Looking to buy, need some advice

[LippCJ7]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

I'm sure this boat has an hour meter on it, I don't think Crownline makes a boat without one, I think the problem is that your dealing with a broker that has no concept of knowing his inventory, cutting him out of the chain would be my first priority

After searching that model boat I don't think the price is out of line with others in the area of course we still need the hours but I think you do have a great chance to get it for a decent price

The problem is its a 4 year old boat, so its relatively young, if it has been taken care of then there is no problem, but theres 4 years that you and I have no idea how its been cared for! thats plenty of time for things to go south...

 

[belleview3]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Trim,
As a Grandlaker, I have a few things to consider. 18 - 21' boats are great if you stay in the creeks (Drowning, Honey or Horse Creeks) to tube, etc. But you will get the crap beat out of you if you plan to hit the main body in South Grand from a constant parade of big cruisers and go-fast boats. If you want to go the Drip or Party Cove (like most of us), expect a slow rough ride. Therefore, if you plan to stay with one boat for several years on Grand, look to the largest boats in your budget. Otherwise, if you get the bug like many of us enjoy, learn on a smaller boat and plan to move up, very soon. Nothing better than raftin' up with a bunch of boats, endulging in the scenery and toasting to new friends.
Also, get to the Boat, Sport and Travel show in Tulsa next week. Most of the Marinas in the area will be there and will have their used boat listings at the booths. Most of the Grand Lake marinas are responsible dealers including Arrowhead. Check out the Crownline dealer at the East end of the Pensacola Dam, he normally has several great used boats and well cared for.
If you are going to spend 15k or more, get an independent surveyor before you commit to a boat, it could save you thousands. There are several in the Grand area.
Hope to see ya at the Drip this summer. . . Good Luck.

 

[Trim]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Belleview#3, nice to see another Grandlaker on here. I live on the Elk River so most of my boating will be in that area where there isnt as much traffic. I moved up here last summer and went to the Drip a couple times, I know what you mean by the rougher waters. Fun place to be though!!
I saw the boat show in Tulsa for next week but I can't make it during the week because of work and will be out of town on the weekend. How is the Grove boat show? I think there is one coming up in March.

 

[belleview3]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Trim,
We love going up to where the 3 rivers meet. Great water unless the rivers are rising (too much debris for this old guy). We are about 35 miles by water from your area (Drowning Creek).
The Grove show is obviously much smaller, but more intimate. It's easier to converse with the dealers and "know-alls" getting information about area used boat inventory. Should be usefull.
When you find that special boat, again - find a surveyor. Preferably one that doesn't have any ties to the local dealers.
Can't wait for Spring and de-winterize!!!! Until then, there's plenty of projects on the boat to do.

 

[Trim]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Ok guys I found another boat that Im interested in. It's a 2007 Crownline SS 19 with a V8 5.0 Volvo Penta. Like new bimini top and carpet, stored in covered dock, like new trailor with breaks. NADA on the boat is around 17k and the seller is asking $13,800. Only concern is it has 580 hours on it. Seller says it runs great, doesn't burn or leak oil. I can't get on craigslist at work to copy the link so I had to type it out. Hopefully it works. Let me know what you guys think.

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/boa/2819829862.html

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Looks like a nice boat, hours on the boat indicate it was well used but not over used, I think its in line with the extended boating season down there, it has snap in carpet which is desireable, add an extended swim platform and I bet you will have a great boat, definitely worth the look.

Don't put too much into NADA its a starting point at best, NADA cannot take specific markets into account, check around your area for the same or similar boats and that will tell you what this boat is worth in your area

 

[Trim]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

LippCJ7, with the information that I've given you about the boat what do you think would be a good starting point to offer? 10K?

 

[Philster]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

You can offer anything you want, but if you want to know what the seller is expecting, it is in the price he set. Low balling doesn't help unless the seller deserves to be sent a clear signal. This guy doesn't deserve that.

I like that boat. I wouldn't know what to offer until I had crawled all over it. If it is as it appears and crawling over/in it shows it to be well-cared for an honestly represented, 10 is a low-ball offer.

The art of negotiating isn't coming in low and being a jerk. Negotiating on something that is priced fairly is about being gentlemen.

A guy bought my Scarab and was a fair negotiator, so I threw in some stuff that I didn't need and then emailed him additional information I had saved about the boat.
.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Lots of advice I would have never even thought of. I've had a good friend introduce me to a man that owns a boat retail store in town and I got a pretty good feeling from him. He seemed pretty genuine and is helping me find a boat that fits my needs. At this point that is about the best way I know how to go about it.

I've also been looking on ebay and craigslist but I'm a little worried buying from someone I don't know. Like you guys said you could get taken.

