Buying our first "performance" boat
08-01-2008 | 04:32 PM
#61
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From: FORTLAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
I've owned/had boats in the past and grew up on the water. I've never owned a performance boat and I've never had to actually go through the actual purchasing of the boat believe it or not. So, I need your help guys. I am just leary because it's a "new" type of boat for us. It's not the typical runabout.
Are there any specific questions I should ask?
Any certain things I should look out for when I am looking at the boats?
Lastly, I am going for a single I/O engine. How many hours on an original Merc would you say is too many to consider buying?
Here are a couple boats I am interested in. If you know these boats or have comments on whether it is a good/bad boat, I want to hear it.
Last thing.... when offering a price... what is a fair "offer". Let's say the boat is listed at $40K obo... what would you offer?
Thank you!!!!!!
OH.... boats....
2003 29' Cheetah Offshore w/ 496 MAG HO...64 hours
2003 23' Warlock Mid Cabin w/350MAG
1992 NORDIC VENTURE 24' 454 Mag Bravo 1 Drive
Are there any specific questions I should ask?
Any certain things I should look out for when I am looking at the boats?
Lastly, I am going for a single I/O engine. How many hours on an original Merc would you say is too many to consider buying?
Here are a couple boats I am interested in. If you know these boats or have comments on whether it is a good/bad boat, I want to hear it.
Last thing.... when offering a price... what is a fair "offer". Let's say the boat is listed at $40K obo... what would you offer?
Thank you!!!!!!
OH.... boats....
2003 29' Cheetah Offshore w/ 496 MAG HO...64 hours
2003 23' Warlock Mid Cabin w/350MAG
1992 NORDIC VENTURE 24' 454 Mag Bravo 1 Drive
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/778261417.html
08-01-2008 | 04:59 PM
#62
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,798
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From: Florida
Your original question, (before this thread went in many unrelated directions) what to offer can be addressed in the following manner.
1. Decide what you want to do with a new boat. Where you will use, how often, where you will store when not in use, etc.
2. Research the different kinds of boats you are considering. Check as many sites as possible listing boats.
3. Test drive any boat you are interested in buying.
4. As a general rule offer between 65 to 75% of asking price, if asking price is in line with comparable boats.
Most important, buy what you want. Then enjoy.
1. Decide what you want to do with a new boat. Where you will use, how often, where you will store when not in use, etc.
2. Research the different kinds of boats you are considering. Check as many sites as possible listing boats.
3. Test drive any boat you are interested in buying.
4. As a general rule offer between 65 to 75% of asking price, if asking price is in line with comparable boats.
Most important, buy what you want. Then enjoy.
Fredfox.. I agree.
I seen many threads similar in nature. Many posts reply to what the "poster" wants or wishes and their "preferences" in lieu of the original question. It's what they would buy.
Some may like the 496's or boat make "X" vs "Y" but that may not help the buyer. Downgrading one boat to another won't help either. The key is research the hell out of it.. and get the best one the "buyer" likes. I like to see objective replies. Chris had some great info also. As far as I go.... I had a great time once with a plywood. No matter what anyone gets.. boat buying is a compromise.
08-01-2008 | 05:48 PM
#63
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From: cleveland
08-01-2008 | 05:49 PM
#64
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 47
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From: Houston, Texas
Stacy,
From one performance boat insurance agent to another, I have a question. When do you have time to sell insurance with all the posting you do? I'm a long time advertiser on this site and barely have time to monitor it.
Ken Collier
Elton Porter Insurance
"Since 1930"
From one performance boat insurance agent to another, I have a question. When do you have time to sell insurance with all the posting you do? I'm a long time advertiser on this site and barely have time to monitor it.
Ken Collier
Elton Porter Insurance
"Since 1930"
08-01-2008 | 07:06 PM
#65
OSO OG
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,030
Likes: 2
From: Blue Martini Hall of Fame
Your original question, (before this thread went in many unrelated directions) what to offer can be addressed in the following manner.
