Buying Boat

[jason99]

I Do Not Know Alot About Boats And It Is Hard To Find A Way To Find Out What They Are Worth, I Am Working With A Friend Of Friend Who Ownes A Marina He Is Going To Sell Me A 1997 Four Winns 205 Sundowner For 10,000. This Boat Is Very Very Clean And Has 540 Hours On It, It Has A 5.7l Volvo Penta On It And Was Serviced There. Is The Boat Worth That Kind Of Money And Are Hours Something To Be Scared Of.

 

[salty87]

Re: Buying Boat

boats have somewhat different values in different areas...where are you?

you need to look around your area at similar boats for sale to determine whether this one is priced reasonably.

from your description, it sounds like it could be a good deal. everything will depend on the particulars. being clean is a good sign but doesn't guarantee good condition. a 1997 5.7 volvo with 540 hours isn't too many hours. i'd rather more than less, within reason.

pics?
was the boat always serviced there?....service records?

 

[rndn]

Re: Buying Boat

The NADA rates are $9460 to $10680 for average retail. It appears that nobody is doing you any favors.

 

[jason99]

Re: Buying Boat

Thanks For The Responses So Far, I Dont Expect The Guy To Not Make A Little Money So I Think The Price Seems Fair I Just Dont Know About Hours Etc. If This Boat Will Require Alot Of Maint

Here Are Some Pics

 

[jason99]

Re: Buying Boat

Here Are More Photos

 

[PondTunes]

Re: Buying Boat

Is he offering any kind of warranty? Anything in writing? I would suggest you hire a marine surveyor, a professional (don't use one recommended by the seller) that will know the boat, know what to look for and give you an honest estimate as to what you are getting into.

A little invested before you buy might save you an arm and a leg. The boat looks nice and clean but you don't want to get stuck with problems on a 10 year old boat.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Buying Boat

Consider the condition of the trailer as well.

If the boat is lakeworthy and turnkey, and and all maintenance is up to date (good bellows, hoses, tune-up, etc...) and the interior is immaculate then it could be worth more to you than some others of that vintage.

Be sure to verify all of the maintenance and lakeworthiness claims independently...your friend should welcome this if he is sure it is in superb condition.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Buying Boat

Is it a Volvo service dealer?Could mean a world of difference for ease of parts and service.

 

[salty87]

Re: Buying Boat

i agree that a survey isn't a waste of money. if you like the boat, take it out on the lake and run it hard. it should be able to take it. if everything goes well there, then line up the survey.

a compression test is a good idea. service records are also very nice to have.

maintenance is part of the territory and shouldn't be much of a surprise. you don't want to get caught off guard by a big repair.

 

[orion25]

Re: Buying Boat

If This Boat Will Require Alot Of Maint

All boats require a good bit of maintenance. The question is whether the previous owner(s) did their part for the last 10 years....... As already stated get it checked out by someone that is not involved in the sale. Friend or not, it is your money and there may be problems that he is not aware of.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Buying Boat

the motor looks a lot better than my 99 5.7, but mine gets saltwater use. very please with the VP 5.7, we're replacing exhaust manifolds, and alternator this winter as maintainance. replace before the strand us.