Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

[12guns]

I have a close friend that is about to buy a party barge for $10k or less. I found this one in the paper, just don't know anything about the value of used pontoon boats.
It has an inboard 3.0 Mercruiser, which I would assume is a good thing? Not sure about inboard vs. outboard.

"1998 Suntracker 25' 13 passenger, inboard 135hp Mercruiser, great condition 10k"

Here's a couple pics the guy sent me. Looks in very good shape for a 98'. I have not asked about hours and maintanience yet. Your thoughts?? What else can I look at for $10k??

 

[12guns]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

I found out it has a brand new trailer. They say $1600 for trailer alone and it does come w/ the boat. Unsure about the hours, but I'm sure it will be on the dash. 10k sounds a bit high unless it is a cream puff. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

I think I've seen that one on CL. Did you find it in the Little Rock section? It does look nice and is a lot of barge, but I don't think I'd pony up ten grand for it unless there were a trailer included. Just my opinion. Also, I would want to look at it out of the water as Suntracker toons like to leak. I've been an outboard boy my whole life so I can't really give you any guidance regarding the Mercruiser. You asked what else you can look at in the $10k range. I'd say just keep checking CL and don't be afraid to expand your search into neighboring states. There often seem to be good deals available in Tennessee and Missouri. Good luck and let us know what you find out about the big Suntracker. Appears to be a nice looking boat.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

I found out it has a brand new trailer. They say $1600 for trailer alone and it does come w/ the boat. Unsure about the hours, but I'm sure it will be on the dash. 10k sounds a bit high unless it is a cream puff. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks

So does that mean the $10k price tag includes the trailer?

 

[12guns]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Yes 10k includues the new trailer.
Yes it was and is on LR craigslist. The boat is in Heber Springs in the water, but they can pull it out for inspection I'm sure. Listed at 10k, with the limited research I've done online, looks like$7500 (ish) is "average retail". The new trailer would be worth around $1500 or so. My thoughts are this. IF the motor has low hours and the boat overall is in great condition, I would offer $8k cash as my highest price. Even w/ a new trailer and good condition it's still a 98' boat/motor. I may be able to go see it in person Sunday. I'll keep you posted.
Any other opinions on the 3.0 4 cylinder Mercruiser??

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

I think eight grand would be a very good deal, especially this time of year. If I really liked it I'd probably be willing to give him nine since the trailer is included. Your money of course. Sounds like you're well equipped to perform due dilligence. Keep us posted. I keep threatening to throw together an iboats confab on Greers. I even started a thread once but didn't generate enough interest to pursue it. I love that lake, and you might be surprised how many Arkies are iboaters. We really need to do that.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

The engine is fine for that boat but keep in mind that there are more things to look at with an I/O . make sure you have a marine mechanic look at it.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

One other thought. You might ask for advice on the engine over in the Mercruiser forum.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

I also would want a mechanic to lookover the engine--compression test, etc. The 3.0 is a very efficient power plant on a pontoon boat, and should do a great job if you're not pulling water skiers. You've got to be careful on any 3.0 to make sure the engiine's been drained properly before the Fall freeze.

On any used boat, I'd immediately changing the water pump impeller first thing.

I remember Greers Ferry Lake--somewhat. The sheriff caught me drinking beer outside Heber one Sunday morning in 1969--and ordered me out of the county. I have not returned, and assume it's still a dry county. Greer's a beautiful lake, with many Memphis and L/R people there. My friend's father developed Tannenbaum Resort on the East side.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Here's one for comparison, but full disclosure; this guy is a new dealer on HWY 67 just north of Jacksonville who is trying to build up an inventory of used pontoon boats. I have met him once and he seems like a decent guy, but I don't know anything about him. Any business transacted with him should be considered strictly caveat emptor, as should all non-warrantied used boat purchases. http://littlerock.craigslist.org/boa/2420569143.html

 

[MinUph]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

I looked at a 20 footer today 2001. Had a couple soft spots on the floor and looked really worn. Upholstery was rotted. Dealer boat. Is this what I should expect to find for 10k? Pretty dissapointing. This was in New Port Richey Florida.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Is this what I should expect to find for 10k? Pretty dissapointing. This was in New Port Richey Florida.

Probably so if you look at dealer inventory. Don't ignore dealers altogether, but private deals are almost always better. If ten grand is your budget you should be able to get a perfectly serviceable barge without exceeding it. Just keep looking and don't get discouraged. You'll find one.

