What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

[flammenwurfer]

1978 CARAVELLE BOAT AND DILLY TRAILER, 17.6 ' WALK THRU I/O WITH MERCRUISER. HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED INSIDE. HAS NEW 3/4" MARINE PLYWOOD FLOOR.

I've looked at it once and I'm going to test drive it on the lake today. It has some scratches and things on the hull, but it's sound. Starts right up first try. The boats a 78 but he says he had a new motor put in it about 8 years ago. When I looked at it the bilge pump was not working.

He's asking $2000 obo. What would a reasonable offer be assuming it drives good on the water?

Thanks! I'm excited about being a boat owner in the near future! (crosses fingers/knocks on wood)

 

[jjc917]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Offer 1500 and see what he says...bilge pumps are cheap, and although the floor may be new, you never know about the stringers...

 

[Thad]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Is that a cat walk on the side of that trailer?

$1500 is a fair first offer. You don't owe him anything, right?
Around here, anything that runs some of the time is worth a grand. A boat that good looking for her age and even with a few minor issues could bring $2500 + easily.


Depending on where you boat though, she could give you a bit of a rough ride. Don't think your gonna give WOT in windy conditions. That being said, respect her and she'll take care of you.
Hope the sea trial goes well for you. Let us know.

 

[flammenwurfer]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Thanks guys. That's kind of what I was thinking. Around $1500, but didn't know if that was too much of a low-ball or not. I'm thinking if the test run goes well and I can get it for 1700-1800 I'll be happy.

I'll let you know what happens.

 

[flammenwurfer]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Well, I got it! I have a boat! I'm excited, but also kind of bummed because I can't ski behind it this year. I just tore my acl and won't be able to ski til next summer.

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

congrats, have fun. If you can take a handling course, it will pay in the end.

 

[flammenwurfer]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Thanks soaringhiggy. What exactly is a handling course?

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Nice boat!! did you by chance see what the temp. was reading??

 

[flammenwurfer]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Thank you. Yep. We made 4 or 5 loops around the lake when I drove it and while moving it was right at about 140. When idling it went up to about 160.

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

if there is a cost guard aux, school or other boating instruction provider in the area, take the time to learn how to navigate, handle the boat both at anchor/dock and underway. Learn how the proper use of lines and knots, for example how to use spring lines.

It will be a bit of time now and will pay huge dividends later.

Congratulations and have a great time with the boat and family.

It is a very rewarding hobby.

 

[flammenwurfer]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Cool, I'll look into it.

Now I just need to get everything registered tomorrow so I can get it out on the water this weekend.

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Cool, I'll look into it.

Now I just need to get everything registered tomorrow so I can get it out on the water this weekend.

Just remember, smiling is not optional!

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Thank you. Yep. We made 4 or 5 loops around the lake when I drove it and while moving it was right at about 140. When idling it went up to about 160.

Alright!! ready to go boat!! Good job! Did you get it for the $1500?? Or give him what he was asking, either way Have a good and safe boating, Nice boat dude!!

 

[Thad]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Just remember, smiling is not optional!

Neither is waving!

Grats on the boat. You'll enjoy it. Now comes the real expenses.
Start making out your Christmas list now.



By the way, were we close on the negotiating? You don't have to tell us exactly, just curious if we were in the ball park. And you never did tell me if that is indeed a catwalk on the trailer. It looks like one...I have one down the center on my fishing boat trailer. Pretty handy.

 

[flammenwurfer]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Thanks guys!

I got him down to $1800. I'm happy with it.

Yes, that is a catwalk around both sides on the trailer. It is very handy

 

[Thad]

Re: What's a reasonable offer for this boat?

Good deal!

Now you have to name her.