I bought my boat from a Mechanic friend who recommended my boat, he serviced it all it's life and knew it was a "good boat" and it has been so for us. Previous owner was a women and got married/ boat hadnt been in the water in nearly 3 years so I made her an offer as/ is based on his assessment with the boat shrinkwrapped! We have the 2-3 foot itch and need for more power and hope to act in the next 2-3 years

I looked at a Scarab Sport from Craigslist, "excellent condition/ showroom shape/ turn key" were words in the add and pictures looked good- (probably taken 10 years ago...) When I arrived, the boat was trashed! Bilge was full of water, scratches/ dock rash EVERYWHERE, missing pieces, boat BARELY started and even then, ran real rough... Owner was bragging that he is "hard on his toys". Owner was disapointed I didnt want to go for a test drive and was ready to leave without digging in. I dont know what he was expecting given the mis-representation? Next day we bought our Stingray.

Your on the right track, also, for your budget try and see if you can get the V6 MPI (Fuel Injected) engine, Same power as a Non FI V8 5.0L and find out if their is a mechanic/ parts for the engine in your area be in Merc or Volvo. For my area, I feel it is Merc territory.

 

[Trim]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Had a friend go check out the boat for me in person because I cant until next week. He said there were some minor scratches underneath from beaching it, a stain on one of the seats, and part of a decal was coming off. Also found out that the boat is owned by a dealer and was used as a "club boat." Said a group of people would pay to use it so basically a rental. That kind of concerns me because you just don't know who was driving it and how it was driven. Can't take the boat out for a test run because it has been winterized and I don't feel comfortable buying a boat if I can test drive it first.

Thoughts?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

My thought is only pursue a boat that you are comfortable with.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

A Boat that is owned by a dealer can be a good thing, if the dealer isn't willing to dewinterize the boat for a lake test then surely they would be willing to guarantee or have a dealer warranty(in writing) in place for your summer. Club boats do pose a concern but so long as the boat has received the proper care and maintenance you really shouldn't have to much to fear, were not talking a sports car here, its a boat so anything that could have been done to the boat should be fairly obvious if it were devastating, the boat will also have built in safety's from the manufacturer to protect the motor. I don't think the reasons you have posted would scare me away from looking into this boat any more then any other baggage that comes with any other used boat.

As for a start on negotiating I agree with Phil typically but I think you have to have the boat in front of you, pay particular attention to the faults with this boat, how bad are the scratches in the gel etc, remember they can be fixed pretty easily if they are not terribly deep, the stain could be an issue. 10K could be low but then again we don't have the boat in front of us so its going to be a judgement call, plus is the dealer willing to warranty the boat in lieu of a lake test, which would be a good selling point, the dealer concedes this you concede that its a negotiation. If the dealer is unwilling to warranty in lieu of lake test I would pass, that part is non negotiable, the boat gets dewinterized and lake tested or a standing written warranty

 

[Trim]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Talked to the guy again he said he usually doesn't do test drives but occasionally he will if that is the only thing stopping a purchase. He said if I like it and a test drive was to seal the deal he would do it. If that is done and the boat runs perfect like he knows it will we would close the deal right there and I would drive off with the boat. He made me feel alot more comfortable by telling me he has built his business on honesty and integrity and does not sell junk. Said he could have replaced the hour meter with one that had less and sold the boat for more but he didnt. No warranty would be available.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Good deal, I'm not buying that he doesn't normally do test drives but it doesn't matter you don't have that relationship with him as your dealer yet, he has to earn that until he does he is the devil!!(Sorry just watched the waterboy) he is right about the hour meter no doubt changing them out is something that's done fairly regularly. So when is the test drive??


Also if I purchased this boat I would expect to pay for winterization after purchase but it can be negotiated either way I suppose

 

[Trim]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

My schedule is incredibly busy right now but I'm hoping to go see it and test drive it the weekend of Feb 10-12 if everything works out. Looking forward to it and getting excited.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Re: Lookiing to buy, need some advice

Well good luck my friend I hope things work out, always love to help a new boater!

 

[Trim]

Re: Looking to buy, need some advice

I know you told me to stop saying thanks Lipp but I'm going to tell you and the other again lol. Thanks for the help and advice. I will try to post a pic of my new boat if the deal goes through.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Looking to buy, need some advice

No sweat man, if you get it let me know and I will tell you where the rest of the Crownies hang out.

 

[belleview3]

Re: Looking to buy, need some advice

Trim, send me the seller's info (name, dealership / marina or location) in a PM or post it here. I have a good friend who has experience with most of the marine dealers in the Tulsa area. I'll check if he has a good rep or if he's a lyin' no-good sorry son o' (^$(*$))#$. Couldn't hurt. . .

 

[Trim]

Re: Looking to buy, need some advice

Will do Lipp.

The business name is Recreation Pastime Motors. I did a quick google search and it didn't turn up anything. I know the guy lives in Glennpool, not sure if that is where his business is though.