Why won't my boat sell?

stoked not · Aug 10, 2003

Hey guy's Need some advise. Two weeks ago I listed my boat on "boat trader", to this date I haven't even received a calls. I don't think I'm asking too much. The boat has a new 2002 125 HP mercury with a transferable extended warrantee until 11/05. I believe it's priced right. My asking price is around the cost of what I paid for the motor and extended warrantee. I'm basically throwing in the trailer and boat, and I put allot of work and money into both. Maybe I just need to be more patient. Any tips on selling would be appreciated. Thanks Stoked_64

cobra 3.0 · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

Bring it to your dealer and let him sell it for a cut.

Bondo · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

What IS the boat ????? How Much ??????

JasonJ · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

Last Fall I was selling my restored 1963 Pacific Mariner with restored 63 Mercury 85 horse, on a restored Holesclaw trailer. I was selling the whole mess for only $1300, and I too had it in the local area rag, recieving not a single call. I also had it in my driveway with a For Sale sign, a lot of traffic went by, but other than a few looky-loo's with no money, it was the same deal. I spent a month going through this when I decided to tow it over to a parking area that is at the end of the Long Bridge, a one mile bridge that crosses the narrow part of our lake. As I was unhooking it to leave it for the day, a nice young couple with a baby walked up, and within 15 minutes I had a check in hand and they had a boat. The moral of the story? Take that boat to a high visibility area on the weekend and leave it for the day (but not overnight). People are more likely to stop, look and cut a check if they are right there to touch it. Putting an add in the paper only exposes your boat to people who are looking at that time. you are exposing your boat to more people, some of whom may not be in the market but may see it as a good deal and buy it if you put it out where people can see it. Good luck....

stoked not · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

Bondo, The Boat is a 1986 18' Manatee with a trailer. The motor has a 2002 125 HP mercury with very little hours. I purchased a extended warrantee that expires 11/05. The motor was around $6,000 and the warrantee around $800. I'm asking $6,900. Pretty much throwing in the boat and trailer And there both in good shape with lots of new parts. How low do I have to go. Mabe I shoould hold on to her. Currently I have the boat on a parking lot in a high traffic area. Hopefully this will get me a bite. Stoke Not

nitsuj · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

According to the guys at my local boat shop, boats aren't really selling right now. I don't know about where you're at, but here in western PA, the weather this year has been horrible. I don't remember the last time we had 3 days in a row with no rain. I work at a motorcycle shop and this has been the worst year in a long time for sales. I think with the weather, and the economy being soft, selling any luxury type item now is going to sell slow. That, and in my mind, the new motor on the older boat may not be helping things. Heres how I look at it, a guy looking for a mid 80's boat, is expecting it to have a mid 80's motor and cost less than what yours is worth. It kind of puts your boat in a funny area of the market.

stoked not · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

nitsuj, Yes, your right about my older boat and new motor puts me in a funny market. What do you think about selling the motor seperate? And how much do you think I could get for it? Remember it has a extrended warrantee. Stoked not

nitsuj · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

No clue man. I'm vastly ignorant of boats, I was only speaking from my experience selling motorcycles. Maybe one of the boat guys will disagree, but I'd think splitting up the motor and boat may speed things up. Motor may sell on e-bay. The boat may be of interest of someone like myself who has a boat that has been left outside for an extended period, a good boat, sans motor, I would think would be easy to sell. But again, I'm no boat guy, so don't split them up based on what I'm saying, my logic could be way off, I'm just spewing my input. I can tell you this, if you lived closer, and I managed to get my 1970 115 running, I'd seriously look at your boat to stick my motor on.

Solittle · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

My advice is to have some patience. Two weeks is not long to have a boat on the market. While you are waiting fill in the time with anything that you can do to make the boat stand out (clean/wax/paint)- - You did not tell us much about the boat - - If it looks doggy it can turn off the ladies who hold the purse strings in many homes.

dkwalker · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

stoked not!!! I am a new member- just purchased my first boat on Friday, 8/8/03. I bought a '78 Manatee 20 footer. Got any pics of your boat? They are little known here on the west coast. I'd like to see what yours looks like. geocities.com/dkwalker/boat/page1.htm I posted about mine Friday nite if you're interested in more detail about it. As for selling yours... dunno. It's summer here on the Columbia. Boats are moving. Maybe not new ones, but I have looked for a 16' to 20' cuddy for three weeks and every one was gone before I got it. Private and through brokers, gonzo.

dkwalker · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

Another ??? I found your boat on boattraderonline.com. It looks good enough. You do feature that new o/b in the pics. that's good. you mention a bilge pump? where is it? The deck on my boat seems to be solid, and I'm wanting to put a pump in. I took mine out for the first time today, and when I got out of the water, I pulled the drain plug releasing a gallon or more of water. I don't think I wanna leave this sitting in a slip very long w/o a pump. BUT I DON"T SEE HOW TO INSTALL ONE! I'm gonna post this a seperate question, but Stoked Not, I'd like to hear your remarks.

andrewkafp · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

If this is it.. http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/5/4/52739254.htm It looks like a very fair price @$14,000 Aust dollars, You guys are on a higher salary bracket than us, but I would pay that much for that boat with a new Merc like you have. It would sell here with no problems. Not much consolation from someone 000's of miles away though

NB Nice pics too

Why don't you advertise here on iboats ?