1. Decide what you want to do with a new boat. Where you will use, how often, where you will store when not in use, etc.
2. Research the different kinds of boats you are considering. Check as many sites as possible listing boats.
3. Test drive any boat you are interested in buying.
4. As a general rule offer between 65 to 75% of asking price, if asking price is in line with comparable boats.
Most important, buy what you want. Then enjoy.
1. Decide what you want to do with a new boat. Where you will use, how often, where you will store when not in use, etc.
2. Research the different kinds of boats you are considering. Check as many sites as possible listing boats.
3. Test drive any boat you are interested in buying.
4. As a general rule offer between 65 to 75% of asking price, if asking price is in line with comparable boats.
Most important, buy what you want. Then enjoy.
08-02-2008 | 09:06 AM
#67
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,397
Likes: 402
From: Cape Coral, Florida
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Happily retired and living in Heavens waiting room.
Happily retired and living in Heavens waiting room.
08-02-2008 | 09:13 AM
#68
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 682
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From: Akron, OH
If you're doing mostly lake boating, it will dictate a lot about the boat you need. Many of the better-quality "West Coast" boats would be fine - even if they are of the mid-cabin variety. Wouldn;t want one for ocean cruising or the great lakes - but out there, they'd be fine.
Do you ever plan on sleeping on board? Or do you just need a place to get out of the sun? Do you take a lot of passengers, or just a couple? Also, a 24-26' single-engine boat (depending on the make) will be trailerable with a nice big SUV with a corresponding tow package. Anything bigger and you'll have to start looking for a bigger tow vehicle...
Do you ever plan on sleeping on board? Or do you just need a place to get out of the sun? Do you take a lot of passengers, or just a couple? Also, a 24-26' single-engine boat (depending on the make) will be trailerable with a nice big SUV with a corresponding tow package. Anything bigger and you'll have to start looking for a bigger tow vehicle...
08-02-2008 | 10:54 AM
#69
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HP Marine Ins. Specialist
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From: Insuring any kind of boat
Wow.... why so quick to "prove me wrong"?
That is not the boat I stated....regardless... I have the purchase agreement in hand right now for a client.... 2009 43 Donzi ZR Twin Merc 700...$533, 970..... am I wrong now or is Donzi wrong in their pricing?
Last edited by WakezoneINS; 08-02-2008 at 12:16 PM.
08-02-2008 | 10:58 AM
#70
Thread Starter
HP Marine Ins. Specialist
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 985
Likes: 0
From: Insuring any kind of boat
If you're doing mostly lake boating, it will dictate a lot about the boat you need. Many of the better-quality "West Coast" boats would be fine - even if they are of the mid-cabin variety. Wouldn;t want one for ocean cruising or the great lakes - but out there, they'd be fine.
Do you ever plan on sleeping on board? Or do you just need a place to get out of the sun? Do you take a lot of passengers, or just a couple? Also, a 24-26' single-engine boat (depending on the make) will be trailerable with a nice big SUV with a corresponding tow package. Anything bigger and you'll have to start looking for a bigger tow vehicle...
Do you ever plan on sleeping on board? Or do you just need a place to get out of the sun? Do you take a lot of passengers, or just a couple? Also, a 24-26' single-engine boat (depending on the make) will be trailerable with a nice big SUV with a corresponding tow package. Anything bigger and you'll have to start looking for a bigger tow vehicle...
Those are exactly my thoughts.... we only have small lakes in Arizona. The biggest lakes we would go to would be Mead, Havasu or Powell , but those aren't very frequently as they are pretty far from Phoenix (5-6 hours)
We would like to have the option to sleep on board, that is what I liked about the 29' cheetah.
I really don't care to have to trade in our SUV right now (since no dealer wants them) so to avoid that cost, I would say sticking with a 24' - 26' single would probably be best for us.
Thank you for the advice.
Last edited by WakezoneINS; 08-02-2008 at 11:30 AM.
