another first timer question (1986 citation)

[peiserma]

I?m considering buying a 1986 Citation with a 3.0 OMC. Owner says its about 18ft. Owner says he had it out on the water last year, but has not had it running this year. It is known to need at least a starter and alternator. Trailer supposed to be in good shape. I have not gone to look at it yet to see what kind of shape the rest of it is in.

Am trying to get an approximate idea of how much it might be worth, but I can?t seem to find anything on NADA. Can anyone help me out? I?d like to pay a reasonable price.

FWIW: Yes, it would be my first boat. I have lots of time under the hood of my car, so mechanical work, engine repair, and even minor fiberglass work and I am comfortable with. I plan on using it only for about 2-3 years to get my feet wet (no pun intended I hope!), get some maintenance and restoration work under my belt, at which point I will upgrade.

 

[peiserma]

Re: another first timer question (1986 citation)

Am trying to get an approximate idea of how much it might be worth, but I can?t seem to find anything on NADA.

sort of a bump, sorry. I know it depends on the condition of the boat and all. But ballpark range, assuming running engine (I can estimate what it will take to get it running), no major hull problems besides normal age-related wear-and-tear, are we talking $500 or $2000?

Thanks.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: another first timer question (1986 citation)

We'd really need some pics to make a judgment. Are you aware that OMC drives are obsolete and many parts are no longer available? That drops the price significantly in my mind. For your first boat I'd really rather see you find something with a Mercruiser or Volvo drive. At the very least give your local boat shop a call and ask them what their opinion is on OMC drives. If they say they can still get most parts and will work on them then go for it.

But if you're asking for a ballpark price? I'd have to say no more than $1000 for an older boat with a currently none-running OMC.

 

[peiserma]

Re: another first timer question (1986 citation)

Thanks, that helps. I figured replacement parts might be an issue. Found Basic Power in eastern NC. They said quite a few service parts are readily available, others may be a bit harder to procure. All depends on what needs fixing.

Certainly an important point to keep in mind!

 

[dkorzun21]

Re: another first timer question (1986 citation)

I?m considering buying a 1986 Citation with a 3.0 OMC. Owner says its about 18ft. Owner says he had it out on the water last year, but has not had it running this year. It is known to need at least a starter and alternator. Trailer supposed to be in good shape. I have not gone to look at it yet to see what kind of shape the rest of it is in.

Am trying to get an approximate idea of how much it might be worth, but I can?t seem to find anything on NADA. Can anyone help me out? I?d like to pay a reasonable price.

FWIW: Yes, it would be my first boat. I have lots of time under the hood of my car, so mechanical work, engine repair, and even minor fiberglass work and I am comfortable with. I plan on using it only for about 2-3 years to get my feet wet (no pun intended I hope!), get some maintenance and restoration work under my belt, at which point I will upgrade.

Post some pics so we can see what it looks like. Also how much is he looking to get for the boat?
Also look around there are good boats out there that ppl want to get ride of due to the economy or the pain of all the work/ stress of owning a boat. So dont jump on the first one look around. FYI a boat that wont start you really dont know whats wrong with it and if its somthing you cant fix it gets really expensive.

Check out craigslist.com or the wantaddigest.com