What would you buy?

[25thmustang]

Re: What would you buy?

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 . . .

I can see a prestine example of a sought after boat fetching good money (as it sounds like the boat you mentioned is). However a cabin cruiser type boat, even in perfect condition, is just such a dime-a-dozen type of boat, I can't imagine one going for that kind of coin. I guess it's possible, anything is, just need the right buyer.

BTW if you find that buyer, send him my way. I have a boat he can buy for not much more than half that!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What would you buy?

I can see a prestine example of a sought after boat fetching good money (as it sounds like the boat you mentioned is). However a cabin cruiser type boat, even in perfect condition, is just such a dime-a-dozen type of boat, I can't imagine one going for that kind of coin. I guess it's possible, anything is, just need the right buyer.

BTW if you find that buyer, send him my way. I have a boat he can buy for not much more than half that!

The reason I came accross that particular situation is that I am thinking of selling my boat - same make/model/year - as the one he got - 1991 Formula 242SS. So, I check the market for what people are asking , what they seem to be selling for as well as the reference guides like NADA and BUCnet.

Anyway- ElmoTheDestroyer - I'll post some links if I come accross anything in your geo and price range that would be worth a look.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: What would you buy?

I just checked the Seattle area, and prices seem much higher than around here. Maybe it's because my area is flooded with these types of boats?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What would you buy?

I just checked the Seattle area, and prices seem much higher than around here. Maybe it's because my area is flooded with these types of boats?

Nope. The PNW is notoriously for outrageous boat prices.

 

[rbh]

Re: What would you buy?

Most of the big MFG's are on the eastern seaboard, so when you add the shipping to the origanal sticker price boats are alot higher priced out west.

I think the closest place he would find a great deal is around the great lakes, but ya never know, we got ours out of portland OR.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: What would you buy?

Most of the big MFG's are on the eastern seaboard, so when you add the shipping to the origanal sticker price boats are alot higher priced out west.

I think the closest place he would find a great deal is around the great lakes, but ya never know, we got ours out of portland OR.

Boat prices here in ND are insane... Even just moving one state over drops the price by 30-40%. I just looked at the local ads, the cheapest boat that fits that definition is a '95 21ft chaparral for $10500. And i'd be hard pressed to call it a cruiser, it is a cuddy.

http://www.bismanonline.com/1995_chaparral_2135_sst_21_ft_cabin_cruiser_8


And a couple others just slightly larger for a price comparison. Yep, they are high here!

'96 bayliner 2655 for $12500
http://www.bismanonline.com/1996_bayliner_cierra_2655_16_600

'96 28ft Larson - $20000
http://www.bismanonline.com/96_larson_28ft_cabin_cruiser

'89 Carver 27 ft -$14500
http://www.bismanonline.com/1989_carver_27_santego_1997_eagle_triple_axle

'89 Searay 300 - $33000
http://www.bismanonline.com/1989_sea_ray_300_sedan_bridge_1

 

[haley]

Re: What would you buy?

Just a few thoughts:

A professional survey is a bit of money up front that will save you even more money later.

A seller on another board made a comment that "if you price it to high, it does not sell. If you price it to low, people think it is junk." Sounds to me like she would be open to best offer. So if you see something you like, that is out of your price range, it can't hurt to make an offer. Some are insulted with "low ball" offers but occasionally they work. And they can be done respectfully.

If you go on eBay and search you have an option of viewing completed listings. A great way to see what a particular boat is actually selling for. This can help when you make an offer.

Marina fees can be reduced if you can trailer launch, or get a "dry slip" - park your boat at the marina on a trailer or rack and have it launched as needed. Also, some marinas with less services cost less money.

Get an insurance quote. Sure, your boat may not be worth much but the people on it and boats around it sure are!

Someone had a great suggestion about sailboats. Cheaper to operated and in some cases more seaworthy. I had an 18' sailboat for ten years that cost me almost nothing in maintenance, storage or repair.

Yes, I agree. Plunk some money down instead of saving up for a more expensive boat. But do so with the full understanding that the older the boat the greater its appetite for your wallet.

I like my outboard. No big hole in the transom and easy to maintain. If I go big I would be looking at an older boat and looking at inboards. I am not a mechanic, but an inboard seems simpler to maintain than an I/O. Less parts in the water.

Good luck!

JH

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What would you buy?

Since I like to look at boats . . . I found a few.

BoatTraderOnline.com and searched within 500 miles of Seattle, 21 - 24 feet, 1987 - 2000, $1 - $6000 (a bit higher than the budget)

1) 1989 24 foot bayliner (I don't think the outdrive is operational and no trailer looks like)

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1989-Bayliner-24%27-99831837

If I go to $8K, I get a few more, like this one:

2) 1987 22 foot Sunrunner cuddy
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1987-Sun-Runner-22%27-Cuddy-99874288