About to buy a used boat, but...

[notenuftoys]

I have some questions. A friend of mine has a 2000 Chaparral 180SSE, with a 4.3L 165HP Mercruiser. This is my first boat ever.<br /><br />It has 312 hours. Is that too many? He had the outdrive gone through this spring, but has no problems with it at all.<br /><br />There's mildew spots on the vinyl seats. Will this come off with a good cleaner? If so, what's recommended?<br /><br />And finally, he's asking 11.5 for it, including trailer, brand new cover, skis, tube, jackets, the works. I think this is a good price, but needed some confirmation. Any thoughts?<br /><br />Thanks in advance!

 

[garycinn]

Re: About to buy a used boat, but...

Go to www.nadaguides.com and search. My search showed anywhere between $9.5K and $12K. Then go to www.boattrader.com and see what people are asking. Is the 165hp really a 190hp? I thought 4.3's were 190 in 2000. 312 hrs is not excessive -- figure about 50 to 100 hours a year. Some say a rebuild is in order at 1000 to 2000 hours. Almost like 1000 hours is 100,000 miles in a car.

 

[DustyJacket]

Re: About to buy a used boat, but...

Has the boat been used in salt water?

 

[2MADAKAT]

Re: About to buy a used boat, but...

How good a friend do you have? Would he take 10.5 or is the boat immaculate and you feel you would be insulting him to offer less? A plus to<br />having a friend own the boat is they usually throw in the extras you don't normally get from a dealer like safety equipment and toys as you mentioned. If you do buy it, spend a couple of hours with your friend getting to know the boat, how to launch and load, and how to run it properly. No one will know the boat better.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: About to buy a used boat, but...

I know a guy who just got a 2000 19.5 foot 5.0 Chap, low hours, garage kept, like new for $9000. I'd try to talk him down a bit...

 

[SeaJayacas]

Re: About to buy a used boat, but...

312 hours is not considered a lot of hours