Originally Posted by
JB2C
Mike, your approach is very reasonable. Question... how did you find out what those three Tiaras sold for? Just curious. If you can find out what same brand/model/year have sold for, that's a very good way to judge what you should be paying. But you really have to look at the ones sold and try to judge the condition/equipment as much as possible. That can make a 30% difference easily. Or more. On your $80k/55k boat, that alone can be the difference. Without the survey and transport costs you mention. Those costs have no bearing on the selling price. At least as far as the seller is concerned (obviously it does for the buyer.)
As to cleanliness, yes, it should be used as a gauge. But don't rule the vessel out if it's just dirty. I had one that was in prime condition, but it stayed dirty. The owner just never used it much. And he wasn't a guy that cleaned on his boat. And wouldn't spend the money to get someone else to clean it. He fussed about paying a diver to keep the bottom clean! But nothing wrong with the boat at all. He just simply didn't use it. He'd go down and start the engines and let them run, and flip the switches on for a few minutes, and that was most of the extent of his boating. It was loaded with equipment and very low hours. It just stayed dirty. Boat wouldn't sell because it was so dirty. The guy that did finally buy it saw through the dirt and looked at the mechanical condition. He got a deal on that one. Yes, use cleanliness as an indicator, but don't just immediately scratch the boat off your list and walk away.
A 55k offer on 80k ask isn't ridiculous. Owner may think so, but I do not. Especially if that's a starting point for you. But most of the boats do in fact sell at somewhere between 10-15% off the ask. At least in a typical market. There are some that won't sell unless full ask is offered (usually ones that the owner has cut the price on to his absolute minimum already). Plenty that won't sell unless you're within 5-10% of ask. And plenty that go for 15% off ask. And yes, those that sell for 30% or more off ask. But I persoanlly would be a little worried about anything I could get at 30% or more off ask. You've either found a great deal, or a lemon. Question is, which one. Check very carefully. Caveat emptor.
No question sellers are less motivated to move on price in the spring. On the other hand, if the economy strengthens over the next few months, then there might be more people buying boats six months from now, which would also cause a seller to be less likely to move on price. No one knows what the future holds. All you can do is make your best shot at it. If you enjoy boat shopping, then look at alot of boats to find one in good shape at a great price. Most people, though, don't want to spend their time and money traveling to look at boats. They'd rather be out on the water using their new ride. My recc. would be to find something you really want, offer low to get a feel for where they are price wise, then negotiate. You'll find out quick enough what the seller is willing to do. If you don't think it's a fair price given the condition of the vessel, then move on. If the boat is a nice one that you really want, then try to buy it. You need to feel good about the boat and about the purchase. From all I've seen, people who find what they want, make sure it's in good shape, and buy it at a fair price are the ones who seem happiest with their boats.
JB
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...EVEN THE OFFSHORE FISHING REPORTS FORUM HAS SUCCOMBED TO FOR SALE UNFORTUNE-MISFORTUNE........
