Nice boat but too much $$$.

Butch
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On 22 Dec 2006 11:44:58 -0800, wrote:

I have found a 1995 Boston Whaler Dauntless 17ft. It is a Dual Console.
It has a 2 stroke Johnson 115hp OB. The engine and boat only have
100hrs on them and used only on fresh water. The boat is a real jewel.
I have worked with the dealer and they will give me the rig for $15,000
out the door.

Is this a good price for the boat? If I were to decide to sell it again
in a year for whatever reason would how much would it depreciate?
I love the whaler's and really want it but I really want a four stroke
and not two stroke because of gas usage. I will be using it A LOT and
gas is something to consider for me.

First of all, four strokes will suck more gas than direct injected two
strokes and in particular Evinrude E-TECs beat the snot out of four
strokes in terms of fuel economy, raw power and overall efficiency not
to mention long term maintenance costs. Don't fall for the four stroke
jive.

However, having said my four stroke/two stroke piece... :)

I agree with Eisboch that it seems very pricey to me - even in mint
condition with super low hours. Mint condition, and by mint condition
I mean detailed documented low hours and maintenance logs - no
cosmetic issues on the boat, etc. - it's worth high retail maybe
$6,000 - $6,500. Around here, just quickly perusing some used boat
sites, most of the 1995/96 Whalers with reasonable hours (in the 600
hours range) are running around $5,000 by comparison.

I'm confused because I want this hull so bad but I don't have the money
to repower it for a long time. Should I jump on this or look around
more for another compairable boat with a four stroke?

I'd look around a little more - or, make an offer on this boat at
about 40% of what the dealer is asking. Tell him that the boat's high
retail value according to NADA and BUCS is just under $5,000 including
motor and trailer regardless of hours. Don't go over a price that the
boat is worth to you (if as advertised, I might go $6,000) and make
sure you get at least a year full warranty on the engine. Can't hurt
to talk turkey.

You have an advantage in that used boat inventories are becoming
burdens to most boat dealers and a lot of the dealers I know won't
even talk to you about a trade anymore unless it's 60% of listed trade
in value and it's a brand that the dealer carries. I know several
bass boat dealers who won't even do that.

What do some of the seasoned boaters think of this deal? Advice please!

I like the Dauntless hull and the size is a good one for that style.
If you are dead set on a Whaler, it's a good way to own on.

Just not at that price.