How much can I sell for??

[modiddy]

Hey all. I'm in a position where I need to sell my 1998 Sportster 1800. I'm not as familiar boat prices as I am car prices so I figured I would list out the condition of the boat to get some ideas. I'm trying to be a fair seller and not rip someone off.

The boat over is in good cosmetic shape. I would rate it a 7.5 to 8/10. The interior was reupolstered within the past 1.5 yrs. Only the seat where the anchor is was not reupolstered. The boat also has hydroturf.

As for the motors. The guy I bought it from said the motors were both brand new in Nov 09. I confirmed this when I had the boat checkout before I bought it. The mechanic I took it to said both engines looked new and are in good running order (compression etc). The engines have approx 40 hrs on them. I replaced both starters and battery last fall. Had carbs rebuilt over the winter. Now, the issue I'm having is the right motor kicks on with no problem, but the left one doesn't (when sitting in the driver seat). It sounds like it's there and it wants to turn over, but doesn't. The gauges work except the fuel and one of the tachs. Trailer is also included. It's just a regular trailer, nothing fancy. Also a boat cover and bimini top are included.

Again, I'm just trying to get a feel for how much I can get for the boat without taking it in and having the left engine looked at.

All comments are welcomed.

 

[Dr Honda]

Every region is different... but if it's as clean as you say... with fresh engines... I would start at $8k, and see if you get any bites.


Sorry... I just noticed that one engine won't start. That will drop it down to $5k unless you figure out what's wrong.

If it's a new problem since last fall... I would pull out the spark plugs, and make sure that the engine isn't full of oil. (It happens when SeaDoo engines sit) If it spews oil out the spark plug holes... once it's clear... it should start.

 

[modiddy]

Every region is different... but if it's as clean as you say... with fresh engines... I would start at $8k, and see if you get any bites.


Sorry... I just noticed that one engine won't start. That will drop it down to $5k unless you figure out what's wrong.

If it's a new problem since last fall... I would pull out the spark plugs, and make sure that the engine isn't full of oil. (It happens when SeaDoo engines sit) If it spews oil out the spark plug holes... once it's clear... it should start.

Thanks for your response. Yea, I can't figure out the issue. I pulled both plugs. Cleaned them (even though they looked fine). When I pulled them I hit the starter to see if anything would come out of the openings (nothing did). Made sure the battery was charged, still nothing. I can't figure out the issue. It was running fine a couple weeks ago! I use ethanol free gas. I made sure the fuel filter was clean. Any other ideas??

 

[Dr Honda]

Was the battery for that engine completely dead? If it is... it may just be dead, regardless if you charged it or not. Try hooking the known good battery to that engine, and see if it starts.

 

[jb92563]

I just, last weekend, bought a 1999 Speedster SK (717's) with only 30 hours of use and in pristine, perfect condition with a new looking original trailer, Bimini, life jackets, Marine Stereo/CD 200 watt amp, carpet installed and Some Hydro Turfs on the boading end in Palm Springs, CA.

Only problem was the left engine start/stop switch was intermittant but with some jiggling it would work, and an inexpesive fix.

I paid $6000 and did not haggle figuring I was getting a good deal.

In doing extensive research I found the "Nada" value was ~$7000 - 7500 for mine.

I was looking at others out there in the Central and East coast ranging from ~$3500 for ones that had been in salt water to $8000 for ones with ski towers and even more customization in the years 1996-2000.

Not having seen your boat but with one engine not running right I would not pay more than $4000 due to having to assume that engine needs replacing or significant work (Even thought it might not be the case but the buyer has to assume the worst, plus the hassle involved to get it fixed at this time of year).

This time of year the boats are also creeping up in price because folks want to hit the water soon and desire sometimes outweighs sense.

I was initially about ready to drive to Oklahoma to check a similarly nice one out for $4000 but the one I got popped up and I did not particularly want to drive to the Tornado states and try to bring a good deal home at the current time.

I think you would get more in California for it because they seem to have a shortage of Seadoo Jets here and are in high demand.

Mine was on the market for only 4 days before I snapped it up.

Ray