Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range UPDATE bought one

[veritas honus]

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Wound up getting a 79' Checkmate Exciter that I ran for half the season last year well into October. The motor is clean and has less than 400 hrs. It's in my signature below. Just wanted to update everyone and say that I bought it for $3200.

Nice rig. Glad you took your time, went and found yourself a great deal. Congrats!!!

 

[jonesg]

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Boy the condition of that checkmate is mint, even the trailer looks new.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Wow, great job thad. I really like the lines of that thing.

 

[archcityBob]

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Honestly, it's the wrong time of year to be looking for a quality boat in that price range. Not saying it can't be done, but I think you'll be more likely to find one in the off season. ...

I hear that. I've been watching Craigslist and Ebay for about 5 months to get a feel for what is available at what price. I never called anyone until I had the cash in hand as I didn't want to waste someones time when I'm not buying. Now that I finally have $3000 cash in hand (tax refund), all the boats that meet my wants are gone. But one thing I noticed is that pricing varies wildly. It's like people need money and look around to see what they can sell. They see their boat and list it at whatever amount of money they need. "I need $3,000, therefore I'll list the boat for 3 K." Someone else would list the almost exact same setup at 6 K.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Congrats, well done. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[thaphillips]

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Re: Need boat suggestions for 2K - 3K Range

Even after I found my boat I kept looking. The number of acceptable boats available was much lower here in the off season. I can't explain it but the prices actually seemed more expensive here in the off season. And getting a test drive ..... forget about it.

I actually bought the boat of a member of the online Checkmate forum. I read all his past posts and he seemed knowledgeable and didn't post an major issues with his boat. It also helped that many people he met at boating events vouched for the condition of his boat.

I talked to him extensively and he actually lowered the price by $800.

I bought the boat sight unseen and never test driven. Honestly it arrived in better condition than I expected. Couldn't be happier.