Good deal or not, 1988 Celebrity 18' 3.0L MerCruiser for $4500??

[Xxdjdakixx]

Hi everyone. Found this forum browsing through google.. Purchasing a first boat and have a friend who has a friend selling a boat. a 1988 celebrity 18' with a 3.0L engine.. has right under 400 hours.. hes asking for $4500, includes trailer..

now first when he told me the year i told him forget about it.. but i went and looked at it and i must say this boat has been taken care of.. inside has no tears or anything.. i was suprised.. just seeing if anyone that knows about boats can help me out by saying if it sounds like a good deal or not.. if lets say everything works on it like it needs to.. engine sounds good, he told me he can take it out on a lake and show me how it runs.. my friend has purchased 3 boats from this same guy, and still has them, and never had problems.. this guys is one of those guys who loves his stuff and takes care of it


thank you!

 

[Slip Away]

The boat will be underpowered with the 3.0L for anything but cruising. Heavy boat for it's size, because of how well they were built.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, That is a pretty old boat for that kind of $. If it is a salty, the motor may be in tough shape due to corrosion. I think that is closer to a $2500 boat.

 

[muskyfins]

Condition is a huge factor in used boats. More so than the year after about the first 10 years. IMHO, location has a big impact as well. Where I live aluminum fishing rigs bring less money than they do in northern Wisconsin for example.

The above statement not withstanding, the price seems a bit high, even in excellent condition. The 3.0 is a small motor and may not be suitable for tubing or skiing. I know of several similar boats local to me that have sold (not asking price) for a bit less.

I sold a 1993 Stingray 20' bowrider a few months ago with a 5.0 V-8. Bigger boat, more desirable engine, very good condition. PM me for how much I sold it for.

 

[thumpar]

Gee, That is a pretty old boat for that kind of $. If it is a salty, the motor may be in tough shape due to corrosion. I think that is closer to a $2500 boat.

I agree. Even in great shape $4500 is too much. $2500 would be about right it if checks out.

 

[cptrick3]

That seems like a lot for a 27 year old boat. It probably sold new for less than 12,000.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Not knowing what options it has or what zip code you live in this is what NADA says:

http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1988/Celebrity-Boats/CHAMPIONLINE-180VBR/10035277/values

Base Price	$10,920	$1,810	$2,060
Options: (add)
Trailer: (change)
1988 Single axle trailer		$195	$220
TOTAL PRICE:	$10,920	$2,005	$2,280

Suggested
List Price Low
Retail Average
Retail

 

[Blind Date]

If it is a 180, like my '90 Celebrity I'd want the 4.3 in it. 3.0 might be kind of a dog when loaded with people while pulling skiers ect. I disagree that is it overpriced if it is in as good of shape as you say it is. In MN, you don't get much for $2500. New boats are expensive with the emissions & that has had an impact on the prices of used boats. Even ones that are 27 years old.

 

[thumpar]

If it is a 180, like my '90 Celebrity I'd want the 4.3 in it. 3.0 might be kind of a dog when loaded with people while pulling skiers ect. I disagree that is it overpriced if it is in as good of shape as you say it is. In MN, you don't get much for $2500. New boats are expensive with the emissions & that has had an impact on the prices of used boats. Even ones that are 27 years old.

My last boat was a 1983 Sunrunner. I bought it about 10 years ago for $2600. It only needed regular maintenance but otherwise served me well. It sold for $100 more than I paid for it 7 years later because of the good condition.

 

[tpenfield]

Seems like a high price as stated. One thing to watch out for with a boat that old and being of the 1980's era, is structural rot, soft decks etc. Not saying that it has any of these, but they do come with age. So, you are best to get a good look at what is underneath the shine.