97' Challenger 18'

[livewir]

Hey guys.

I've noticed that a few of you have a 97 Challenger. I'm going to go look at one tomorrow night. I was curious if there is any very specific to this year to look for?

Also what do you think the going price for this boat should be? He is asking $6200 for it, seems high, but trying to figure out used boat prices seems like an exercise in futility.

Thanks!

 

[CypherAZ]

just saw a 98' on craigs list today here in phoenix for $5000.

 

[glajos42]

Bought mine for 3000 less than a month ago. It needs work, the whole interior replaced, trailer lights don't work, and the tires on the trailer leaked. I saw one in the Baltimore area that was trying to sell for 8200. The 6200 price is hi according to NADA standards.

 

[livewir]

Spoke to the guy on the phone yesterday, only about 50hrs the last two years on the boat , he says he bought it from an old couple...don't know how much I want to believe that.

Per him the interior is in great condition, new battery, new cover, runs great wants to take me on a sea trial....

I'm going to take some pics and see if he has any paperwork for normal maintenance.

We'll see.....

 

[glajos42]

take a look at the sticky of what to look for when buying a used ski.

 

[livewir]

Went and gave the boat a once over, Attached are pics.

Boat interior and exterior are in good condition for a 12year old boat, nothing major.


Taking it out next week for a sea test. Anyone see anything out of the ordinary in the pics? He is asking 6200.

 

[glajos42]

6200 seems a little hi, nada has it in the 4k range.

 

[livewir]

I agree it seems a bit high, he let slip he bought it for 6500 two years ago, I'm going to start at 5 and see what happens. Not to sound harsh but I think NADA is useless, I have yet to find a used boat that is even close to the NADA value without being completely trashed.

 

[8-Ball]

+1

I have been searching this year pretty intently for a jet boat.. *larger than a 15'.. and it has been rought.

On average I have been seeing boats posted for 1500-5000 above NADA guide price.

The issue with that..is unless your paying fat cash.. most banks wont finance buy 80% of a boats value.... not to mention.. if you total it.. your gonna be SOL.. on your insurance claim.. unless you have gap coverage..

I have stayed firm to not buying over NADA.. and tomorrow it will pay off..(fingers crossed.. test drive.. and inspection).

1997 Sea Doo Challenger 1800... for 4300. One new engine rebuilt last year.. and new rotary valves.. with bimini and cover.

-----------------

Bottom line.. I guess a boat is worth what someone wants to pay for it... I just choose not to pay over value....*maybe Im just cheap*

-

 

[CypherAZ]

NADA is a joke, and it's an even bigger joke that lenders us it to base loans off of.

 

[livewir]

Well took it out for a Sea test tonight.

Again, exterior, interior and trailer are all in good condition. new tires and skids on the trailer.

noticed a few things,
Steering seems tight (is this normal?) he said it's always been like that for him.
The throttle for the left engine would not stay in place, if I took my hand off it would slide back down to idle.

Right engine when in the mid range RPM's would be about 500 less than the left engine, at WOT they would both be at 7000. I did a compression test on the right engine and it was 140. I assume its probably a dirty carb or such.

so with all that being said he said the lowest he would go was $5900 I told him the highest I would go is $5500 and we parted ways.

Cest la vie, there will be more boats especially as the season dies down.

 

[8-Ball]

Its funny you say that...

My test drive also was a little tight.. and I am suspecting that it has to do *with my boat*.. the steering assist.... mine needs adjustment...

I am still waiting for someone here to give me a clue.. as to how to adjust this..... *hint hint

 

[livewir]

Well, the seller just couldn't let me walk away. I'm picking up my 97 Challenger on Monday. I suppose it's time to pony up and become a premium member and links to the good stuff.