I need ...

[BassHunter2k6]

an opinion about a boat I am looking at. I am supposed to go look at it this week, but a guy I used to go to church with is selling his boat due to medical reasons. It is a 1987 stratos 18' with a 1986 150 hp pushing it. He just put 3 new batteries, has a evinrude trolling motor, depth finders, etc. He said other than a few worn spots in the carpet, it is in great shape. He is asking $2500, but said he would negotiate. If I could get it for around $2000 is that a decent deal? He has owned it since 1989, and only thing he has done to engine is a water pump. Thanks guys!

[Ben]

You really need to have it checked out buy a very knowledgeable person.  Have the motor checked and transom.   If it checks out good, sounds like a pretty good deal to me.   You didn't say what type 150 Merc or OMC.  Both are good motors provided they are not used up, but those old oil injection system are a blown engine waiting to happen.   It needs to be replaced or disconnected and premix the gas.   Depending on when the water pump was replaced, might want to replace the impeller in it again.

I have an 89 285 Pro I'm getting ready to sell with an 89, XP150 on it, I wouldn't take twice that for it.

[senile1]

As Ben stated, check out this boat and motor thoroughly.  If they are in good shape, as stated by the owner, you're gettting a good deal at $2500.00 for this size of boat and motor.  Low prices always make me skeptical.    

[Landinlunkers]

If everything checks out, it's a steal at $2,500.  

[Its a big one]

THAT BOATS 20 YRS OLD!!! I tell him $1500.00. it was under $19000.00 new.

[BassHunter2k6]

Went to look at the boat and like I said...the carpet does need replaced, but the transom is solid and the bottom side of the boat is in excellent shape. All the electronics and gauges work as well. Only thing I could find wrong is the carpet...and that it's not out on the lake! He is gonna let me take it out thursday evening for a test drive....If everything turns out ok and I get it, is it hard to replace the carpet? Or is it better to have carpet professioally done?

[senile1]

THAT BOATS 20 YRS OLD!!! I tell him $1500.00. it was under $19000.00 new.

It may be 20 years old but there are lots of good boats out there this old.  There are lots of bad ones too.  If the boat is good and the engine has been rebuilt or is in excellent shape it is worth 2 to 3 thousand dollars, possibly more depending on if the engine has been rebuilt.  I'd have a mechanic look at it.  You want to be absolutely sure of the boat and motor condition before you spend money on it.