OnTheReel
New Member
- Jun 19, 2010
- 41
- Boat Info
- 1986 210CC
1985 300DA
- Engines
- 350 Mercruisers on all
I have been browsing quite a bit for new boat here on Lake Michigan. Generally looking at late 90s- early 2000s 30-34 foot inboard cruising/ fishing boats (1997+ 330 express/340 AJ is one at the top of my list)
One thing that puzzles me is the pricing on a lot of these boats. Often times the listed price is almost double the "low retail" NADA value. Even for a clean freshwater boat that seems excessive, especially since one I'm looking at has 1500+ hours on the engines. Almost all of the boats are listed by brokers, some have been on the market more than a year. Is it their policy to shoot for the moon on prices and stay firm? Is there a resource that shows what they are actually selling for?
Also curious as to what represents a fair offer on these? Is there a good percentage off to start at? My gut is saying 20% off list, at least, and assuming everything is perfect on the boat. I'd be a cash buyer so I would think that helps with leverage.
Sorry for the rambling post. Any inputs on your past experiences dealing with brokers/ buying boats of this size & price range will be appreciated.
One thing that puzzles me is the pricing on a lot of these boats. Often times the listed price is almost double the "low retail" NADA value. Even for a clean freshwater boat that seems excessive, especially since one I'm looking at has 1500+ hours on the engines. Almost all of the boats are listed by brokers, some have been on the market more than a year. Is it their policy to shoot for the moon on prices and stay firm? Is there a resource that shows what they are actually selling for?
Also curious as to what represents a fair offer on these? Is there a good percentage off to start at? My gut is saying 20% off list, at least, and assuming everything is perfect on the boat. I'd be a cash buyer so I would think that helps with leverage.
Sorry for the rambling post. Any inputs on your past experiences dealing with brokers/ buying boats of this size & price range will be appreciated.