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Thread: BUYing a BOAT, NEED ADVICE and wisdom thoughts...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    So.Cal
    Posts
    299

    Default BUYing a BOAT, NEED ADVICE and wisdom thoughts...

    Hey All,

    I'm looking at a 16.6ft fiberglass tri-hull Center Console boat with a 70hp 'FORCE' Mercury Marine O/B- out board motor. Its a 1995 Reef Runner by Invader and I believe the motor is a 95 also, pretty sure.

    The owner said this boat was rarely used, 1 every month or two just for half days. The boat has no cracks, on or in the boat and the paint is almost scratchless, including under the bow and no, the boat has never been repainted. This boat has:

    - 1995 70hp 'FORCE' Mercury Marine o/b motor. [motor starts good and runs smoothly, didn't notice any bad idles or anything, but i"m not a boat owner so I don't know what to look or listen to]

    - a gavinized trailer that is in pretty good condition.

    - motor steers/tilts by power

    - Live bait tank (25 gallons I think), that is also in very good condition.
    [it also has a stock 4 gallon? bait tank in the rear]

    - 9 Rod holders, 6 rod holders on the side of the boat and 3 on the side of the console.

    - 2 round seats for the driver + passenger (2). In front of the console has a bench seat for (2). And 1 more seat in the front facing the console. 5 seats and the max seating is 6.

    - radio of some sort for emergency call or talking with other boaters?

    - boat cover in good condition.

    - Boat bimimi top? m/s... also in good condition.

    - metal rail? that goes across the boat.

    - 20 gallon gas tank built inside the boat somewhere?

    Overall, I think the boat is in pretty good condition but I dont know how much its worth to start negotiating a price. He said come up with a number and we'll take it from there. I've checked on line and a similar one is selling for 5500 but its in COLORADO, and it only has a 40hp o/b. What do you think its worth? I wish free but its not a price hes looking for, haha. Any opinions/thoughts/2 cents is welcome, hopefully with the right advice I might be able to get the boat I've been dreaming about for 5 years...I was dreaming of any boat, but this is the one I came across. I know w/o pics, its usless but I"ll get some pics in 2-3 days for sure. Waiting for my frend to upload from the cam. The guy selling the boat is a frend of a relative, so I know its somewhat of a legit deal and not a f*d up motor. Thanks in advance for all your replies.

    -John

  2. #2

    Default

    Nada blue book says the force is worth about $590 in average condition and hull is worth another $2200 in average condition. total Nada value is $2790.00. Add something for the trailer and guess you can start the dealing around $3000. You can always start low and work your way up if the seller doesn't bite.

    http://www.nadaguides.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Temple City
    Posts
    382

    Default

    ill tell you dont pull the trigger unless
    1) your happy with the condition and know what your getting into
    2)Your happy with price
    take your time and look around trust me there are some awsome deals out there i made the mistake of being anxious and buying a 18' bayliner 3 years for 1700... with all the work and head akes, blood and tears total was about 4k finally i was happy but then i came across this beauty and sold my fist one i only got what i paid for it originally. so take your time and do your homework

  4. #4

    Default

    All good advice. I would just add that whatever you decide to buy, get the motor checked out by a boat mechanic - just to make sure there is nothing major to worry about.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    On my Way to Cabo
    Posts
    788

    Default

    i would offer 4K and see where it goes from there you and i both know its worth 5k and if they will take 4 for it then you got a deal

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Loudon TN
    Posts
    2,835

    Default Boat

    Like the other dude said - you have got to get that motor looked at by a mechanic and check the cylinders dude, it will be worth the 50 bucks or whatever the mechanic charges. With a tri-hull boat you are not gonna get much in the means of fuel consumption, they get bad fuel mileage. And with your prices out there, you may wanna think about that. Unless your not gonna do alot of running in it. I would defintely shop around for a while though, and have a mechanic who is willing to be mobile and check out the boat with you. Also check out that trailer dude. Many people fail to realize the trailer is what gets you to the water, and many used trailers are not taken care of. Ad saltwater and you have another variable in itself. Take note what type of set up the axle is - whether it's a spindle through the hub, or one that requires you to dis-assemble the entire thing to repack it. Again, this all depends on how much trailering you plan on doing, and what type of maintenance you will be doing. Consider the engine too and how much maintenance you are willing to put in on an older engine. Either way, a boat is a big hole you will always throw money into.........& #46;.........& #46;.. and the hole never gets filled ! :lol:

  7. #7

    Default

    I second the big hole theory! :)

    I've had a 93 70hp Force by Mercury.... It was a good outboard, didn't have any problems with it. Just make sure that one is well maintained.

    If you are going to be pricing stuff, I say use eBay as a guide... It is the ultimate buyers market....

    There is a 95 70hp force outboard right now on eBay w/o power tilt/trim already at $635 with 3 days still remaining on the auction...

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Force-Ou ... 4013QQrdZ1

    Sounds like a sweet boat... You have any pictures of this boat?

    Does it look something like this?

    This one is a 93 15' with an 01 40hp Honda four stroke going for $6995

    I wouldn't pay more than $5k for any used boat without a four stroke or is at least EPA friendly.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    So.Cal
    Posts
    299

    Default

    THANK YOU for the advice FELLAS, really, it put alot of thought and stress on me for the last couple of days, wondering how I"m going to pay for it and what to tow it with. Big changes but good things happen for a good reason. I have put $1000 on it and most likely will pick it up if everything goes well. Hes a friend of the families so we've arranged it that if all doesn't go well, I can get back what I put down as a reserve.

    Also, the seller is a Friend of the families, not to close but a 10yr+ friend that use to work with my uncle. He says the motor is in good condition, rarely takes out the boat, maybe 6-9 times a Year for a couple of hours..... He said all I need is a Reg TUNE-UP and then I'm good to hit the waters. ALso, might be a small leak behind the prop..he says its the seal and it needs to be replaced...does that cost much? Either then that, it started up nicely and sounds strong!

    Once again, thanks to all that gave input. I still have one week to make a Final decesion so please GIVE your 2 CENTS if you can....

    Here is a picture of the same boat I"m planning to buy. It is NOT the boat, just the same model, color, length etc. ALso, the pic has a different 40-50hp o/b on it, where as the one I'm looking at has a 70hp Merc Marine FORCE.(not like it makes a difference?)

    This is what the other guy is selling his for.....

    Price: US$ 5,500
    Builder: invader
    Model: reef runner
    Year 1995
    Length 16'
    Weight 3500
    Engine Make mercury force
    Engine Hours 50
    Trailer: Yes

    I will have pictures by this weekend on Sunday, I work O/T so I wont be able to until SUnday...so please stand by...thanks for your patience and thoughts.

    -John

  9. #9

    Default

    Looks like a pretty sweet boat but is that other guys info correct, 3500lbs???

    How much did you end up offering him for it if you don't mind?

    ***EDIT, nevermind just read that you are still unsure what you are going to get it for***

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    So.Cal
    Posts
    299

    Default

    Bump^^^


    C'on guys, need some more advice here.... Gotta make a DECISION by TOMORROW, SUNDAY...

    Whats a good number $$$ to start negotiating for this boat?... :?:

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