Help with buying 2001 seadoo challenger 1800

[xkon]

I am looking at purchasing a 2001 challenger 1800, this would be my first boat, and would like some advice to see what you guys think. The asking price is $3000, the owner said the engine has been replaced with another stock engine, mercury v6, and has about 50 hours on it. There are some scratches and chips in the paint. Upholstery was just redone a few years ago. With looking at the pictures, is there anything you guys see that would throw up a red flag?

The owner of the boat is a friend of a friend and is offering it to us first for 3k. If we don't want it he is going to post it for 4.5k online

 

[BoLongo]

I bought my 1999 Challenger about four months ago for $3,000, and I thought I got a good price. They are getting harder to find. I have seen 2001's going for $9,000 in excellent condition. Obviously, you will have to put a little money and some sweat equity into this boat; based on the photos I think $3,000 is more than a fair price.

 

[xkon]

Thanks for the reply. Do the chips/scratches look like anything to be concerned about or merely cosmetic? Also if that should be repaired, do you have a guess as to what it may cost?

 

[A4effort]

I would just do a little comparison shopping on classified sites and see what other 01 Challangers are selling for. I bought mine from a guy that just needed to bail on it because he was moving. This boat looks decent for the money but if your not handy you should consider that as well.