About to pull the trigger on lund - need advice.

[EricD]

I'm about to put an offer down on a 2008 Lund Explorer SS with a 115 HP Mercury 4 str. Basic boat, motor and trailer, with no options, no electronics, no trolling motor. I'll add those later but I'm at a loss as to what would be a reasonable offer. It's a nice boat with a lot of features standard on the boat. Any help would be appreciated. I'm new to the boat world and there's lots of variation here in the market.

 

[Hashi]

Re: About to pull the trigger on lund - need advice.

I would shop on-line pricing to get an average of cost. Then I would call dealers in my area and ask them what they want for the package you're looking for. But, as Tashasdaddy said, let the other guy take the new boat depreciation and shop for a good used one.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: About to pull the trigger on lund - need advice.

Where you are and what the market is like in that area plays a big role in what the rig will cost you. My suggestion is to visit several dealers and price the "exact same" rig. Do not be talked into packages of inconsequential stuff that simply runs up the price and which you can buy the individual pieces cheaper separately. Then pick the lowest or near lowest price and the dealer with the best reputation for service. Same as buying a house -- you know about what it's worth. Low ball them. The least they will do is say no! You walk out and weigh your options from there. If you turn around and walk back in they know they got you. Let them sweat. Leave your checkbook stick out of your pocket so they know you are serious. Trailers are about $1000 for that size boat. One on-line retailer advertises a 115 Merc 4-stroke at $8000. That does not include a prop or controls so add another $800 - $1000 for rigging. The remainder of the asking price is the cost of the bare boat. You may get stuck for freight as well. Then there are sales taxes and registrations for the boat and trailer.

 

[rndn]

Re: About to pull the trigger on lund - need advice.

With the current market, I would think dealers and manufacturers are really looking to move some boats and may be very willing to deal.

 

[EricD]

Re: About to pull the trigger on lund - need advice.

I think they are willing to deal but I'm not sure what a good place to start might be. Lund may well be the most popular boat in this part of Minnesota and for guys like me with minimal experience, I could use some input. They're looking for $21,000 for the 1725 Explorer with 115 hp 4 st Merc. I can't be sure if they'll go much lower.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: About to pull the trigger on lund - need advice.

You have their price so you know what they want. The ball is in your court so low ball them. You can always come up but you can't come down. I gave you basic prices. Do the math. List prices on 2008 boats are not generally posted by any dealer unless they are running a special. I Googled "Lund Explorer 1725" and got more hits than you can count. The few I looked at said call for price. So there ya go -- "call for price". If everyone tells you $23,000 that's what they are asking and you can assume that's full list. Again, low ball them. Only you know what you consider a fair price. Once you buy -- stop looking. As they say -- if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.