Conference vicki::boats

re                      <<< Note 1143.0 by YEOLD::PROVENCAL >>>
>               -< help/suggestions on purchasing used boat ... >-

	Having followed your previous notes I'd guess this might be
a fair/good choice for a first boat.   I can't help you on the price 
question, but if  "the buc book"  indicates its fair I think I would
try a strategy somewhat along the lines of 

	offer somewhere between 85% - 90%  of the lower of asking or buc
		make the offer subject to sea trials....  (about 6 weeks away ?)

	negotiate/haggle 

	agree on an acceptable deposit and/or escrow scheme

	Assuming this is someone you don't know - and don't yet know 
how much to trust - and they don't yet know how much to trust you....
the next couple of months could be tricky - - see other notes re 
recent burns )-:

	On the other hand, if its someone you feel comfortable 
trusting, put 10-15% in their hands (-:


	Reg

PS	It might just come down to simply  "liking this one"  (-:

PPS	Call me when you want to go   a'sea trialing
	
	

    While I don't have a buc book to reference the asking price seems
    'reasonable' given the age and engine of the boat in *.0 . Where this
    is going to be your first boat you may be better off buying a
    'previously' owned boat until you can formulate what you like and
    dislike about the past-time. 
    
    The type of boat that best suits your needs will depend on how you intend
    to use it. A 17' boat is fine for small local lakes and river cruises. A 
    17' is adequate for some of the larger lakes in NH. I spend a lot of time 
    on Winnisquam during the summer and a 17' would be fine for that lake on 
    all but the worst days. Consider how many people you will normally be
    out with. Open bow designs accommodate better seating.
    
    I think too many people buy 'boat show specials' that regret the
    purchase later. Where the economy hasn't quite made it past the rim of
    the toilet it's presently in, the resale boat market isn't strong. If you
    were to buy new, you could plan on a large depreciation in resale
    value in a good economy, plan on worse for today's situation. If you
    were to take a 20% hit in resale value, you're better off with a $5K
    boat than a $15K. 
    
    And again, consider towing. If you decide you like to travel to
    different lakes and rivers then consider an adequate tow vehicle as
    part of the cost of boat ownership. 
    
    And lastly, I second whatever Reg said. He has two boats so he must
    know what he's talking about. He has the boat he bought first, and the
    boat he likes. I foolishly sold my first boat to get the one I liked.
    :^) 
    
    ~jeff

    Your insurance company can probably give you BUC book values. Mine did;
    they were really helpful, even faxed me the page I was interested in!
    
    Good Luck,
    Bruce

       
    	1988 17 1/2' Thundercraft Open-bow, 175hp 6-cyl Mercruiser I/O,
    	depth finder, am-fm radio, skis, canvas tops, s/steel prop,
    	full swim platform, matching shorelander trl.  Exc Cond
    	$4999/bo
    
   Try the DCU, I just called today for the Blue book price of a boat.
   Just call 1 800-328-8797 or DTN 223-6735.  There will be a recording 
   just stay on the line and a rep will help.  Give them the above info 
   and they will tell you the price.

   I agree with past noters on settling on a used boat first.  Much cheaper
   way to go for the first time buyer and if you don't enjoy it as much as 
   you thought you might, its much easier to recoup your money.  On a new
   boat depreciation will kill you for the first few years.   Besides there
   are lots of great used boats out there.

   Some things to ask are:  
  
     Has it been winterized properly and how is it stored (ie Outside/Inside)
     
     How many hours.

     If this is the boat then ask to test drive it when the weather is good
     as a condition of the sale.
    
       
   Scott

    
    	Hi,
    
    	I'm a total novice to boating and it looks as though I may have
        stumbled onto a decent deal for a used boat. Any input from those
    	more experienced than I would be greatly appreciated. 
    
    	The boat is a 1988 Sunbird Eurosport(I) bowrider, with an 175 hp
        Mercruiser engine (I/O). It includes the trailer and comes with
        full canvas. It is owned by the father of someone my
    	wife works with and he seems honest. (Famous last words, I know)

	He says the boat has less than 50 hours of use. That's the reason 
        they are selling it. He claims that it didn't even go in the water
        one year. They are an older couple and want to buy a pontoon boat.
    
    	He wants 7500.00 for it.
    
    	There's the facts...like I said, any input would help. 
     
    	Thanks,
    
    	Bob

    Bob, you should find yourself a Sunbird dealer and go price brand new
    ones to do a comparison.  Package deals (boat, motor, and trailer) can
    be had brand new for around $10,000 and that will give you a year or
    two warranty on the motor/outdrive plus a hull warranty.  I'm sure both
    have run out on a 1988 boat.  Seeing that he didn't use the boat much,
    was he still diligent about performing year end winterizing?  Non-use
    can be as bad for an engine/outdrive as overuse if the fluids aren't
    changed every year.
    Pick up a copy of The Want Advertiser and find other comparable boats.
    There are many people out there who in the initial excitement of buying
    their first boat get the wrong thing.  These boats come on the market a
    few years old in the $6K to $7K range.  You may be able to do better or
    you may be able to talk the guy down more.
    I have no personal experience regarding Sunbirds other than Rick Wilson
    (ex-noter) had one and I doubt he would have bought one unless it was a
    quality boat.  I believe that the 175 HP I/O is the 4.3 liter engine
    which is probably the best V-6 out there and can rival V-8 performance
    in most of the smaller hulls.  If you are serious about this, you
    should hire Rick to go look at the boat for you.  He lives in Milford
    and his number is in the book.  He also works part time at Wilderness
    Marine in Milford.  They may be a Sunbird dealer.
    Wayne

    Bob, also see notes 45 and 174.  Wilderness is a Sunbird dealer
    

Hi,  just my .02 cents worth.

Went to the Boston Boat show a couple of weeks ago.  Like you, am new to
the boat market.  This is our first "new" boat. The first boat we looked
at, at the boat show was a 1994 Sunbird Bow-rider, think it was either 18 or
19', with the 4.3L V6 motor (175 hp).  Nice looking boat.  New, boat .. motr
and trailer was right around $12K. 

We didn't end up purchasing it, but were seriously considering it.  I don't
have any experience with them, but have seen them on the in-laws lake alot.

Good luck.

Cathi