Offer him 25k on monday if the other buyer bails...

If a dealer laughed at my (very much reasonable for what it is) offer there would be no follow up . . . .

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TWIN-...ht_71906wt_954..

LOL dealers crack me up with the boat will be gone as there is buyers lining up to buy this one and only boat. I was looking at a 32 velocity with a dealer around my home and was told there was a least 10 potential buyers, that was 5 months ago. I offered low retail minus need repairs and he laughed. I'm patient but as the season goes on my price i will pay goes lower.

Thanks guys. The Demeanor of the gentleman I was speaking with totally changed when i made the offer. I really like the boat !

I like the boat but a 25 footer fits me alot better right now. I do some inland lake boating with short launches and parking spaces.

two things he really has a buyer or potentials coming in or is just trying to drive up his price by using the tatic of trying to make the buyer feel as if he has something very important or make the buyer feel stupid. Which fine dealers have to make money and private sellers have to get their moneys worth. To many people out there want to buy cheap and think things are worth pennies on the dollar specially well taken care of things, but then when they sell want to act like its a one of a kind. But I would agree I dont see people lining up for a 15 year old checkmate.

I would have thought 26 was pretty fair, maybe even a tad hight, but for a nice boat, why not. Chances are this dealer took it on trade for about 25-26 and is going to have to shop it and try to make a profit before he lets it go as a break even or a loss. But I still contend 30k for a checkmate regardless if its a one of kind is kind of high, as special edition boats arent like cars, and its not old enough to matter anyways. Personally if you really want the thing, I would ask what your bottom dollar on it, Im not paying 31 as its not worth it. Being a dealer ask about sweetners, no sales tax, oil change and gear lube change. It cost about 500-1000 to put jackets, anchors, lines etc on a boat, maybe ask about throwing those in, winter storage for a year and the list goes on.

What I wouldnt do is get to passionate and over pay or choose hastily, if you strike a deal ensure you get the engine checked at minumum before signing checks, and a full survey might be a good idea.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/boa/3826020818.html

dont know if your in the area but there a velocity, i dont really like them but they are nice boats.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/3942604521.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/3935227654.html

The first one is mine. It is a GREAT Boat. The Velocity is a Unique looking boat, but that is what makes them stand out in a crowd. They are built much better than a lot of "production boats". I came down from $30k to $26k in hopes of moving it fast as I had my eye on another boat. I have since decided to keep it, however if the right offer presented itself.

Thanks for the links guys. Guess What? The identical twin boat to the 1998 Checkmate 251 I was looking at just went up for sale today. Only difference is this one has a 454 MPI instead of the HP500 the first boat had. We have talked and he may accept 26,000 for this one. I am still undecided on it at this point.