont want to store them! That would be my take.

Sorry, but disagree. Regardless of the make, a 30-year-old boat is prone to water infiltration and structural problems. A $4K, 24' dancer is probably (unless he's very, very lucky) gonna be junk. The OP doesn't have the money to restore a boat, and from the posts so far, I don't think he has the skill or desire to do so.

My .02

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What would you buy?

15 year old Sea Ray 240 Sundancer lists at about $10K on NADA.

a 20 year old Sea Ray 220 Sundancer lists at about $6K on NADA.

That is without trailer, so add about $2K to those numbers.

Usually, NADA values are a bit low versus BUCnet

 

[Lakes84]

Re: What would you buy?

Hit Craigslist for your desired boat, when you find it, just make sure to get it checked out, when and if you feel you have found "the one"

I bought a boat from Florida and I live in Wisconsin and I found a fantastic deal. It can be done, but just be aware, you will sit in front of your computer FOR HOURS looking for that needle in a haystack.

Good luck

Joe

 

[gimmieaclue]

Re: What would you buy?

I'm not too far from seattle and bought a solid, well maintained 20 ft runabout for fishing off of craigslist for less than 4, You might want to look at the glasplys. There was a hard top 20 footer with a decent sized cuddy, I allways see those around 4, they are said to be a very good boat and "roomier" than you'd think...just my .02

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: What would you buy?

This might be a good find- http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chri...78890?pt=Power_Motorboats&hash=item2314b6c9ca

Here is a 32 footer for $2500. That will do the job!http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHRI...98609?pt=Power_Motorboats&hash=item3f0e9cd431

Think this would be a good boat also - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979...09974?pt=Power_Motorboats&hash=item3cbcbb0176

This one would be good also, probably my first pic!!! Might need to put a rebuilt motor in her or have the one rebuild, but that is cheap and it looks like a good deal. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991...15738?pt=Power_Motorboats&hash=item3cbcabd5ba

Ebay has plenty and you can find them buy narrowing your search for your price range and buy it now selections.

Elmo, you can find a nice boat for the money your working with, but it is something that will come with conditions. One of those conditions, is when you get it home, you will realize how much more money it is going to take to have a nice safe boat! You said you will be operating around a rough area. That is not somewhere that you want to take a boat that is not in good condition.

You said it must sleep two adults and maybe two kids also. Take our advice and save your money for something you won't regret buying. The type of boat you are looking for and one that will be good in rough seas is going to cost you more than your budget allows. You may trip across a good deal, but it sounds to me that you wouldn't know what a good deal is, so do lots more research before you buy.

Don't give up man, just be educated about what your buying and what it is going to take funds wise to also operate the boat after you buy one. If you are going offshore, just the safety gear required can cost hundreds and into thousands of dollars.

I got a very good boat for $5G, But I had to invest another 5G plus into her to make it a safe,reliable boat. Take your time, and watch posts over the winter, its the best time to buy if you know what you are looking for. Good luck.

If you are limited on experience with boating, may I suggest you look for a smaller boat at first to get use to boating. It will cost less and still get you on the water.

 

[ElmoTheDestroyer]

Re: What would you buy?

Thanks for the replies... I know what you guys are saying about its hard to get a good boat for the amount of money I have. I know there are some out there, and I'll find one! .... I don't want to save up $10k then buy a boat, I wont be on the water for 2 years! So, I'll get a cheaper boat and spend the money I need to on an as-needed basis.

I'm pretty experienced boating, a 24' boat wont be a problem to drive. I've never had to worry about really being concerned about the condition/strength of the hull before though. On the lakes I am used to from Wisconsin, the waves are rarely rough enough where I would worry about the boat. Out here the water is rougher, and the waters far colder/more dangerous. I want to be sure I have a really solid hull, if I need to put my own engine/drive in I'll do it.

Anyway, I guess if any of you know of a decent boat in my area, let me know! Some of those e-bay boats looked good, but their 4000 miles away.. lol, bit to far for me to want to deal with... Don't want to look over 250-300 miles away.

Thanks again, have a good night!
--Joe

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What would you buy?

The good thing is that during this time of year, you may find some boats offered at very low prices to get rid of them before winter, etc.

A couple of things to remember . . .

Ask to see the Titles for both the boat and the trailer.

Ask to have an in-the-water trial.
Running a boat on land does not prove much, if anything. Many engines will run fine with no load on them.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: What would you buy?

I think I have to disagree with most, but a mid to late 80s, even early 90s 21-24' boat will need to be in prestine condition to sell for anywhere near $14,000. I would imagine you wouldn't get anyone looking at the boat with that asking price. If we are referring to newer boats (2000 range) then that might be the case, but it sounds as though the OP is looking for a more vintage boat that fits his needs. He may have to sort through more junk, but I don't think he is doomed to only find junk in that price range.

I'm willing to bet most people on this site aren't selling boats right now?

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: What would you buy?

I think it's doable, but it will take some work and searching. Try searching auctions (auctionzip.com). I see estate sales quite often and the boats go cheap (most people are there for antiques). Just another option. What ever you find, make sure to check it out well and be realistic with what it will cost you in the future.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What would you buy?

I think I have to disagree with most, but a mid to late 80s, even early 90s 21-24' boat will need to be in prestine condition to sell for anywhere near $14,000. I would imagine you wouldn't get anyone looking at the boat with that asking price. If we are referring to newer boats (2000 range) then that might be the case, but it sounds as though the OP is looking for a more vintage boat that fits his needs. He may have to sort through more junk, but I don't think he is doomed to only find junk in that price range.

I'm willing to bet most people on this site aren't selling boats right now?

You are right, it is not impossible to find something in the $4K range, but it is a matter of setting expectations and getting a fair dose of reality pills. Also, in today's market boat prices are probably skewed to the lower side.

However . . . there are so many posts that we see here on this site, where someone (usually a newbie) has purchased a real fixer and thought that they have found buried treasure.

Also, a case in point that I am somewhat familiar with - CaravelleCaptain - a poster on this site - recently bought a 1991 Formula 242SS. I recall looking at ads for that exact boat over the past few months. The seller started out up near $20K, and over time lowered the price into the $15K range, at which point it sold. So, there is a 20 year old boat, selling in the $15K range. Very nice condition though . . .