gralin.3fcf...@ wrote:

Good morning all.

I'm new to this site but not new to boating. I'm looking to move into
the bigger boat type of boating since the price of gas is at record
highs - stupid eh?

Currently looking at a 1989 Doral Prestancia 30’ with twin 5.7 Mercs
(1200 hours each). The boat is in excellent shape with radar and all
the bells and whistles. I got them down to $28,000 with free docking
till the end of the year.

I have a few questions which I appreciate some advice on…

#1 How much gas are these babies going to suck back with “normal”
cruising?

Wayne.B wrote:
About 13 gph *each* at 3400 RPM. At today's prices that works out to
well over $100 per hour.


The guy *should* be able to do the math if he's going to be driving a
speedboat around. And the old phrase "If you have to ask the price you
can't etc etc" also comes to mind.


#2 Is 29K a good price – seems to be from what I’ve scene on the
Internet?


The engines and boat are both getting along in years. Make sure you
have both surveyed. If either the boat or engines require major work
you should run away. It's a buyers market right now and you'll find
lots of other "bargains".


Yep, if you wait a couple years, you can probably pick up one of these
(or one quite a lot like it) for free.
If a boat (or car or house etc etc) is on the market with a noticably
lower ask price than similar boats (cars, houses, etc etc) in the same
area, there is definitely a reason for it.

My suggestion is that you go & look at three or more boat, so as to
have at least some rational basis for comparison of price vs
condition. Besides, you might find something you like a lot better.



Please help A.S.A.P. as I am taking it for a test drive Monday or
Tuesday.


Postpone the test ride until you find a boat surveyor (inspector).

Yep.
Never be in a hurry to buy a boat.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King