Looking to buy my first powerboat
 

Hey everyone, I am new to this site and decided to join in order to get some advice from individuals who probably know way more about these boats than i do. I am currently in the market for my first powerboat and right now i looking at a 1988 34' Scarab 3 that is owned by a guy at the lake where i currently boat. I am trying to determine if what he is asking for the boat is a good price, bad price, or average price. He is looking to get around $26,000 for the boat.

It includes:
- twin 454's (port is a jasper rebuilt with 90 hours on it, and 40 hours with bigger cam, roller rockers, etc./starboard has 50 hours on rebuilt with bigger cam, rockers etc.)
- BravoOne Outdrives with 4-blade props
- 3.0 westerbeke Generator (need a belt replaced)
- 1997 Aluminum I-Beam Trailer
- Bose speaker system with amp and sub
- head with macerator
- some upholstery has been redone
- fresh water tank and black water tank where added
- Fridge, Stove, Microwave

[IMG]http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/...psuqz09vaq.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/...psph18llla.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/...psh9fqoy3h.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/...psnglhp3qp.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1ybgkezu.jpg[/IMG]

Get a survey done then go from their, and negociate a price, good luck

+1 ^^^, also ask for records. Paper trails are a good indicator of history. It looks very clean and by the look of all the towels spread out, the guy has taken care of it. Survey, Sea Trial, Paperwork, start there. Visually it looks good but does not mean it has other issues. Good luck

Thanks for the quick responses. Yes if i decided that this one is ultimately what i would want then i would do the survey, sea trial, get records, etc. I am just having a hard time trying to judge on price in general and looking online didn't yield to many results. He seems pretty firm on price where he is at and i am just looking for input on if it is really worth that number if everything checks out in good shape after a survey, and sea trial.

Is the registration laws different in PA than in MI? because according to the picture it looks like it hasn't been registered since 2013 if they are the same as Michigan, according to the sticker.

We have to register every two years here. I forgot to mention it that he hasn't really used the boat over the last two years. He has started the motors and done a thorough winterization each year but has not had it in the water since the October 2013.

I don't think 26 is far out of the ballpark if everything works and it is as clean as it looks.

If it hasn't been run for two years you could be looking at some fuel and tank issues.

i did think to as about that. Fuel stabilizer has been added to the tank prior to closing it up for the winter but i would still plan on draining and doing filters prior. Or would that be pointless if i take a test ride with the fuel that is currently in it?

If he really wants to sell it, and get good money for it he should drain the gas, change the fuel filters, ect.... You should at least get a test ride before buying it. +1 for a survey, unless you feel confident checking the engines out and structure for rot. It is a clean looking ride. Good luck