I think it's time!
 

I have been window shopping for a formula ever since I sold my 330 Sundancer 3yrs ago. Wife likes 382's due to it's more comparable to a cruiser and of course I like 353's for the performance. I bet I have seen hundreds of listings (ranging from 1998 to 2003) for both models and still can't get a good grasp on what the market price is on these boats due to asking prices being upwards of $30k difference for practically same boat. So my question is what does $55k - $60k actually get you in either models, and if someone is asking $79000 but has been listed for 3yrs is it disrespectful to offer them $10k-15k less?

I'll throw my two cents in here as I have been shopping the 382's for years myself.
What someone owes and what the boat is worth can be worlds apart and if it keeps them from selling the boat then that is just unfortunate for them. That said the sale price is whatever the market will bear but there are also different types of buyers. Some are cash buyers and can buy what they want. That is in the favor of the cash buyer but a seller may not like the price. Some buyers are through broker channels and those run the routes of the finance/banker world which have fees and higher sale models that they follow. Some sellers think their stuff is extremely valuable and have a hard time selling at what the market will bear.
Any way I said all that to say that an offer is a starting point of negotiations and if a seller is offended at an offer they need to get over it and move on to actively pursuing negotiations by putting the ball back to the other side.
I have had brokers reply to me that an offer I made was not worthy of a reply. They simply don't understand negotiating, or don't want to, or are inexperienced, or have expectations of the market that are unrealistic, or don't understand the market, or or or or I could go on. Don't get your feelings hurt if someone gives an bad reply to a low offer. If they want to sell they will engage a price volley. If not the boat will be for sale for more years to come.
This is a niche market and for how unique it truly is the buyer base is small. If someone sneers at a low offer then whatever the reason is their price is simply a keeping price and they failed to find a selling price with a buyer.
Bottom line to me is there is no insult price. The seller will either engage to negotiate or keep it; just that simple.

I agree with aquaforce. This is what buying and selling is all about. Worst thing that can happen is what? They say no or don't reply. That's on the seller. Their unwillingness to negotiate means it can stay for sale another 3 years. If that's the case then you move on to the next one. The market is really whatever your willing to pay. I wouldn't get too wrapped up in making an insulting offer, because I'm more insulted at the list price.

I just sold my 382 and took numerous calls of low ball offers. When someone makes a low ball offer before they take the time to look or even ask qualifying questions pertaining to its condition you don't take them as a serious buyer. Mine was in superior condition compared to most in the same model year, had 2 people come look at it, the first absolutely loved it and then realized why the price was the price, unfortunately he could not afford the price and was looking for steal deal. the second individual after looking at many other's prior to seeing mine, jumped at it and is now the new owner.

Now on the other hand I am back in the market to buy my next boat and will look for the right deal. It's an art to a good negotiation so both sides feel good about the deal and if you start out the wrong way you will not be taken as a serious buyer.

that's my $.02

Well put. My 382 will be listed very soon, and while it will not be the cheapest on the market, I'm confident it will not be difficult to sell. There's lots of boats for sale, and each buyer is looking for something different. I'd much rather pay 8 or 10k more for an immaculate boat loaded with options and upgrades than a decent boat because it's a "deal". To each his own.

They are worth what someone will pay for them, so never be afraid to make an offer. Worst they can say is no :)

Having them freshly detailed helps a lot when it comes time to sell to lol

Did you get a new boat?

We did . I'm gonna get some heat over here for it too:party-smiley-004::poopoo:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]543639[/ATTACH]

UGH.... Another one!

It happens lol. But thats awesome!

Wow didn't see that coming we need pics or is that the one.

Not to hijack a thread, but RT9030 welcome to the family. You must post on the Fountain forum. As a former owner of a 292 SR1, 357SR1 Kamma (and later bravo with standoff boxes) and a 419 Fastec, I know that both brands bring a lot to the table. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Formula's and still miss my 419. Wish I never sold it! But at the same time, I really like the type of boating and the comfort for my family on the 38EC. If your looking at a 382, don't discount the 419. I found that I did not burn that much more fuel in the 419 at cruise than I did in the 357. Also, the boat road so level, don't know how formula did that with a triple. As far as insurance, I only paid $500.00 a year from State Farm. It just took a letter from Formula that the boat was manufactured with triple engines, then underwriting was a breeze. Good luck with your search Sin or Swim!!!!!

That's the boat! More info here
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...at-season.html

So far we love it. I'm honestly not noticing a difference in fuel burn. Loving the trips! I was contemplating a 48EC, but this boat sort of landed in our lap. It was too good to pass up.