Used Boat

[New-2-Boating]

First post on a great forum. I am looking at purchasing a used 1990 Cobalt 203 Condurre c/w Aplha One and Mercruiser 260HP engine with 285 on the hour meter. THe boat was winterized in 2002, owner died that spring, boat has not been in the water since (stored in boathouse). I have done an extensive search on this forum regarding start up procedures to long storage boats. Is there any way to tell if the block is cracked without actually starting the boat and have water come pouring out of it? Does it make a difference if they used antifreeze for the last winterization or drained system completely and left it dry? They are asking $11,000.00 for the boat and 1995 tandem axel trailer, boat interior/exterior is like new. Your thoughts on value would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thank you in advance.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Used Boat

That's a whole lot of money for a boat ....<br /><br />that doesn't run<br />nice interior,good tailer,etc. <br /><br />It will look good in your driveway<br /><br />DHP

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Used Boat

Get a survey. You can't check out a boat like you do a car.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Used Boat

Does sound like a lot of money for a 15 yr. old boat. Lots of thing can deteroate with just age. Yea, get it surveyed. Was it run in salt or fresh water? Come to thing of it there is a rather big fresh water lake somewhere around there! fred

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used Boat

pay for the survey. good money spent, you will know what it needs, and negotiate from there with the seller, or you will have the peace of mind that you bought a good boat.

 

[New-2-Boating]

Re: Used Boat

Thanks for the advice everbody, I will definately have it surveyed, and from the sound of everyones tones it is over priced.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used Boat

see what the survey says, and let us know. the survey will give you market value, another negotiating tool.

 

[goinhungry]

Re: Used Boat

Many surveyors don't do engines, so be sure to check with the one that you want to use before hand. If he doesn't, it'd be best to also have a MARINE mechanic give it a once-over too. Just my too cents from what I've found in my neck of the woods. <br /><br />Oh, and listen to the guys on this site, they know what they're talking about and it's easy to let excitement cloud your judgement...

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Used Boat

That is one of the best runabouts built. Compare it to a Chris Craft, or think of it as a Cadillac.<br /><br />Some boats hold their value. Cobalt is one. All custom, no cookie cutter molds.<br /><br />I agree on the motor survey, but you should see immeidately see the value of the rest of the boat when you pop the cover off. Drive it and drive some others.<br /><br />I sold a 1975 cobalt with original interior for retail book value. Chris Craft and Formula are the only other makes I know that hold value like that.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[New-2-Boating]

Re: Used Boat

Thanks again for everbody's advice I have contacted a surveyor and I will let you know the outcome. I look forward to your valuable information in the future.