About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

[Rclement6]

I have had a SeaDoo RXT jet ski for the past 5 years, but its time to move on to boats. I found pretty much exactly what Im looking for. The boat is a 2005 Sea Ray 220 Select. It has the 350mag MPI with bravo 3 outdrive. It has 147 hours. After many days spent searching for that engine/outdrive combo in my price range, I finally found one, however, its about a 9 hour drive for me. The boat also has a factory wakeboard tower and corsa captains call exhaust. The asking price is $29,500. After talking with him, I said I could make the 9 hour drive if he could settle on $27,000. He has to talk with his wife and get back with me. Its weird negotiation over a price when you havent even seen the boat in person yet but I need everything lined up before I make a 9 hour drive. Does this sound like a fair price if everything goes well with the marine surveyor? The other issue is that his state doesnt title boats whereas my state of Illinois does. Will this cause a nightmare trying to title/register the boat in Illinois?
Thanks

 

[Augoose]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

Can't comment on the price but here is what Nadaguides says:
http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2005/Sea-Ray-Boats/220-SELECT++/10227700/Pricing

List Price Low Retail Average Retail
TOTAL PRICE: $39,788 $20,800 $23,670

Keep in mind that sometimes Nada is not all that accurate, but at least this gives you a starting point.

Regarding the registration, all you need is the sellers registration card if purchasing from a "non-titling" state, which you are. Watch out for the taxes!

Source- Boating : Illinois Registration/Titling Requirements For All Other Watercraft

Used Watercraft - currently issued an out-of-state registration number - Class 1 (jet skis/PWCs), Class 2, 3, 4 - acquired from an individual

Completed watercraft application form – check NEW box
Original out-of-state title (if titling state) or registration card (if non-titling state)
Check or money order payable to IDNR (see fee chart)
RUT-75 tax form
2 Copies of Bill of Sale or purchase agreement
Check or money order payable to Dept of Revenue for tax amount due

 

[agallant80]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

If it makes you feel better, I bought a boat in Baltimore and I live in Raleigh, NC (about 380 miles away) I saw the boat at the dealer but they never saw my trade. We did it all over the phone. Drove up there with my old boat and pulled the new one back. There were no issues. A deal is worth driving for. If you get that searay you will have a great road trip memory and be happy that you got exactly what you want.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

A suggestion as to using NADA as a GUIDE. You add all of the option's as you go engines stereo's bimini's etc etc etc. That alone will reflect a GUIDE LINE. Now if you dont like the methodology and the final result that is understandable no one does when there trading something in nor when they are buying something..Go figure.

To take it bit futher there is so much misinfromation out there most dealerships that a aware will use 4-5 sources and do a average. Stickly a opinion and a fact only when you write the check...

 

[MarkSee]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

, its about a 9 hour drive for me. Its weird negotiation over a price when you havent even seen the boat in person yet but I need everything lined up before I make a 9 hour drive.

Welcome to IBOATS.

I was born in St. Louis and by what my folks tell me, we moved when I was about 1 and never been back...want to though....

My $.02: no way would I do what you are looking to do spending $27+k plus the cost of survey, gas, etc. site-unseen and over the phone. If he knows you are willing to drive 9 hours and pay almost his asking price, just imagine his UN-willingness to negotiate if the surveyor finds stuff.

I understand it's exactly what you might have been looking for, it's just not a gamble I would take.

Good luck though.

Mark

 

[agallant80]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

If you are worried about the value I would look at boattrader.com and see what others are asking for the same boat. NADA is great but the true value of an item is a compromise about what someone is willing to pay and what someone is willing to accept. Everything else is just a "guide"

 

[buellwinkle]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

I would take that Jet Ski over the boat any day except the crazy lake we have dock at doesn't allow them. I found the NADA guide fantastic in negotiating price. Like what do mean you want 29, the NADA book puts your dumb boat at 23, I'll give you 18 because I'm feeling generous today. Then when he calms down, offer 23.

 

[brnschoneck]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

hahahaa agreed im alwaysbuying trading fixing make sure theres no rot check corners real good or make sure they do !!

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

If you do end up buying it (And I also agree it's worth the drive if it's what you want) insist that the wheel bearings are cleaned and re-packed and maybe even throw in a couple new tires. I don't have the 300hp but I do have the 5.7 EFI/Bravo III in my rig and I am constantly amazed how well this combo pulls this 6,000 lb boat - Pulls like a freight train.

LK

 

[Rclement6]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've decided to keep searching. It's too much of a gamble to drive that far with a pre determined price. If I found any imperfections during the inspection, the seller might not budge on the price knowing I drove 9 hours

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

My Dad bought a 2005 220 Sundeck(which is not called the 240) with 84 hours in Sept 2011 for $28000 in mint condition from the Sea Ray dealer in Daytona Beach, so it sounds like the price is high. I bought my 2008 Monterey 214FS about a year prior for $25000 with 120hours from a dealer in Ormond Beach.

Keep looking. You will find the right one. When I started looking, I was set on a Chap. After looking at a bunch of trashed, but low hour, Chaps, I found my Monterey, and I have to say, it is just as nice, and definately in better shape and newer than any Chap I looked at. So maybe keep an open mind and take a couple other brands for a ride.

 

[16victor]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

Also remember that NADA for boats doesn't include the trailer...that's a separately calculated item.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

Also remember that NADA for boats doesn't include the trailer...that's a separately calculated item.

With NADA, you need to look at the manufacturer and model notes to see if the price includes the trailer and/or outboard motor. when the don't specifically include them according to the note, then you add them in.

And actually, the model note on this 2005 searay says it includes the trailer . . .

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

With NADA, you need to look at the manufacturer and model notes to see if the price includes the trailer and/or outboard motor. when the don't specifically include them according to the note, then you add them in.

And actually, the model note on this 2005 searay says it includes the trailer . . .

You beat me to it.

 

[tazrig]

Re: About to pull the trigger on my first boat purchase - advice needed

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've decided to keep searching. It's too much of a gamble to drive that far with a pre determined price. If I found any imperfections during the inspection, the seller might not budge on the price knowing I drove 9 hours

Don't feel bad. I think you made the right decision for the obvious reasons. The market is flooded right now. I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for closer to home.

Keep us posted!