Pontoon pricing...

[Gnu2boating]

I have found a used '06 Premier PTX 25' pontoon which has a 'stated' asking price of $34K without the trailer. It is the Grand Majestic 250 RE model and has a 225 Suzuki (might be the Honda... she wasn't sure) OB.

Now... I ran a NADA check and it comes back with a blue book value of around $24K.

I called and asked about it (I have yet to see it) and the dealership said it is in mint condition and is a bank repo. It has been out of the water for 18 months on the bank's tab, and he suspected the bank would be ready to deal. Now, I haven't decided this is the boat I want, however, I am planning on taking a look at it this weekend. Certainly, looking at it as >$34K versus <$24K makes a BIG difference in how I view the boat.

Since I am planning on getting a boat this summer, and a Pontoon with ski capability would be a huge plus... if I decide this is the boat for me, how would you guys go about offering and how much? I have never bought a boat before and I am not the best 'haggler' although I am willing to do it.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

When I ran the numbers including the ski tow bar and bimini, Playpen cover I get a price of just over $20k on the boat and $9600 for the motor.

That is a nice toon if it has been kept up. $34k is high. With it being a Bank Repo I would offer $26k and see if they bite. But that is me. Get them under $28k and it is a deal IMO

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

All the bank wants is recovery of the loan and if they get more than that thats a plus for them but not a deal breaker. This is now a four year old boat and nicely kept or not, it is still a target for low balling. People are not exactly lined up to buy this stuff so don't cut yourself short. Don't make any offers. Quiz them again and again about their absolute bottom dollar. And have your checkbood sticking out of your pocket when you do this. That at least shows more than a passing interest. Check the internet for equivalent boats. Throw away the highest and lowest numbers you turn up. Those in the middle represent the average value of the boat. You now have a baseline for value and you can start at whatever number less than that you like. They will not throw you out of the place if you are way off their expectations. But don't hesitate to remind them of their situation. And don't hesitate to walk out. That's the art of the deal. Chances are they will at least counter or beat you to the door to talk some more. You are the driver in this deal. Don't forget that whenever you buy a big ticket item. NADA values are just guides. They, in my opinion, have lost the capability to provide very accurate values. The market changes far too fast and is too regional for any degree of accuracy.

 

[JWRoberts]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

I would be very concerned about the boat being out of the water for 18 months. I would recommend that any deal be continguent on you getting a positive report from a qualified dealer other than the one you are dealing with.

 

[Gnu2boating]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

JWR...

Why does it being out of the water for so long bother you? I don't know much, and certainly, that alone doesn't ring bells for me. What are you thinking, and I will be sure to try to address it when I go to see it.

Thanks

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

The only concern I would really have with it being out of the water is the fuel. Was it drained? Treated? With any used boat purchase have a marine mechanic look at it before buying. In or out of the water.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

When one is spending upwards of 20K for something one should be entitled to an on-water test. That will put the burdon on the seller to make sure the thing runs. Yes -- 18 months on untreated fuel will be an issue. But if there was very little fuel in the tank, adding fresh should not pose a problem but presence of water would -- especially on an EFI/DFI engine but then a boat that new should have a water separating fuel filter anyway..

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

If it was "winterized" or layed up appropriately, it shouldn't be a big deal. New spark plugs, impeller and lower unit grease check, and you should be good to go.

 

[JWRoberts]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

JWR...

Why does it being out of the water for so long bother you? I don't know much, and certainly, that alone doesn't ring bells for me. What are you thinking, and I will be sure to try to address it when I go to see it.

Thanks

If the engine was not properly 'winterized', the old fuel can stop up injectors (big bucks), and deteriorate fuel lines. You may also have water issues in the tank and engine, especially if ethanol fuel was last used.

By all means, get it checked by a competent mechanic prior to purchase.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

I was under the impression the bank could only get the balance of the loan.

Don't be afraid to low ball them, the absolute worst that can happen is they say no and you bump up your offer.

Absolutely get this on the water and run it before you buy it, boats make awsome housing for critters and they have an appitite for wiring.

Just keep your eyes open and don't let anyone "sell you" could work out to be a great deal.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

34K is way too much for that toon. Offer 20K pending sea trial.

 

[Gnu2boating]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

Had a great time today. Drove the 25' Premier PTX with a Suzuki 225hp. Got it up to 43mph (guage) with 3 adults one child. Turning radius was great compared to what I expected. This is key for me, because on a busy lake, I want to be able to get around and pick up dropped skiiers quickly. All in all, we had a great time.

We also drove a 24' Azure Deckboat... man I loved that boat. I would get a slightly larger boat, 27' I think is the next larger, but all in all, it ran at 56mph and would be a great boat if it was just my family. But I think with anyone else, we would begin to get cramped. Even though it is rated at 10 or 12 people... there is no possible way that they would fit on the boat in any comfort.

But the marina also sells Bennington, and I know that Bennington is popular on this site. They spoke about the EPS (elliptical center tube) and its handling characteristics being comparable to the PTX. They do not, at this moment, have one to try out... but maybe later on.

Does anyone have any experience with the Elliptical center tube on a Bennington? I really need as much 'ski' performance as possible, if I am going to go with a pontoon. I would be happy with the performance of the Premier PTX... so if the Bennington is comparable... I would like to try it out before I purchase anything.

I live in Indiana, and went to Pearson's Marina on Lake Freeman. Anyone know of a dealer closeby who might have a 25' EPS to try out?

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

Any of the toons you looked at will pull skiers. As far as the Benni goes. Think of it as the Cadillac of Pontoons. They were out my budget when we were looking. I have heard good things about the Elliptical center tube. Test drive them all and buy the one you can't stop thinking about. In the end you are the one that has to be happy.

 

[Big Bubba]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

Gnu2boating,
Yes, I wholeheartedly agree $34K for a pontoon is way too much money and it doesn't even come with a trailer with it according to your first post in this thread. You can find a better deal. I found a complete pontoon boat with the trailer that is in one heck of good shape for under $4K dollars and it works great for me but it is used, 1991 year, but I and my family are happy with her and can't wait to get out on the water with her this year.

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

Ok.

Now I questioning myself wondering if I overpaid on a 2009.

Im still thinking I did ok. I got the floorplan I wanted that I couldnt get in a older model.

22K plus tax for a 2009 Osprey with 90 Optimax. Only upgrades are furniture switches (Removing bench seat and putting in captain chair and two leg table)

Did I do ok?

I know I shouldnt beat myself up over this. Its going to be a great summer!...(lol)

 

[5150abf]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

Don't sweat it, everyone is that way, it cost what it did now go enjoy it.

You always see something cheaper or better equiped after you buy, the trick is to STOP LOOKING and enjoy what you have.

You don't say what size boat but if it is a 20 or bigger you did good.

 

[JWRoberts]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

I totally agree with 5150. Enjoy the boat and don't look back!

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

Thanks 5150 and JWR

Its 22 foot.

And Im over the price issue. My 80 yr old father in law is going to be surprised when he has something he can fish off of. What price do you put on that.

What does trim as high as possible without "ventilating"

I know what trim is..

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

In a nutshell. Trim up until you notice your RPM increase and speed decrease, You should hear the difference as well. Then trim down a touch and you should be at the optimum trim for your rig.

Play with it a while and you will find th perfect spot for your toon.

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Pontoon pricing...

Thanks rrhodes

Cant wait for delivery, which is just before Memorial Day.

Anyone got thoughts on side door ladders. Im ordering a slide ladder rated for 400 lbs. Kinda pricey, however it slides sideways away from door.