Does this look like an ok deal?

[chevoldavis]

I am a first time boater looking for something needing light work that would be a good starter boat. My budget is around $3500 and I have seen plenty boats in that range but this I came across and was wondering what the forms thought.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/boa/3193008352.html

1993 sting ray 501zp
Needs impeller, new battery, fix trim(replace motor?),and some upholstery work. Seller is asking $1200. I was wondering if it was at least worth a drive to go and check it out in person.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Does this look like an ok deal?

You'll want to be very careful with that boat. It's 20 yrs. old and is liable be rotten to the core. That Force engine is less than desirable too.

As fall gets closer there will be better deals out there, after Labor Day.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Does this look like an ok deal?

Welcome to iBoats!
If you go, go Prepared to do a good inspection. Be prepared to get UNDER the boat. Look for damage to the hull, cracks, gouges, scrapes and scratches. Take a Rubber Mallet and pound on the transom and listen for soft spots. Get IN the boat. Stomp around all areas looking for soft spots especially in the corners in the back and the ski locker if it has one. Make sure the walk thru windshield operates smoothly. If not it can indicate sagging and that's a problem. Force Engines are NOT that desirable or dependable. With the bad interior and other factors, If there are no major issues, I'd offer $750 and maybe go to $900 but that's about it. There will be better deals in a couple of months.

 

[chevoldavis]

Re: Does this look like an ok deal?

Thanks guys, I'll wait a couple more months. I'll still keep my eyes open in the meantime.

 

[86 century]

Re: Does this look like an ok deal?

Can't speak for the boat but there is nothing wrong with force outboard if they have been taken care of it will last a life time.

 

[emoney]

Re: Does this look like an ok deal?

Around here when there's no contact info or similar, ads like these are usually just fishing for your email address. Don't be surprised if you don't get a follow-up response if you do contact the seller. Hopefully that's not th case up there, but CL is full of scammers & spammers.

 

[Teamster]

Re: Does this look like an ok deal?

Same here on the scammers,...

I use a separate email addy just for c-list,....

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: Does this look like an ok deal?

I agree, there is nothing wrong with those force motors. They are simple and for the most part reliable. Parts are easy to find, and cheaper than the mercury parts or evinrude.

The boat looks like a pretty decent deal to me. if you could get it for $800-$900 than it would be a great deal in my opinion.

 

[chevoldavis]

Re: Does this look like an ok deal?

Thanks for the heads up on the scammers. I have been in contact with the seller and he is legit. His boss owned it originally and then he got it in 1999 and owned it since. He recently got a newer, bigger boat and is trying to get rid of this one. I was a little concerned about that Force motor because there are SO many opinions about it(both good and bad). It does seem like parts are easy to get and not too expensive either. I am mechanically savvy so not too worried if I need to get my hands dirty, I actually look forward to it.

I might go out and look at the boat, if nothing else, to have an idea what the Stingray 501zp looks like in person. I would be surprised if it didn't have any floor rot or other issues. I will give it a thorough look over and go from there.