 

[12guns]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Thanks for all the replies. I've searched high and low in Arkansas and all surrounding states. Each time I have a boat with some hope to it, there's always a catch-no trailer, poor condition, etc.
So I kept going back to the boat that I started this thread with. I've talked to the owner who are very nice people that own a local sporting goods store in Heber. I offered $8k as a starting point. She came back with $9500 that includes a brand new soft top and new trailer only used three times. The boat is in great condition with only two flaws in the seats (per the owner and pending inspection), one of which is hidden on the underside. She was stuck on $9,500 so I gave my final offer of $9k cash with the new and old soft top. Looks like I bought a boat! I'm going tomorrow to inspect/run the boat and give it the once over. My main concern is the engine. I will look for excess rtv sealant and such that may indicate a rebuild as well as over all cleanliness. Assuming it meets my expectations, I'll be towing it home tomorrow night! I guess $9000 seems "steep" for a 98' boat, but considering the new trailer, excellent condition, and NIB soft top, I'm happy with my deal. Good trailers are not easy to find and I will be towing it 45 miles to the lake.

I'll post some pics if I buy it. Thanks again for all the help!

 

[12guns]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

I also would want a mechanic to lookover the engine--compression test, etc. The 3.0 is a very efficient power plant on a pontoon boat, and should do a great job if you're not pulling water skiers. You've got to be careful on any 3.0 to make sure the engiine's been drained properly before the Fall freeze.

On any used boat, I'd immediately changing the water pump impeller first thing.

I remember Greers Ferry Lake--somewhat. The sheriff caught me drinking beer outside Heber one Sunday morning in 1969--and ordered me out of the county. I have not returned, and assume it's still a dry county. Greer's a beautiful lake, with many Memphis and L/R people there. My friend's father developed Tannenbaum Resort on the East side.

Any online "how to" links for the impeller replacement? Good idea, I'll feel better knowing it's new. Thanks for the tips.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Assuming the motor is A-OK I think ya done good, guns. Again, really wish I could help you out with the I/O, but I know absoutely nothing about them. There are some really knowledgeable and helpful guys in the motor forums though. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of that resource both before and after officially pulling the trigger. Hope to see you at the Fairfield fireworks show this year.`

 

[12guns]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

MAN WHAT A LET DOWN! Went and looked at the boat today. Had I not talked to the owners so much, I would have turned around before even getting out of the car. The good: upholstry was overall good for a 98' but still had a couple tears. Also the motor looked great, however we didn't make it out to the lake to run it.
The bad: Lower foot was COVERED in corrosion, clearly left in the water for years w/o being cleaned. The pontoons had so much water staining that I doubt it would have cleaned w/o major sanding/polishing. There were dents and dings all over the boat. Railings and pontoons. The plastic sink cover area was cracked, cup holders missing and so on. Even all of the stickers on the side were peeling. Oh, and that "brand new" trailer??? Yeah right. At least 6 or 7 years old w/ torn carpet and rust all over.
Needless to say I left empy handed. The owners were nice, but told me VERY clearly that the boat would not leave w/o $9,000 in their hand. I didn't even bother offering less. They will have a heck of a time selling it for the $10k that he said he will ask once he is done "fixing up" the trailer.
So back to the drawing board! Here's a nicer looking one in Branson, they came down to $11,500. May be worth a look when I get a chance.

http://springfield.craigslist.org/boa/2416859528.html

Anybody see's anything for the $10k pricerange, let me know! Thanks

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Well that sucks, but disappointment is part of the game. The Sundancer looks nice, but I wouldn't count on that trailer for regular use. Tough to tell for sure in the pic, but it looks like a center lift style trailer, which is not really designed for regularly towing more than a few miles. Some would disagree (including some iboaters), but you likely wouldn't after getting it home from the show me state.

 

[12guns]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

That crappy trailer is the only reason I haven't jumped on that one. Oh well.

I also have a good friend selling his 2007 Premier Leisure Meridian 2423 DLX (24'). It has a 115 hp Suzuki with no more than 25 hours on it. Said he'll sell boat, motor, trailer for $15k, which sounds like a great deal, it's just over my $10k budget. Maybe I can talk to all the kids and get another 4-5k together. Might be well worth the money.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

That sounds like a nice one, and it's always a plus if you can pick up something that's a known commodity. I'm curious though; none of my business, but you seem to be gravitating toward the bigger barges. Have you ruled out boats in the 21'-22' range?

 

[12guns]

Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

You're right, I've been looking a the bigger boats. I won't rule out a smaller pontoon, but sure don't want to end up with a boat that is too small. I would say an average lake trip will be 10-15 people, 6 of which can be on the ski boat comfortably, one on the waverunner, and the rest on the barge. One final-and selfish-reason I'm looking at longer boats is that we intend to take this barge down the Mississippi all the way to the gulf. Sounds crazy, but Dr. Ganus in Searcy has done it 3 or 4 time with family members. His grandson did it last year on a half homemade pontoon boat being pushed by a 25hp Merc. So I want this boat to be big enough that we are not crowded on the lake, have room for a grill, and eventually go on a trip south.
Any advantages to a smaller boat other than ease of towing?