I am currently interested in a 98 Baja Hammer. The seller is asking 20k. The boat has under 300hrs ,is in immaculate condition, includes trailer, and is powered by a454mag 385 hp. The price seems high but I'm not sure of the value of the engine upgrade. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

I'd say it seems way high. There is a 2000 H2X with a 502 mag mpi near me for $17500 with 464 hours. I will be picking up my 2000 25 Outlaw/502 mag mpi/trailer/428 hrs next Friday for $22k. I know neither are Hammers, but they are Bajas that are valued higher, so it should be a decent reference.

here is a hammer near me
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ws...937582739.html
Not a mag and a year older than the 98, but 5k less puts it at what I would think is an average price for it. Still might be a tad high IMO.

Andy

I have a 2001 Hammer but has the 350ci motor.... owned it for almost a year now. This is my first "offshore" if you wanna call style boat. I love this thing...even though I pulled the motor yesterday (long story but not a Baja issue...user issue lol). I traded a center console fishing boat straight up for my baja.
Dont know what one with that motor will run but mine seems to be running around 65mph with 5.7L.
I needed a boat that would fit a 3 car garage and this fit the bill....its sleek looking...sounds great....quick....easy to trailer.....and just a all around fun boat. I get many compliments on mine as its in great condition to.
Word of caution....if the wind screen is damaged, its $1200.00 plus+ for a new one...trust me ive done some research.
I can only comment on this boat and have nothing else to compare it to but for my first speed boat, Im enjoying it.....now if I had the room and could afford it, I wouldnt waste my time on the Hammer, I would just buy a bad as* Nor-Tech BWAAAAHAAHAAAAA

I bought a 97 with around 400 hours for $14,500 so seems a little high... mine was it great shape. Seemed really reliable. Fun starter boat. Easy to handle. I get bored easy is why I upgraded.

Thanks for the link but that 97 interior looks to be in rough shape. The 98 I'm looking at is truly showroom clean. And he is asking 20k. Im trying to get a grasp on how much to offer because of the magnum engine.
The boat is fully loaded.
Thanks for your help!

What did you upgrade to/from?
I'm finding out there is not a lot of hammers out there with 454mags.most have the standard 7.4L.

A boat is worth what someone will pay for it and there are many variables that affect value. If it's mechanically sound and showroom new and it's what you want... then there you go... maybe the price is right.

Consider this for the less than immaculate alternatives... $3000 interior, $2500-10000+ for motor freshening, rebuilds, replace, etc..., and the list goes on.

98 29' Fountain.

It all depends on what kind of boating you do and budget...

IMO if i were to put a number to what its worth I would say in the 15+ grand range if in true great condition but like chewymalone said...its worth what you will pay. Have you actually seen it in person?? All the boats Ive looked at..heck..for anything ive looked at online, never looks the same in person. Dont forget to test drive it and make the drive last a while...lots of little grimlins can rear their ugly heads after a good period of time on the water...

Also look at history / repairs / receipts for work done....my guy had the original Baja zipper bag with owners manual and receipts for anything and everything including routine services done at the marina....if not foranything but piece of mind.

the hammer is a great starter boat for all the reasons stated above, you are correct most hammers have the 350 mag or 454mpi, finding one with the 454 mag will def net a higher sale price, these boats were available with the 502 mags aswell but are almost non-existent, i've only seen 2. i would say if its in great shape and its what you want go for it, offer him 16,900 and see what happens, i personally don't feel thats overpaying on that setup if its in the condition you say, look at the trailer and the bilge of the boat, if the owner keeps these 2 items in great condition then he more than likely took the time to maintain the important stuff