pondering a purchase

[tatt2oed]

Hi everyone. Newbie to the board and certainly to Aristocrafts. I am in the market for a boat and have been combing craigslist for several weeks looking.
I ran a across a 1973 Aristocraft and have been intrigued by the boat after doing a little research on here.
Here is a link for the listing on the boat http://columbia.craigslist.org/boa/1722005705.html . Just wondering what a fair price would be on this boat. I was wanting something newer, but this one certainly falls within my budget, besides most other newer boats I have seen in the same price range have needed a fair amount of work. Either flooring or interior or both.
Anyway, I was interested in hearing some opinions.
Thanks
Scott

 

[Ricks Project]

Re: pondering a purchase

Hey Scott,
Welcome aboard. That's a good looking boat and would do a good job for you. I looked at that same boat last week on Craigslist. I remember it 'cause the first pic looked like there was a camper or something on the boat but it's a camper behind the boat and it lined up perfect. One thing that's missing that would make it a great deal is the sliding hardtop. I'm sure you could work with the poster and get a better deal...maybe $1500 and you would have a great boat.

There are others on here...Ziggy, Cedarjunkie, Scott from Aristocraft etc. that can tell you more about the 9-teen than I can but wanted to welcome you to the group.

Good luck.

 

[ziggy]

Re: pondering a purchase

looks like someone has been taking care of that one. agreed with rick though. to bad it don't have the hardtop. a soft top could be made though and was an option i believe for the nineteen. also the upholstery being replaced is great, but they didn't use the aristocraft upholstery. that has the logo + the seamless stitching. from what i understand from Scott@AristoCraft, the seats help make some of the value of a nineteen.

besides most other newer boats I have seen in the same price range have needed a fair amount of work. Either flooring or interior or both.

i hear that. many of the boats i looked at prior to getting the aristocraft were just as you describe. needing much work. looks like that one don't have any of them issues.

 

[dbkerley]

Re: pondering a purchase

If the drive is good and she runs out ok then I say get her and have fun. At least, at that price you can decide if you want to get deeper without much risk.

I'm hooked on mine and currently sinking too much mahogany ointment into her. I don't regret one minute of it though. How many things can you say that about?

 

[tatt2oed]

Re: pondering a purchase

Thanks for everyone's replies and encouragement. I spoke with the owner today and it looks like I may be to late!! Hopefully not, I am going to talk to the gentleman tomorrow and hopefully get a deposit on the boat if its not to late.
And sadly it does not have the top, that was part of the appeal to me when I started doing research on these unique boats. If I do get it you can bet I will be off in search of one!!
I will update tomorrow evening and let you know what I come up with.
Thanks again,
Scott