Considering our first Boat Purchase

[graunke]

We found this at our local dealer.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/boa/1776363592.html

I can't figure out what model it is, and I'm curious as to if it's a fair price?

Also, are there any things in particular I should look for, since this is our first boat purchase, I'm very green to this sort of thing.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

This is just MY opinion, so.........

1. There is no way to tell if the previous owner did a good job or a bad job in the repair of the floor and such without doing things that you probably won't be able to do, like pulling up carpet and such-----that would be a deal breaker for me.

2. That is an inboard/outboard motor and they are expensive to work on, and it is a 21 year old machine. Also a deal breaker for me.

3. The price is too high in my opinion unless it comes with some kind of warranty, which I doubt it will.

Keep in mind, I'd never owned a stern drive like you're looking at before until buying an older used boat like you a few years ago (for 3500, BTW) and I didn't like it. It had a lot of stuff on it that I had no idea how to work on and getting it worked on is so expensive that it negates the positive aspect of a cheap starting price. I sold it after only using it for a summer. I prefer outboards, myself, and won't likely own another stern drive.

I wouldn't buy it, but then again, I'm not you.
$4000 would make a nice down payment on a much newer boat, and you'd be extremely wise to get a warranty on it if you're a first time boat owner. Boats can be huge money pits!
good luck either way,
JBJ:redface:

 

[graunke]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

That's great info. Thank you.

I looked up the boat (VIP 1700 Vision) on NADA Guides. In the Harley biz that I work in, that's a pretty good guide of actual retail values.

Does this go the same for the Boat industry?

If it does, it says the boat has an average retail of $1730. Now I assume that means without trailer, but the asking price seems a bit high when looking at the book, even with the upgrades and replacements, it is still an old boat.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

NADA is normally absolutely useless in determining value of OLD boats to me. The true value is all in the actual condition of the specific boat that can only be determined by looking at/driving the boat in person.
One thing I'd like to add (keeping in mind I'm no stern drive expert!)------I've not seen a lot of good things on the forum about OMC stern drives. I can tell you for sure that it will probably be hard to get parts for if something breaks.
I'd think in your area that there would be a lot of used boats for sale due to the large amount of lakes and the crappy economy for all of us.
Later,
JBJ

 

[71-South]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Looks very similar to my boat, but mine is a 19' VIP Vision. The VIP stern drives are good boats, but I've learned that they're pretty heavy. My 4.3 carbed engine does fine w/ the 19' craft, but I definitely wouldn't want to go any smaller. Is 2.3 right? I haven't heard of a 2.3 before.

I've never had any problems with my lower unit before, but I've also heard that they're hard to find parts for (although my boat mechanic, a former aircraft mechanic, says he's not worried about that at all.)

All that said, it seems a little steep - especially with a rebuilt floor that you can't really check well.

 

[graunke]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

We are going to go look at it a bit closer on Tuesday.

I spoke with the dealer that is selling it as consignment, and they have maintenance records on the boat. The Seller is a family member of the dealership owner. I'm hoping this means that the boat has been well maintained, and that the repair to the floor was done properly, so not to upset a family member.

In your opinions, what would be a fair price for a model like this?

Seems the general consensus is that it is over priced.

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

In my very humble opinion, that boat is way overpriced. OMC no longer exists, so it's very hard to get parts for if things go wrong. I also have never heard of a 2.3l before. I know the 3.0's have a tough time pulling up a skier, so I can't imagine a 2.3 is gonna fare very well. It looks like a dealer is selling for a customer and have inflated to price to incorporate some profit for themselves. Personally I think you could do alot better for that kind of money.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

That boat is WAY overpriced for the year and the fact that is has an obsolete powerplant.

 

[graunke]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Okay, so does anyone have an opinion on what it should sell for then?

 

[71-South]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

I'd say first you need to find out the real size of the engine. If it's really a 2.3, which seems really odd, I'd run away from it. Call the dealer and get the details on the engine (HP, etc.) Tell him you've heard of 3.0's, 4.3's, 5.0's, etc, but a 2.3? Let us know what he says.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Personally I just flat out wouldn't buy it.

If I was willing to buy a boat with a 2.3 OMC in it....maybe $1500-2k.

For $4-5k you should be able to find a nice boat with a Mercruiser or Volvo poweplant that you can still get parts and service for.

 

[graunke]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Let us know what he says.

It is indeed a 2.3 OMC Cobra

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

The 2.3 does exist. It was a Ford motor.

 

[graunke]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Found this:

culprits were the shift cables (which caused damage to the gear sets). This widespread malfunction eventually led to a complete recall of Cobra sterndrives in 1989

It goes on to say that after it's demise, many were replacing the parts with Volvo parts, that also fit since that is where OMC got it's designs from after Volvo's patents expired?

I'm going to ask him what parts if any have been replaced so far, and how long ago.

They say the upholstrey and seat backs have been replaced, as well as new carpet, and the floor was done by them as well.

The article I found says that many OMC Cobras still run and exist, and have ran well, but the recall for the gear drives was what lead to the demise of the company.

http://www.marinepartsexpress.com/promo/omc.html

 

[jkust]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

I live in Minnesota and although our boats tend to be on the expensive side due to demand, that price is insultingly high. I would keep right on looking. You could get something much more modern for that kind of money. For a first boat I'd be going newer not older.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

No one here is at all saying Cobras are junk or have inherent issues. We are saying that finding parts and service are an issue and that's only going to get worse. Ford got out of the marine business even before OMC did.

 

[71-South]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

I know some folks get plenty of power for their use with a 3.0, but a 2.3, I think, would leave you unhappy. Although I'm a fan of VIP boats, I have to agree with the others and suggest that you keep looking.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

That's not a good deal IMO. Specifically because OMC is out of business & has been for a long time. I can't speak for Cobras, but some things on my Stringer have been a real pain to come by & tend to be pricey. Buying used/salvaged parts off ebay is hardly a trustworthy way to find the hard stuff that isn't made by aftermarket companies anymore.

Anyhow, for some OMC history, check this out: http://www.glmmarine.com/30yearsomc.html

 

[71-South]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Thanks for that link, superbenk. It gave me some more insight into my boat.

 

[graunke]

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Re: Considering VIP for our first Boat Purchase

Alright, so we decided against the VIP.

We're now looking at this one:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/boa/1780360222.html

Any comments? Does this seem fair? It's a bit more than when we wanted to spend, but if it's a good enough deal, I may convince the Missus that it's worth it.