NADA values--are they an accurate representation of what used boats should sell for?

[tomjonesrocks]

Have run across many private sellers that seem to balk at selling their boats for anywhere close to NADA values. I am looking to purchase my first boat so am asking the question--are NADA values generally considered too low? Or is this just sellers trying to get more than their boats are worth?

I certainly don't feel the need to overpay in a bad economy, especially now that I'm shopping in the offseason--but are NADA values an unfair fair way to come up with a fair offer price for a boat?

Thanks!

 

[seadoosnipe]

No dice!....

No, NADA values are way over rated. If you read between the lines, these values are normally for boats/skis that are in pristine condition.

A lot of things affect the price of a boat/ski. The geographical area plays a big role in the price. You can buy a 1997 XP here in the south for about $2000, in great shape. But, that same XP might go for $2700 or $3000 out on the west coast.

The economy is also a big contributer of what the ski will fetch.

What you need to do, if your intersted in a boat is take some pix of it, make an offer and if the guy doesn't like it, then tell him thanks for showing you the boat. Then, come back to the forum and ask around what they think it's worth. Make sure you post the pix.....Send it to me via PM and I'll certainly tell you what it's worth.

I know a guy right now who has his 98 Speedster for sale with the twin 787's (I put a new starboard motor in it this past spring) and it runs somwhere over 50 mph. I thought it was in great shape. Some cosmetics needing done. Seats not ripped up. The boat is 18 ft in lenght and he only wants $4000 bucks for it...........that's a pretty good deal.

Do not let the seller tell you what your going to pay. You haggle with him and you only pay what you think it's worth.

Oh AND NEVER BUY A BOAT WITHOUT DOING A COMPRESSION TEST ON THE MOTOR!.........................:cheers:

 

[CypherAZ]

We are selling our 96' speedster here for $4000 which goes for $2750 according to NADA.......there are a few other 96's for sale here all going for $4500 or more.

 

[tomjonesrocks]

Well unsure if I need to start a new thread for this or not, but the boat is a '99 Speedster...the photos I currently have are here...no engine shot included.

NADA has the boat with bimini top at like $5300...the ask is much, much higher than that...this is the west coast though.

http://www.reconceive.com/boat/1.jpg
http://www.reconceive.com/boat/4.jpg
http://www.reconceive.com/boat/5.jpg
http://www.reconceive.com/boat/6.jpg

 

[CypherAZ]

Well unsure if I need to start a new thread for this or not, but the boat is a '99 Speedster...the photos I currently have are here...no engine shot included.

NADA has the boat with bimini top at like $5300...the ask is much, much higher than that...this is the west coast though.

http://www.reconceive.com/boat/1.jpg
http://www.reconceive.com/boat/4.jpg
http://www.reconceive.com/boat/5.jpg
http://www.reconceive.com/boat/6.jpg

just for reference.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/boa/1366126184.html

 

[timmyboy76]

another reference, Tommy...in l.a.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/boa/1381181267.html

 

[RFoster130]

I would think that would go for around 5500 to 6000.. It looks like it is in good shape. Has the bimini and Hydroturf. All the 98-99 Speedsters I looked at in this part of the country were all actually above NADA. I drove from KY to PA and paid 6200. Mine looked like it was almost new though and only had 82 hours on it.

 

[tomjonesrocks]

Thanks for the input. Based on repeated suggestions by posters here, I asked the seller if I could have the boat given a compression test at a nearby shop (at my expense) and was flatly refused--was pretty surprised by how annoyed the guy was.

Perhaps because you have to burn some calories towing a boat somewhere I can look forward to annoyed sellers if I continue to insist on this? Are most boat shoppers not asking to have these done?

 

[timmyboy76]

Thanks for the input. Based on repeated suggestions by posters here, I asked the seller if I could have the boat given a compression test at a nearby shop (at my expense) and was flatly refused--was pretty surprised by how annoyed the guy was.

Perhaps because you have to burn some calories towing a boat somewhere I can look forward to annoyed sellers if I continue to insist on this? Are most boat shoppers not asking to have these done?

RITE-ON slick....if anything, if its someone from craigslist, then "flag" them, re-post about ur situation, to allow others that dont ask, so they dont get screwed....:cheers:

 

[jshaley]

price

Hey,

My two cents... as a long term shopper who has not found the right boat.

• Mech inspection & sea trial are mandatory. Most do not balk at this. I make it clear thta this is after we reach a price and is not an attempt to nickle and dime 'em.
• I watch similar boats on eBay. I may not buy from eBay, but the auctions that end in sales offer a perspective on market value. I "print" to PDF ended auctions (they eventually are not available on eBay) for future reference.
• You should pay less in the off season (if there is an off season where you live)
• I would have paid more right before Labor Day weekend, 'cause I was going away that week and would have loved to have a boat with me.
• Personally, I rate fresh water boats a higher value than salt.