I've seen NADA and all the normal "estimation" sites for value...but I wanted to hear from the experts on the subject, so I hope you don't mind my asking.

I have a 1989 Scarab Excel - runs excellent. I am considering selling/trading to get a bigger boat. I want something in the 26-30' range.

This Scarab is pretty much exactly as it was built in 1989. It is basically ALL ORIGINAL except for some basic upgrades and the obvious maintenance items on a 19 yr old boat.

It has 320 original hours on it (no kidding), and I take it out almost every weekend I can (about once a month)...so that number will go up a few hours ever month.

Original Mercruiser 5.7 liter 350 engine. New carb, new distributor, new plugs, filters, etc...etc... All updated this season (in August). New prop this month (Quicksilver Laser II) - 14.25 x 23 pitch. Runs absolutely excellent. Cruises at 55 mph all day comfortably. I've had it up over 65 mph, but didn't push any faster than that. With a little tuning and different prop...it might actually get up to 70 mph...not sure.

Interior is all original. Snap in carpet, removable cushions (also original) in the cabin. Original gauges work great (except trim gauge). All lighting works. CD/Stereo with 4 6x9 speakers and some tweets. Nothing fancy. Just a solid, excellent running boat. Engine/exhaust sounds wonderful. It's music to my ears every time I fire her up.

I want to get into a 26-30' boat. I'm really targeting the 26-28' range, but hey...what's another 2 feet. I'm open to age but I do want it to be turn-key. Cosmetics are not that important..it doesn't have to be fancy. The interior could be trashed or maybe it has never been updated...that's fine. I just need mechanically and structurally SOUND. Cosmetics can be handled over time.

I only have this 1 picture of my Scarab...but I hope to get more this weekend when on the water. Cosmetically it is original as well...and it's what I've referred to as a "20-footer". It's got normal dings and scratches all over it from bumping docks, but this boat is structurally and mechanically sound.

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

KS, I sold an 89 28' Excel last year.... same boat just longer and 502 mag 14 - 15k w/ trailer. If your wanting a differnt boat, trade-in.. you will be sitting awhile if you sell outright. my2cts good luck,

I'm always afraid that "trade-in" would be the way to get hung out to dry.

I'd like to see if I could squeeze $9500 or $10K out of it...but I'm just not sure if it would sell for that in today's market...AND in the off-season. Then again...we don't have much of an "off season" here in Houston, TX.

Nice boat...I know of a guy in Georgia that has one very simular to yours. Hes been trying to get $8500 for his since july. Markets tough right now and even worse with the off season. You may want to wait until at least spring to get your price. The price sounds very fair but unfortunatly the markets not there right now....just my 2cnts

This market $6500 - $7000 if you really want to sell it. You never know gas will be down next summer.