[danrs]

In your experience, if you were buying a used boat from a dealer, how much typically do they mark up their pricing? Is there a set percentage that would be a good "rule of thumb" to start the negotiations below their asking price? And I certainly can't see paying asking price under any conditions, but then again being a noob, I don't know how boat dealers price their offerings either.

I'm talking about good condition pleasure boats in the $10 to $15k range.

Thanks for any opinions. I may be visiting a dealer soon to look at a couple used boats.

[CATransplant]

That's a tough question to answer. There are so many variables, really.

Lots of dealers right now are having trouble. They have too many boats in stock and not enough buyers. But...that doesn't always mean they'll give the boats away...in fact, some dealers who aren't too bright insist on keeping the prices high right up until they file for bankruptcy.

As with cars, the most popular boat models get the smallest reductions in price. The orphans get the largest reductions.

The longer the boat has been on the lot or in the yard, the more likely you'll be able to negotiate for a real discount. That boat they just took in on trade last week isn't likely to get a big reduction right away.

The more people you can talk to about the dealers in your area, the better.

[marine4003]

Alot also depends on your location, i went from North Carolina to Pensacola Florida to find my deal,i saved 6K on the Scarab and got the celebrity pictured above for 4K. so, in an area where supply greatly outweighs demand,there's deals to be had.But be wary,due to Katrina,there was a flood of boats that were write off's ,fixed up and re-sold. So a surveyor is the best bet before you drop 10-15K,spend the 100-200 clams to protect your ***-ets.

[donnymac]

[quote=CATransplant;1720266]That's a tough question to answer. There are so many variables, really.QUOTE]

Boy, ain't that the truth.

[tashasdaddy]

inspect the boat, just as you would a individual seller. get any guarantee in writing. 1 hour test drive.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.

A 30 year old boat motor combo, may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.