400 Sedan Bridge Shopper

[truk911]

First Time Poster...short time lurker...

After 10 years of owning our Carver, the Admiral says it is time to upgrade and I have always liked the SR 400 Sedan Bridge so we are starting our research. I see a big range in asking prices and need to know if anyone can give me a source for what the current market is for a 2000-2003 Diesel 400 Sedan Bridge.

Asking price vs sale price? I know every seller's situation is different, so I doubt this is an easy question to answer, but it seems to me that some brokers promise their sellers big numbers and the boats sit on the market for long periods of time.

When we find a suitable boat, I don't want to insult the seller by making a low ball offer, but I don't want to leave money on the table either. Is 10%, 15% or 20% below asking price a reasonable first offer?

Any thoughts or input would be appreciated as I have been out of the market for quite a while.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JimFromMD]

Don't have an answer but make sure you read this thread....

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/53961-40-sedan-bridge-forum

 

[Boat Guy]

I found purchasing a boat to be difficult for the same reason.

I would just do your homework on valuations and offer what you think is fair and be able to backup your reasoning. Look at comps, etc.... Though each boat and owner are different, you might find one that agrees with you. It's always harder dealing with a broker, in my opinion, because they don't always inform the owner of interest.

So don't insult the owner with a low ball offer, but offer what you think is right based on the market. If it's 10%-20% below asking, so be it....

 

[PMC]

I found the more I learned about the 400db, the more restricted my search became. Do your homework, get comps for the area. Some broakers, also on this site, may be able to assist with sold prices. As you see, it's all over the map. Good luck, and welcome!

 

[trebbel]

Selling a boat is business. If someone gets insulted by a low-ball offer, they are silly. I have had several low-ball offers on my boat and I am neither offended nor am I selling (at those prices). I am asking $135, would take $125 and am sitting on a 'reasonable' offer of $115. Mine is a 1999 with Cats. 2 S/R with 3 helm seats and dinette on the bridge. The Cummins are faster in both speed and fuel burn. My Cats have been reliable and economical. We moved to the water and want more of a dayboat now otherwise she would not be for sale.

Hope this helps. Good luck in your search. The 400DB is an awesome boat. You will be pleased.

 

[Larry&Leisa]

I've found BUC values to be a pretty good guide.

 

[Converse48]

truk911-
I have a buddy with an '02 with the preferred Cummins 480CEs (Sorry Todd!) AND a hydraulic swim platform. He is toying with selling it, but has not listed it yet. The Cummins/Lift version will push it to the higher end of prices, but it is great boat. Send me a PM and I can make the connection. No offense to brokers, but keeping a broker out of a deal can save both parties money. Of course you still need surveys, etc...

 

[trebbel]

Hehe, won't hurt my feelings. I like Cummins too, especially if I can get someone to take a low-ball offer! ; )

Back to OP, I think an offer 10% under ask would get you a boat and 10-20% under ask would get a conversation started unless the Owner has priced it to GO which you can tell with BUC or comps...

 

[truk911]

Thank you everyone for the input. I appreciate everyone's opinions as we move along in this process. If you think of anything else, please keep me posted.