Spidybot · Aug 10, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

Haven't seen your ad, but as a general rule you have to make your ad and other sales efforts stand out from the rest. Look carefully at other's ads and notice how often they contain poor/erratic/insufficient info, lack specific data. Make your's better. Remember to tell potential buyers what they 'like' to hear (stable, safe, no hidden problems, honest, durable, well kept and do emphasize that gem of a motor). Keep using the boat and keep it looking good & tidy while you do. Bring a little less gear, avoid bringing that 'good old cooler bag' that looks messy anyway. It needs to be seen to attract interest and inspire buyers. Have a sign on it telling that you consider selling it, do not be afraid to demonstrate it to serious buyers. If your price is about right, stick with it. If you lower the asking price to get a quick sell you end up giving it away. It HAS a value and it WILL take time for folks to realize.

mattttt25 · Aug 11, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

when you list the boat, you probably have to put the year in, right? so when i search for a boat (which i do often), i won't see your boat unless i go back to 86, which is too old for me. if i knew it was a new engine, i may consider. what i'm saying is your boat is probably not being found in many people's search (few just browse all the boats). just an idea, not sure how to help.

Ralph 123 · Aug 11, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

You might want to try re-writing your description a little. Try somethig like this: 1986 MANATEE 182VBR w/ 2002 125 HP Mercury Ourboard with extended warranty! Brand New Steering, seats, Bimini top, upolstory, fishing rod holders and bilidge pump. Includes EZ Load trailer with new axle, leaf springs, hubs, tire and lights This a a great family and/or fishing Deep V hull boat. I am willing to demo this boat in the water for serious buyers. At $6,400 it's like buying the motor and getting the boat and trailer for free! ************** You can also title it something like "2002 125 HP Mercury Ourboard with extended warranty w/ FREE BOAT & TRAILER!" Or Simply "FREE BOAT & TRAILER"

stoked not · Aug 11, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

Thanks for the tips guys, For those interested the link listed MY BOAT is my boat. I agree that I think the search engine is hurting me because of the age of the boat. Mabey I should advertise it as motor with a free boat and trailer to boot. Just a thought. Stoked not

jocko_nc · Aug 11, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

Yo STOKED: A couple of thoughts... Some "brands" of boats are universally known and will have marketability simply by name as listed in a for sale ad. Boston Whaler. Grady White. Mako. That type of thing. Other brands are not so well known such that listing the make and model will not make the lights go off for a prospective buyer. List a used "Maycraft 21 ft." for sale in the paper and 98% of readers would not know what that is. However, put it out where folks can see it and you will generate interest. "Cool boat..." A boat (or car) in the "lower" price range is better marketed as being seen. At $ 6000.00 virtually any person is a potential buyer, they just have to decide they want a boat (who doesn't want one) and decide that yours looks good. Such a buyer is not so much interested in make and model. If the boat is clean has a nice layout, put it out in a high traffic area where people can see it. jocko

SoulWinner · Aug 11, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

I looked at the add and there was one turn-off for me. The exposed wires around the steering wheel. If the wheel was armor-alled and the wires concealed behind the dash it would improove the appearance a LOT. Remember, appearance is everything. Best wishes in selling the boat

RatFish · Aug 11, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

stoked not, mattttt25 hit the nail on the head! I'm planning to upgrade sometime in 2004 to a boat in the 18' to 19+' range. I will be looking for something in the 2 to 4 year old range and do my online searches accordingly. Your boat would not be listed in my search results but I would definitely consider it because of the new engine, parts and obvious TLC you give your boat. I would even consider buying before 04 if I got a deal I could not refuse. Anyway, if you don't get any bites, try listing the package as a 2002 then explain things in your description. For Example: Engine is 02 with extended warranty till 05... Boat is 86 with lots of TLC... Trailer is ?? with many new parts... You get the idea. Good Luck.

mellowyellow · Aug 11, 2003

Re: Why won't my boat sell?

think the price is a bit high. I can buy a 2002 4 stroke 115hp merc with warranty from IBoats for $7,000.

Why won't my boat sell?

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