I like to thank those who replied with their sound advice. We did choose a
boat, but not the original one we had checked. We will be the proud owners
of a 92 Hunter 35.5, in great shape and well maintained, within a week or
so. I checked BUC Value as well as other resources and feel comfortable that
the price was fair to both buyer and seller. Now, to sail it home! We are
new sailors (have had lessons and been on other boats for cruises and
racing) but the maiden sail from Wisconsin to Chicago is daunting. I guess a
couple of days should do it, as has been confirmed with others I know. Wish
us luck and good wind.!

Ryan

"Synergy" wrote in message
...
Let's not overlook the fact that these nationally printed pricing guides
do
not take into the account the local market dynamics. For example, if
there
are 1000 Hunters of the same size available in one city, they would be
priced substantially lower than the same boat in a market where the
quantity
was significantly smaller. Basic supply and demand. Also, the only price
Ryan is going to feel satisfied with is the one he has in his head. If he
ignores it, and offers too much, he'll think about it until the day he
sells
her.

The best advice is do the research. Only then will you know what the
boat
is worth in your market. This will allow you to determine whether you
should make an offer on a local boat, or look elsewhere for the same model
if it suits you. Other questions that you may want to consider a does
the boat bring an option for a slip, which can be a premium in places?
does
one particular boat have a newer engine since repowering can be quite
expensive? and on and on. I traveled from Seattle to Miami and found the
boat that I sought, at a great value. Follow your instincts.

Louis
s/v Synergy
Westsail 32 #679

"Guillermo" wrote in message
...
Ryan,

Go to the following site and open an account with them (free), then you
can
check the market value of the boat you are trying to buy. This is a
good
starting point for a negotiation with the dealer:

http://www.bucvalu.com/BUCValuConsumer/

If the boat you are looking for is a Hunter LEGEND 35.5 1993, the price
listed is as follows:

Retail Price Range:* $59,500-$65,400 USD for a boat in normal condition.
You may add 10%-15% if the boat is above normal conditions or 15%-20% if
the
boat is in Excellent conditions.


Guillermo


"RYAN" wrote in message
m...
Wondering of any one can tell me what percentage below a broker's
asking
price one should offer on a used boat? I am talking about a 10 year
old
Hunter 33.5 in the Midwest (Illinois/Wisconsin). Is there a general
offer
percentage from which to begin bargaining? For example, in home
purchasing
one might make an offer 10-12% below the asking price. Is this margin
too
large for sailboats? Are they listed more closely to the "desired"
price,
if
such a thing exists.

I appreciate any input. Trying to salvage some of this season...

Ryan