Big Decision

[James Berry]

Bought my boat when I was 23, now I am 55. Its a 1981 Rinkerbuilt 17ft v-hull open bow. It had a 1974 85hp evinrude engine and I upgraded 2 years back to a 115hp mercury 1979 tower of power. Replaced just about everything in boat and motor runs pretty good. Put a new floor and ski pole in it last winter. I am a slalom skier and I ski every weekend on real boats mastercraft etc... I am thinking about selling my boat because I just came across a malibu response 1996 with 450 hours and he is asking $6k for it. I got kids starting college but I am not getting any younger and I love to waterski early in the morning - nothing better.

Do you think I can get $2k for my old boat??? Big decision !!

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: Big Decision

What decision, just do it! It's apparent you WANT to, so you won't regret getting it! You've had the old boat a ton of years, will it matter $500 or $600 either way when you sell it?

 

[pckeen]

Re: Big Decision

If everything is running, and the boat is in good shape (no rot, motor runs well, etc. etc. etc.), I would think so - you may have to wait for the right buyer to come along, but ask $2k and go from there....

 

[izoomie]

Re: Big Decision

I am thinking about selling my boat because I just came across a malibu response 1996 with 450 hours and he is asking $6k for it.

52 here, and one still in collage.

It is tough to let your labour of love go. I just upgraded to a larger fish/ski and sweated for a couple of months trying to sell my older boat. A guy just came and go it last week. Felt a tear when it was pulling away but what a great feeling looking forward to a new season next year with a new, bigger, quieter boat.

Do it!

 

[agallant80]

Re: Big Decision

Nothing in boating makes any sense. Its all about want. No one needs a boat (besides a fisherman). Do what you want. You are going to be dead for a long time. You should have a few things that you enjoy.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Big Decision

Sounds like you got your purchase price and more out of your boat. Around my area you are probably looking at $1200 - $1500 in the spring and $1000 - $1250 now even though many of us boat/fish all year. I've been retired for nearly 11 years and will soon be 65. I'll feel fortunate if I get 10 more years on the water... how about you?

 

[MikeB0307]

Re: Big Decision

Put it up for about $500.00 over what you want for it obo and see what happens. It may take some time but there will be someone out there who'll appreciate her for what she is and give her a new home.

 

[jkust]

Re: Big Decision

We will need some photos forthwith to respond.

 

[AChotrod]

Re: Big Decision

I say go for it. My Dad always wanted to put a bigger engine in his 64 Fairlane but was always to cheap/scared to do it to such a nice car. Many times I told him just go for it you have nothing to lose then he would agree but never follow through. I told him this the very last time I talked to him before he passed at 70yrs young. Point is you never know what can happen so you better do what you want now and enjoy it to the fullest.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Big Decision

I say don't do it. I had the same dilemma years back when I sold a one-owner classic in mint condition, just because I wanted a bigger boat. Years later I ran into the old girl again and she had been left outside uncovered and was total trash. Hindsight! If I had it to do over again I would have kept the old boat to use when the circumstances arise.

Don't say you don't have room....there is always a way.