Help Needed

dodger11

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
38
First time boat buyer, I am looking at a 1988 Bass Buggy, 75hp mercury, with scissors trailer. I have not seen it yet in person, just on line. Dealer says floor has a couple soft spots, upholstery has some splits, trailer recently had bearings and seals replaced, trailer lights are in working order. Cover included. Have home on small lake in Nebraska. Dealer asking $3,000.
What else should I ask about? Or run away?
 

sfy

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
85
Re: Help Needed

too me that sounds like too much money for a boat that you have to replace the floor and fix the seating. and is a 1988.

do you have a link to the ad?
 

Bearfan

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Dec 19, 2009
Messages
98
Re: Help Needed

Nada puts it under $1500 with a 25hp, pretty sure the 75 on there doesn't double the price, especially with the soft spots and bad interior.
 

gbb

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 11, 2008
Messages
159
Re: Help Needed

Keep looking, you will be doing a total rebuild
 

dodger11

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
38
Re: Help Needed

Thanks guys for the advice, thought it might be a bit much for all that needs done.
 

dodger11

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
38
Re: Help Needed

Ad link on, theboathousegi.com just scoll down until you see it. Not really much info availible.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Help Needed

Those were low-end toons to begin with so yeah that price is high. Looks decent though. It could be a worthwhile project if you could get it cheaper.
 

dodger11

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
38
Re: Help Needed

Thanks ezmobee! I haven't any idea what to offer and not offend.
What's your guess on getting it cheap enough? $1500. to $2,000. ?
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Help Needed

The motor in good running condition (check compression) would be worth $800+ I'd think. The trailer, if titled and in good shape, $300-600. And pontoons, even stripped to be used as docks seem to fetch some money so I'd prolly offer $2k. And now that I think more about it you'd probably still be getting a fair deal up to $2500. If all you ended up having to do to it is a deck and furniture that'd be great. However pontoon furniture isn't cheap.
 

flycaster

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2008
Messages
186
Re: Help Needed

What kind of warranty on the trailer????
There was a thread where someone bought a boat, the dealer threw in a named brand trailer that was JUNK. It broke in to two pieces in his driveway.
A scissor-jack trailer really isn't made for carting the pontoon boat on long journeys.
 

Bearfan

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Dec 19, 2009
Messages
98
Re: Help Needed

Unless your idea of boating is power tools in your driveway repairing everything on this boat, I'd steer clear. If I was to make an offer, I'd probably go $1750 and not above $2k. That was if the motor was in pretty much perfect condition. I would probably spend more time looking around.
 

dodger11

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
38
Re: Help Needed

Thanks guys, I recently went to look at the boat, It was, yeah, well, a wreck.
I like power tools in the driveway, but not that much. I'll keep looking and be back for more advice. Thanks Again
 
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