2006 challenger 180 value?

[code3f250]

Hello everyone, this is my first post so i'll give a quick intro. My name is Shane, i'm 24 and work in law enforcement in south Florida. Looking to get my first boat and i'm in love with the sea-doo's. Last tuesday I went and looked at a 2006 challenger 180 with approx 100hrs on it. Boat appeared to be in good condition and engine sounded strong. At approx 90hrs the owner had the ceramic washers replaced with the titanium washers (it never actually failed he did it as a presumptive measure).

The boat has what appears to be a new bimini top, custom stereo with extra speakers added in. Dual battery setup. Boat is owned by a mechnaic that says he changed oil every 20-30 hours, did all of his own maintenance and recently replaced the coolant and plugs. Monday I go for a sea test and if I like I may make an offer. He's asking $12500 for it but says its negotioable and I know I can chew him down a decent amount.

My main question is how much is a boat like this worth considering the age, hrs, minor dings on the plastics and hull from docking, nothing major. I'm trying to get it for $10k ish. Any guesses or estimates would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Fallsguy]

Does that include the trailer? There's a lot of post on this forum about how to properly test a boat. I would suggest giving them a read. Most important is the sea trial. I'm getting to the value question but I can't help but put in my two cents for some other things. I suggest running all different speeds. Don't let him rush you. A compression test is very easy to perform! I

As for value. I'm in Canada so we pay way more than you will in Florida. I'd say $10,000 is a great price but here that boat would fetch a quick $15k all day long. Check Craig's list etc but remember these are asking prices and people often don't know the true value. I'm sure others from Florida will chime in. But for that boat provided its in excellent running condition I think the price is fair

 

[LilMikey]

We paid 11k for the same boat a few months ago, old washers, fewer upgrades, fewer hours, with trailer. Looked great. We took it on a sea trial which it passed with flying colors only to have the engine cough up 15 hours later. Take it to a shop and have them look it over, including a compression test.

If it's in good shape, I'd say 10k would be quite a low-ball. 12-13k would be more in-line but, hey, to you it's worth exactly what you are willing to pay.

 

[Steve_Cay]

NADA guide is very handy to find boats value, here it is for the one you are looking at:
http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2006/Sea-Doo-BRP/CHALLENGER-180+/10238933/Values

So looks like $10K would be a great deal, and his ask is exactly the NADA average evaluation.

In Canada, scoring a boat for the NADA average would be an absolute steal!

 

[code3f250]

Ok thanks guy! It does come with the trailer. Anything I should specifically do for the sea test besides take it through all the speeds?

 

[Steve_Cay]

BTW, I noticed the NADA link does not keep the options I put in ... you can go back and add Bimini top and trailer, and comes to $12.5K.

For the test, run it on the water for a while and check that the engine compartment is dry when done (and not too moldy looking which is a sign of water getting in). Make sure there is no cavitation (kinda feels like a clutch slipping.) Carefully check all gauges, accessories, compartments, etc. that all is in good order. Get underneath and check inside the intake that the impeller and all appears not to butchered up. Check the hull for any damage. If the hull looks really grimy and filthy under the waterline, it was kept in the water which is a no-no for seadoos.

And personally I would bring it to the dealer for an inspection, computer hookup, compression test, etc. Costed me only $100 and the piece of mind from a clean bill of health from the experts.

 

[code3f250]

Ok thanks guys, going to sea test it tommorow. Wish me luck!