Reasonable Deal or Not?

[OfficerSeaDoo]

I recently came across what I think is a sweet Speedster. The guy told me it's mine for $5,400 and he won't go any lower. I've looked at several 1997s and I just can't seem to find exactly what I've been searching for. I'm a picky guy and somewhat a perfectionist. Most 95-97 Speedsters I've seen have had upholstery issues and fading. This one seems to be in great condition overall. It fires right up and the compression tests show both engines at 130lbs. The only issue this boat has is that the fuel guage is not working. Other than that, very minor wear and tear. Is this a reasonable deal? Thanks for any help and advice.

 

[ocod]

sounds a bit high but most boats have been selling above book.
I would keep looking.

I got my 1800 sportster for 2800. plus the 900 i had to put still under 4K...

 

[RFoster130]

Yeah thats high. In good condition theose usually sell for $4000 to 4500. IF it was pristine I might go to like 4700. But its yuor money and you know what is available in your area.

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

Thanks for the help, guys! I thought it sounded a little high, but there's just not a lot of these available in my area. The owner also gives me a good vibe. He seems to be as particular as I am when it comes to my toys. I guess it just struck me because most of them I've looked at have been below average in my opinion, and they're still trying to get anywhere between $4,500 and $6,000.

 

[ocod]

expand search?
some have driven 6 hrs for one or more....

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

This one is actually 4 hours away from where I live. However, that's about as far as I want to drive. I was really hoping to find a nice one in my area, but it's highly unlikely. Even if I would, I still think they'd be asking more than $5,000. Things just seem to bring a lot of money in this part of Kansas. It must be because of supply and demand. I was going to ask you guys how you would rate a 97 Speedster. Are you familiar with the 97s?

 

[ocod]

The biggest draw back I can foresee is seating for 4.
Thats why I went w/the 18' sportster..

 

[RFoster130]

Yeah supply and demand makes the difference. People in FL and CA have tons to choose from. I drove 9 hours one way to find my boat.

 

[Dr Honda]

That boat is worth $3k tops.

1) summer is over.

2) has some minor issues. (fuel gauge)

3) the engines are going to need a rebuild soon. (150 is perfect, I personally call 135 the bottom of the acceptable range)

If there were no electrical issues, and it had 2 fresh engines... $4500 would be a good price.

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

What kind of money does it take to have the engines rebuilt?

 

[ocod]

It depends.
If only top end(piston and rings) about 200 bucks
Full rebuild, motor out about a grand

 

[Dr Honda]

What kind of money does it take to have the engines rebuilt?

Right now... since they are both good running engines... you can do 2 top ends. That will cost you about $350 per engine once you buy gaskets, and other misc parts.

If you can't do the work yourself... and it doesn't need anything else (like carbs being rebuilt, or pump work) a shop should be able to do both engines for less than $1k.


If you can do your own work... and the jugs aren't too warn out... you could just hone them, and replace the pistons, rings, and wrist pins. You could do it for $500 or less. (for both)


But if you continue to run it... what will happen is... the warn rings will allow excessive blow by from the combustion past... and that will over heat the piston skirts, and displace the oil. In turn... it will scar the skirts until you have a melt down. When that happens, it will send melted aluminum into the crank, and kill the bearings and seals. When that hapens... it becomes a full rebuild.

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

Thanks for the info, everyone!