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1988 Baja Force 235 Great condition, great running, Interior redone 2 yrs ago. has 502 engine with bravo 1 drive. This is my first boat of this kind any input would be great. Should i look for anything in particular? Thanks

In a 1988 I'd get it surveyed to check for rot in stringers, transom and bulkheads. Look for blisters on bottom.

If I have learned anything buying older boats, a survey is worth every penny! Or at least invest in your own moisture meter!!

ok, thanks for the fast responses. The guy is just looking for pay off of $8500. He is a laid off from work. From what I can tell according to NADA the boat is worth around 16000. It has the 500 hp motor.

Find out more on the engine. Mercruiser did not have a 500hp 502 in 1988. So I would try to find out who did what and how much time is on that engine.

Just because there is a 500 on the flame arrestor does not mean that's what is in the boat.

$8500 is not bad. But it is fair market price for that boat. There is one near me that has been for sale for 2 years at $10k. One sold near me for $6500 last summer.

Just do a quick internet search for them for sale. You will see what they are going for.

boat says 438 hrs on the meter. The guy who has the boat told me the engine was a 470. I couldn't find anything on that engine. He really is not sure what engine it has in it. I am going on what he told me about the horsepower.

Baja226 where did you get your fair market value of the boat?

Mercruiser made an engine that was actually designated as a 470 which was a bastard 4 cylinder. The HP500 claims 470hp to the prop. That may be what he means. But either way the 502 block was not in the mercruiser line up in any form or horsepower until 1990. It was not available as a HP500 model until mid year 1994.

Do yourself a favor and get the serial# from the mercury marine tag that is mounted to the block above the oil filter adapter. You can see exactly what it started life as at the least. That way you will know what your paying for. Also, if it is not what he is claiming it to be you have a little leverage in bargaining.

thanks a lot. I will get the serial # tomorrow. What does the 500 stand for on the breather? I can't find anything on the net about this boat.

That is based on what these boats are actually selling for in the real world. With the marine market how it is right now you can't really put to much emphasis on NADA or Blue Book when it comes to these older hulls.

NADA Average retail value of my 1989 Baja 280 Sport with the engines I have in it and options is a joke at $37,835. The guy I bought it from had it for sale for $23,900. I paid him $16,500 which is what my boat is selling for in today's market. Just as an example.