Re: $14,000 for a 1990 Sunbird 170 seem kinda steep???
The 2011 E-tec 90hp prob was around $7K new...which is prob worth $5-6k now. Plus the 1990 boat. Nowhere even close to $14K!
He'll be sitting on that boat for quite some time...or he'll be taking it to his new home on the ocean.
Some people just refuse to accept that THEIR possessions depreciate, but I'd bet those same people wouldn't even consider paying anything close to the prices they ask if the roles were reversed.
Interesting conversation on here, I appreciate the input. Quite honestly, I'm a big believer in free markets and things sell when the supply meets the demand at a certain price ("the market price"). This boat will have a price at which it's an attractive option for someone to buy, whether or not that is 14k will remain to be seen (and I know it won't sell at that price).
Sometimes the price requires a market correction with new information (such as these forums) and then this info can be used to set a realistic value.
Mischief Managed - glad you enjoyed the laugh, I enjoyed writing it
tx1961whaler - How do you come up with a $1000 for boat and trailer, other than just throwing a number out there? Just trying to understand your logic, to see if it makes sense. Do you have any data to back that up?
Fishrdan - I include that on all my listings now...helps keep down the number of scammers/spam mail. Another way to think about it is "hey I'm serious and professional about conducting transactions on here" or as other people like to say "No tire kickers". On the bright side...I knew to come here to check out what people are saying, so maybe I'm interested in understanding other data points.
Mikeyboy - I have about 50 pictures, but obviously you can't post that many on Craigslist. Took these pictures before I cleaned the boat up this spring. It's a 1990, I'm not trying to say it's in pristine condition, and trying to be as forward and factual as possible.
Steve49 - Saltwater can affect price 10-15%, especially on motors, which is what this boat is mostly about. I completely agree though, I boat because it's fun and I enjoy it, not for the investment. I think all boaters (especiallly in this forum) are passionate and emotionally attached to their boats, which is great.
tomdinwv - If you received a boat from your grandfather, because he couldn't use it anymore due to health issues, wouldn't you feel some emotional attachment? That doesn't make me think the boat is worth more than it is, but I'm not about to junk it. I don't need the money from the sale, it's more about continuing its legacy and what it represents to me personally, so if someone else can enjoy it then I'd be happy.
Commander - I welcome your "behavioral study", what qualifications do you bring to the table? Not sure how familiar you are with conducting experiments/researchers, but scientists/researchers usually have to be objective and I don't see that from your post. Auto bilge pump was just something I added in at the time, I know it comes standard on many new boats, but then again this is a 1990., so it was worth mentioning.
tpenfield - Fair enough, I don't believe there are any lakes in Falmouth. I have had several conversations with interested parties. And you'd be looking for soft spots in the floor, and check out the transom (maybe hold the motor and see when you shake it to see if there is movement in the transom?). Why waste your time though if you wouldn't be buying it? I hope you're busy enough that you don't have to go look at things you have no interest in, I certainly am.
floatfan - yes, wood rots and I decided to rip out the bow gunwale cushions. I bought the material and whomever buys the boat can have it, it's not in the deal price, but it's over $200 in free material, not sure why someone would complain about that.
Oldjeep - no, deleted because I am posting elsewhere, and you'd be correct that a sunbird in 1990 did not cost 14k. However, an entry level boat today with similar features would cost approximately 30k.
BonairII - 2011 E-tec was more than that...around 8.5K and another 2k or so to rig (need to look at receipts for actual numbers). I looked at NADA numbers for used 2011, but couldn't say what it is actually worth outside of retail. I can sit on this boat for as long as I need/want; already have a new boat lined up for later this summer.
I do take offense to your comment about depreciation though, I'm actually really conservative about pricing used items. Put it this way, I put in over 17k in the past three years, which are sunk costs and I know I'm not getting 14k, however its a starting place. If I get interest/someone makes an offer then I can use that information to determine if the price is too high or low. I can explain deal dynamics to you if you want, but I'm just seeing if I can recover a portion of that money through the sale of this boat.
Thanks everyone - like I said, I appreciate your input. I'm happy to listen to your suggestions about how I can sell this boat, if you so choose to post more.
