2001 Sportster le Value?

[OfficerSeaDoo]

Goodmorning Experts! I am considering the thought of selling my 2001 Sportster le boat. I've done some brief research on the value of it. It's looking like they are going for somewhere between $4,000 and $6,500. This boat is in excellent condition and has not been abused at all. The engine has never been torn apart and I'm the second owner. It has a single 951cc engine. The compression test shows both cylinders at 135 psi. The boat tops out around 50mph. It sits on a galvanized trailer that is in excellent condition as well. It has a brand new Poppy Cover that comes with it. There is a marine CD stereo that is nicely installed in the storage compartment. The only issue with the boat is the typical fuel gauge failure. Other than that, she looks great and runs even better. What should I get for this hot rod? Thanks for your help!

 

[RFoster130]

I think your range listed is pretty accurate. i think it sounds like yours is in good shape. I would think with the right timing and supply and demand you can easily get 6000 to 7000.

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

That sounds great! I might wait another month or two, but I need to sell it. That would be a helpful amount. Thanks for your advice!

 

[Dr Honda]

March to April are the hot boat months. (Cold, but the snow is gone)

$7k is pushing it for a single engine, 14.5' boat. But... $5500 to $6000 is reasonable. If you post it too high, no one will even call on it. Also... first gen 4-tech boats are only selling for $7k ('03, '04 155 HP sportsters/speedsters)

I guess the real questions are...

1) what did you pay for it?
2) How long have you owned it?
3) how fast do you want to get rid of it?


Just as an FYI... Since it's the original engine, and it's down to 135 PSI... I wouldn't touch it. (a 951 engine has 160 or higher static compression when new) That engine is probably on it's way out, and needs the top end freshed up. You would get more for it with a new top end. To me... if it's SUPER clean... it's worth $3k since I know that it needs engine work soon. (but that's just me)


Take what I'm saying with a grain of salt. Area, and time of the year make a big differences in the prices.

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

I gave $4,000 for the boat. It was by far the nicest one I could find at the time. It was also late September. The dealer told me they would easily get in the mid $6s for it if it was Spring. These boats are quite rare in western Kansas. Our closest SeaDoo dealer is in Kansas City. People around here pay more for them if they don't have to drive, but a lot of people around here don't know much about them, either. It's quite good at attracting younger people when it's on the water. They seem to look at it like the crotch rocket of boats. I can't imagine I would have a difficult time selling it. I think I'll start at $5,500. What do you think?

 

[RFoster130]

I loot at it like you do. There is always someone who thinks they just look like fun and they have to have it. The educated buyer like Doc is rare unfortunately. I really dont see any problem selling it for that. Thats how I based my opinion in the first place. I see them go for that in my area no problem.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... start at $5500. If you post it up in the early spring, you may get it.

Yes... A dealer probably could get +$6k for it... but they give the illusion of a safe sale... and they can get financing for people. There are very few banks that will give a loan for a small, 10 year old boat. Dealers can almost always get more than market value.

Please don't take what I've said as harsh... I'm just trying to be truthful.

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

You guys have been helpful. I will start it at $5,500 sometime in March. It will be a very sad day when she goes. I just know I'll regret it later. Thanks again!