Help - Decision Needed Fast

jaxnjil

jaxnjil

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
BTW, that boat does look pretty, but the guy is smoking crack if he thinks he's gonna get $10 for a 14 year old boat with an obsolete engine and drive. He should have ripped the person's arm off that bid the $7500 grabbing the money from his hand!
 
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Doc_Vegas

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Oct 23, 2008
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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

HA, the owner seems like a very nice person, but he blatently refused to negotiate - even though I offered significantly MORE than the eBay max bid... oh well.

If anyone is still following this thread, what do you think of the boat below, the asking price is $17,900 which seems very high - is it a better boat and what is it worth? Thanks

"1997 Maxum 2400 SCR Cruiser with dual axle trailer. This boat has very low hours and is completely decked out for your weekend or holiday trips to Lake Powell. Equipped with full galley, sleeps four very comfortably, inside and outside shower, marine radio with AM-FM-CD, refrigerator, portable air conditioner, stove, 2 up top and much, much more. The boat also has a fresh 350 V8 powerplant. This is a fantastic family boat priced to sell."
 
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TilliamWe

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

Why did the motor have to be replaced if it's a low hour boat? See, things like that make you wonder how people take care of things.
What is a "2 up top"? Does it have a full camper canvas or not? If not, figure at least another $1000 to have one made.
What outdrive does it have? Specifically what 350 engine? The carbureted 250hp 5.7 was the standard engine in that boat, and therefore could be underpowered.

It may indeed be a nice boat, but it is not priced to sell. it's priced at the high end of NADA retail value. In todays' market, $10000 seems like "priced to sell", to me.
 
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Doc_Vegas

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

Good points - Based on watching boats for sale in the West, it seems they bring more money out here. I can not find anything for around $10k, other than the Four Winns posted originally... Thanks again.
 
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TilliamWe

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

What they advertise for and what they sell for are two very different things Doc. The market for boats is HORRIBLE right now. Don't be in a hurry to buy anything before the first of the year, in my opinion.
 
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89 VIP Valiant

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

Keep looking Vegas, something on ebay will pop up this time of year that you will be able to afford; also check out boattrader.com. One thing to watch out for is saltwater engine vs. freshwater. I found a killer deal on a 2002 230BR Crownline, bought it to flip it in the spring. Not regretting my decision only because I stole it, but it was a saltwater boat (from South Carolina) and my God does the salt do a number! The engine was completely junked because the exhaust flaps were completely eaten up by the saltwater, hence letting saltwater flood the engine; was not pretty. Also, it tends to stain a lot on the interior. So, as a relatively new boater, I did not realize how much worse a saltwater rig is, but if you want to keep it, I recommend you stay away or you will have a lot more money sunk in than you expected, just some FYI!
 
triumphrick

triumphrick

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

My .02c. It's always amusing to me to read these posts " must buy this boat now" and the accompanying drama related to the post.

Unfortunately, following the posts I see where some one hasn't done their homework or really is unsure of what to buy. Sure, we can help, but it really helps to know the market and know what is a good deal and what isn't.

For the poster, have you made a few trips to marine dealers, boat shows or elsewhere to get a feel for the kind of boat that will suit you? After narrowing the style of boat, look for a good make. Use the following JD Powers link to see who makes what and how good they make it. I do agree even the best made boat with the worst care is not as good as a lesser boat with good care, but you can see what gets a good rating from an objective opinion. And then take some time, don't get in a big hurry and enjoy the experience instead of feeling rushed into making a purchase.

http://www.jdpower.com/boats

I just love what boating, fishing and cruising all do to me and for me. It is an experience hard to describe, so it's really good to see others having the same good experiences. Take your time; use craigslist and after a short while you will see what is a good buy and what is way overpriced. It really is a buyers market, but you have to know what it is you want.
Good luck, and welcome. :)
 
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Doc_Vegas

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

I appreciate the points made, but I came here knowing what type of boat I wanted. I had done my research and I have boating experience as a Coast Guard certified operator for the National Park Service at Lake Mead.

I am asking about USED boats and specific boats. The information here has helped me make a decision, so I am asking about a few others. The JD Powers ratings seem to be of no help for my used boat questions....

So, here are two more that I would love some thoughts on. 1995 Bayliner 2655 SUNBRIDGE (SB) Length at waterline: 26'
- Mercury I/O 250 HP (5.0) with Bravo outdrive
- Galley: Dual operation Range, Sink, ac/dc Refrigerator
- Head: Toilet, Shower, Sink.
- Air Conditioner, Hot Water Heater.
- Queen berth plus V berth
- VHF radio
- 70 Gal gas tank
- 20 Gal fresh water tank
- Much more..
In slip with NO trailer - $7000

Here is a nicer one, but I can probably not afford it:
2000 26' Bayliner Ceira Cabin Cruiser. Fully loaded with bathrooms and shower, microwave, stove, refrigerator, AC, tv and vcr/dvd, excellent floor plan- sleeps 4-6, depth finder, outdoor shower, trim tabs, dual prop, 350 Chevy Merc Cruiser (about 250 hours), runs excellent, new canvass, AM/FM CD with I-pod plug-in, outdoor stainless BBQ grill. Nice boat! $24,500

ANY THOUGHTS???

THanks
 
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Grand Larsony

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

On the $7k Bayliner: You'll want canvas for sure (if not included or in rough shape, plan on $2-4k). Follow all advice regarding purchase process and surveys (both hull and engine, using separate surveyors with absolutely no relation to seller). Pay especially close attention to hull structure and stringers, soft spots, etc. Survey usually gives you enough leverage to reduce purchase price more than cost of survey. Good investment.

That could be a really good boat if you're sure it's the right size and layout, and if condition is good or better.

Don't worry about the trailer and it will be in the water all season - not having one just means a little more $$ for winter storage as they'll need to haul it and block it for you. My guy charges about $100 per year if not using my trailer.

As for the more expensive boat... that's alot more expensive! You will likely do much better with a cheaper boat to start out even if it means spending some $ for repairs, maintenance, or improvements (e.g. canvas, electronics, professional cleaning and polishing, etc.).
 
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TilliamWe

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

"1995 Bayliner 2655 SUNBRIDGE (SB) Length at waterline: 26'
- Mercury I/O 250 HP (5.0) with Bravo outdrive"

Underpowered by a lot!
 
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TilliamWe

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Re: Help - Decision Needed Fast

Take those ratings with a grain of salt. Afterall, some brands get higher "engine" ratings than other, when they all use the same engines!

Bayliners are entry level boat in price, equipment, and quality. They also tend to be owned by "entry level boaters" or ones that have serious budget constraints. Therefore, routine maintenance, cleaning, and general upkeep is often sacrificed. That 2655 is a good example of an entry level cruiser that was powered with the base powerplant to keep it "cheap" so it would sell easier. A 26' cruiser should have a 5.7 at a minimum, with the 350MAG MPI at 300hp being better.
 
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