Used Boat Prices

[FLYFISHINMAN]

When looking to purchase a used boat, what pricing guide should be looked at? Nada? Do sellers normally get these prices?

Looking at a 03 21ft. 290 FS Stratos with a 200 VMAX. The motor has 80 hours on it. Boat is very clean and everything checks out. The Nada guide says it's worth @ $22K. Owner wants $19k.

Good buy? First boat purchase.

[techo]

Nice motor for sure. You can find some great deals on used boats. Especially right now. The issue with used boats is that sellers follow the NADA more than the supply, demand and market. The boat companies are stressing out right now and you might be able to get a great deal on a new boat with a warranty that would appeal to you almost as much.

The good news is that you can usually find someone who just wants to get rid of the boat. A guide or someone who wants their garage back. I think both Don and Eric are trying to sell their boats. If I remember right Erik's Ranger is close to 6000 under book. The challenge is NADA versus market and economy.

I would go to bass boat central and do some reading. No one can tell anyone else what is a good boat. I am not a Stratos fan, but almost all boat companies make good boats now days. In general you have to look at resale value and well they hold their value on the money side. On the using side you have to compare fishability versus how it handles rough water and speed. The majority of bass boat hours come from wide open or barely RPMs. If you prefer a fish-able boat (AKA Ranger) or a boat that handles water well (AKA Champion) or a boat that is okay at both (AKA the rest and Skeeter) then you decide which boat you want.

Did all of that rambling make any sense at all? I have been waffling on a new boat. I am going to fish at least one circuit next year (probably two) and get weary of being passed in my 90 HP Skeeter. I love the payments and gas mileage though.

[Dutch]

NADA is typically the place to look for average prices. From there it is the condition of the boat that is the determining factor. I have never seen a person who didn't think his stuff is worth more than it actually is.

[jdmidwest]

I never think my stuff is worth as much as the Assessor does!

[Piscator]

The most important part of buying a used boat is assessing the condition and how it's equipped. Be absolutely sure to take a test drive and look for some rough water.

Does it have what you want in a trolling motor, sonar, GPS? Does it come with extras such as life jackets, anchor, spare prop, tilt & trim, onboard charger - all that stuff can really add up if you have to buy it.

A mechanic can check the motor for you - compression, water pump, lower unit, alternator. Check the lower unit and prop for damage. Go over the hull's underside for damage or spidery cracks (crazing). Has the boat been garaged or stored outside? If outside, was it under cover. Be sure to check all electrical circuits.

Go over the trailer, too, looking for corrosion on the frame or wiring harness and lights. Factory submersible lights generally become a problem after a couple of years, but can be replaced by a last-forever LED system for a reasonable amount. Check the tires (and spare) for wear, bulges, or cracks. They can go bad without wearing out. Add some grease to the bearins and see if you get a water/grease mixture out - that shows lack of maintenance. Look for grease on the wheels (both sides) that shows a seal going bad.

NADA is only a very rough guide and there are lots of choices in the type of boat you're looking at. Go slow, offer low, don't fall in love. The two best days in a boat owner's life are the day he buys it and the day he sells it.

[FLYFISHINMAN]

Piscator,

I am in the St. Louis area as well. Who do you take your boat to for maintenance?

[Piscator]

Piscator,

I am in the St. Louis area as well. Who do you take your boat to for maintenance?

I moved to St Louis this year and sold my bass boat two weeks ago. I'm afraid I cannot refer you to anyone with whom I've had personal experience. I did most of my maintenance myself.

I'm in the market for a boat just like you. I'm looking for a boat for the tailwaters of the White River and the smallmouth streams closer to home. I have several posts under "Best Fiberglass Jon Boat" that may interest you, but it looks like we're pointed in different directions.

I think there are other posts on this forum concerning good boat mechanics or you might want to talk to members of the local fishing clubs.

The commonest problems I've seen in outboards are 1.) damaged lower units from striking rocks or water getting into the lube and 2.) cylinder damage from overheating due to water pump problems. The first can usually be seen by looking closely at the lower unit. The second needs a compression test. Any of the above requires serious $$$ to fix.

[Piscator]

If you google "how to buy a used boat", you'll find lots of links suggesting how to inspect a boat.

[FLYFISHINMAN]

Piscator

I have already taken the boat to dealership that I will not name to have it checked out. They did a compression check and verified everything is working properly.

They gave me a laundry list of things I should do, not sure they are really all needed. Water separator, engine tune up, etc. Seems they were wanting me to do alittle to much. I have taken the boat out and it runs great. The boat looks great as well. All electronics and gadgets work great as well.

If your looking for an awesome lake close to St. Louis you have got to go to Lake Kinkaid in Murphysboro, Il. The Bass, Crappie, and Muskie fishing are excellent. It's less than 100 miles from St. Louis. Just as far as some of the good Small Mouth rivers and creeks.

Thanks for the advice!

[Piscator]

You might not want to complete the boat dealer's laundry list of maintenance tasks, but you can use it for negotiation purposes. You can show it to the seller just the same as you might use a home inspection when buying a house.

Thanks for the tip on Kinkaid. Right now I'm boatless and the waders have sprung a leak, so I've got to do something to get on the water! At least I've got my canoe!