USAF_Pride
Member
Greetings All. Long time forum reader (2+ years), first time poster. I've been checking this forum out for a few years as I've been interested in getting a boat. I've finally gotten to the point in my life when I am comfortable enough to lay out the cash for a boat. I've been looking for a 96-99 boat and have checked a few out on Craigslist as this is the boat buying time of the year. It is amazing what some people think is a good boat.
The first boat I looked at was a '97 Challenger with twin 110's ($5,500). Advertised as being in excellent shape (150 on the compression test). From all the reading (Thanks to the Dr. for all his posts), I knew what to look at. I crawled under the boat to check the impellers out and discovered it look like it ate a rock (see pictures). I then twisted around and discovered a 6' long crack down the entire hull that was repaired quite badly (soft to the touch and water/oil squeezing out). That boat didn'teven make it to the compression test/ride. Thanks again to everyone on teaching me to avoid this boat!! Also, the "drive shaft guard" (white plastic) was missing, how important is that piece to the boats operation?
Second boat was a '96 Speedster with twin 85's ($4,500). Boat was rough and faded plastic/seats, no cover, most of the hinges broken, and the test ride resulted in the acoustic foam on the lid cover to have a wet spot and fresh water coming from somwhere. Maintenance appears to be at a minimum. Compression test resulted in 130/125 on each motor. According to the posts, 140# should be the minimum. What should a realistic price be on this boat with these conditions?
I am also looking at a '98 Speedster with twin 110's ($6,500). This boat is immaculate, the engine compartment is white glove clean along with the rest of the boat/trailer. Original cover is not faded one bit, and the boat more than likely has very few hours on it (some years it was only used once). Always synthetic oil, dealer maintained and yearly maintenance performed (I called the dealer and asked; they told me everything that has been done and it practically matches what the seller told me). Impellers and wear rings look brand new. Always stored inside, wiped down after every use (they don't want to go to one lake near us as it is too dirty), and never left in the water. I haven't had a chance to compression test it yet, but I am sure it will turn out just fine. There are two things broken: gas guage and some hatch cover (entire hatch costs around $200). This boat is at a higher price, but with the maintenance, I will *likely* avoid the big ticket repair costs (but it is a boat, so one never knows
). Based on this information, what would a reasonable price be on this boat?
My dad and I have had Ski-Doo snowmobiles for years, so we are extremely familiar with the motors and I am quite mechanical in nature (ie: I would have no issues pulling the motor and rebuilding it). As always, I appreciate any thoughts that the more experienced owners have to offer.
The first boat I looked at was a '97 Challenger with twin 110's ($5,500). Advertised as being in excellent shape (150 on the compression test). From all the reading (Thanks to the Dr. for all his posts), I knew what to look at. I crawled under the boat to check the impellers out and discovered it look like it ate a rock (see pictures). I then twisted around and discovered a 6' long crack down the entire hull that was repaired quite badly (soft to the touch and water/oil squeezing out). That boat didn'teven make it to the compression test/ride. Thanks again to everyone on teaching me to avoid this boat!! Also, the "drive shaft guard" (white plastic) was missing, how important is that piece to the boats operation?
Second boat was a '96 Speedster with twin 85's ($4,500). Boat was rough and faded plastic/seats, no cover, most of the hinges broken, and the test ride resulted in the acoustic foam on the lid cover to have a wet spot and fresh water coming from somwhere. Maintenance appears to be at a minimum. Compression test resulted in 130/125 on each motor. According to the posts, 140# should be the minimum. What should a realistic price be on this boat with these conditions?
I am also looking at a '98 Speedster with twin 110's ($6,500). This boat is immaculate, the engine compartment is white glove clean along with the rest of the boat/trailer. Original cover is not faded one bit, and the boat more than likely has very few hours on it (some years it was only used once). Always synthetic oil, dealer maintained and yearly maintenance performed (I called the dealer and asked; they told me everything that has been done and it practically matches what the seller told me). Impellers and wear rings look brand new. Always stored inside, wiped down after every use (they don't want to go to one lake near us as it is too dirty), and never left in the water. I haven't had a chance to compression test it yet, but I am sure it will turn out just fine. There are two things broken: gas guage and some hatch cover (entire hatch costs around $200). This boat is at a higher price, but with the maintenance, I will *likely* avoid the big ticket repair costs (but it is a boat, so one never knows
). Based on this information, what would a reasonable price be on this boat?My dad and I have had Ski-Doo snowmobiles for years, so we are extremely familiar with the motors and I am quite mechanical in nature (ie: I would have no issues pulling the motor and rebuilding it). As always, I appreciate any thoughts that the more experienced owners have to offer.
![IMG_4106[1].jpg](https://www.seadooforum.com/data/attachments/15/15473-f4261bec8079b6fc3e53e93d57c6217a.jpg?hash=9CYb7IB5tv "IMG_4106[1].jpg")
