Tip #3 "Helpful Tips For Buying A Boat"

[Pug]

Great tips on boat buying,
you didnt mention "making the buy"
suppose you are looking at a new boat package from a dealer at a price for example of $16,000
is it rock solid price or
how much would they be willing to lower the price to make a sale

would it be reasonable to offer to make the purchase at $15,000?

[mdej]

Great tips on boat buying,
you didnt mention "making the buy"
suppose you are looking at a new boat package from a dealer at a price for example of $16,000
is it rock solid price or
how much would they be willing to lower the price to make a sale

would it be reasonable to offer to make the purchase at $15,000?

As far as I'm concerned the price is never final. I would get a price from the dealer with "EVERYTHING" you want included. See his number, then make an offer.
All the dealer can do is say no. They might laugh, they might make a comment, but in the end all they can do is say no. You can then make another offer, or go to another dealer.

[JP]

Pug that is a great question and one I am sure many have asked them selves. Most dealers will accept resonable offers but don't be suprised if they come back with a counter offer. The most important thing that you need to know before you submit an offer is make sure you know the final price and that there is no hidden fees. Fees like Frieght, PDI, Accountinig, Office charges, Rigging, Financing, Vessel registration and trail registration are sime of them. Hope this helps you out, let me know if you have any other questions.
Cheers
JP

[kegman75]

As everyone said great post.

I couldnt believe how long and detailed it was, I wish I had read this

before I bought me boat . I have no real problems with my boat

just twofootitis. i have a 16ft and a 18 would be so much better

mostly because its wider, 3 people or more ( wouldnt recomend it) and

you have to be very organized as to what your doing. I wouldve gone

older for the same price to go bigger. Oh yeah whats a skeg?? Is it the

fin at the bottom of a motor?

[JP]

The Skeg is the fin at the bottom of the lower unit on the motor. It acts like a rudder to aid in stearing the boat and protects the prop somewhat from impacts.
Let me know if you need any more information.
Cheers
JP

[mikemicropterus]

Well It seems that there are some valid points to be made on your article. I have two comments,
#1. A four stoke engine will not idle lower than a two-stroke. Engineering impossibility, 720 degrees of motion to make power compared to 360 degrees to make power. If you have ever been in a boat and trolling down wind and have had the opportunity to savour the carbon monoxide that comes from a four-stroke outboard you will appreciate the less destructive fumes of a two-stroke.
#2. The best choice a consumer can make is to take the boat or motor to a REPUTABLE dealer and have it inspected throughly by a QUALIFIED TECH not just the squid whose washing boats but sadly enough this is who sometimes works on your boat. I have over twenty years in this industry as a Master tech and the number of consumers who get taken when buying especially used is phenomenal. There are no safety checks thus no real consumer protection.
I do inspections on boats for resell and provide a through report for $100.(most boats to 20 ft)
I have ridden, driven and owned all manner of boats from 14ft tin, 20 ft tunnels, 36ft off-shore, 46 ft cruisers, 28ft RIBS, all manner of bass boats and inflatables.

[JP]

Welcome to the site and thanks for the input. Just wanted to clarify something you said.
Mikemicropterus wrote;

The best choice a consumer can make is to take the boat or motor to a REPUTABLE dealer and have it inspected throughly by a QUALIFIED TECH not just the squid whose washing boats but sadly enough this is who sometimes works on your boat.

This is what the article said.
"After all this and you are still interested in the boat, have the motor inspected by a certified marine mechanic and have a compression test done."

JP

[Bear]

just a question, I have a 93 princecraft 40 hp johnson oil injected( )

The boat is great, trailer still in good condition(needs paint)

What would be the best situation for me upgrade the motor only or trade up completely

what would be the most economical solution

JP still have your card ..... may be talking soon

[JP]

Hi Bear, thanks for the inquiry. Your Johnson has a retail used value at $950 (if it is in perfect condition) and a new 4 stroke engine would run you $6000-$7000 retail depending on the make and model.
Is your boat a side console or triller and is it on a trailer? Your rig would be worth about $2500-$4000 depending on if it is a side console or tiller and what kind of shape it is in (according to the blue book).
You can purchase a new side console with a 40hp four stroke for arround $14,000.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions and I will get answers for you.
Thanks
JP

[Bear]

Thanx JP, other than a few scratches on the outside (decals worn from dock rash) the boat is in great condition ..... side console by the way(won from the sportsman show in '93 ) motor is in good condition ... rebuilt for the second time 3 seasons ago, confidence very low to say the least

Trailer, like I said could use some paint.

Think I know where I stand, if I get to the show maybe we'll talk, no promises but at least I'll say hello

Bear

[JP]

Hey Bear, would love for you just to drop by and say Hello.
Hope to see you out.
Cheers
JP