Thoughts on this used boats?

[RubberDuck]

Hello,

 

I'm in the market for a boat, something around 20' long with good storage.  I'm looking spending around 15K on a used rig.  I came across this listing the other day:

 

https://columbiamo.craigslist.org/boa/d/2001-skeeters-zx225/6648862907.html

It looks sharp, but I think they may be asking a bit much depending on what the electrics actually are.  I'd like to check this one out.  From what I understand, that motor is supposed to be pretty reliable, although rather thirsty.  What do you guys think on the price assuming the electronics aren't of much value?  Also, does anyone have mechanic recommendations in that area (Jeff City, MO) that I could have check out the outboard?  I guess Warsaw isn't too far away that I could always uses angler's port.  Edit: maybe it is too far. I didn't realize it's 90 miles away.

 

The other option I'm considering is waiting 2ish years till we've paid off one of our cars and take out a loan on a big new aluminum.

 

Thanks!

[iabass8]

Boat looks super clean. Carpet looks great, too.  Well taken care of boats if usually a factor in the price. Older boats in that good condition are hard to find and usually indicative of an owner that cared for it correctly. Price is relative to demand. This isn't a buyer's market time of year. Boats will be cheaper during the winter. You could probably get the boat for your budget late in the year but that boat should sell quick if the motor checks out. 

[38 Super Fan]

First off, welcome to the forum!

 

I don't think he's asking too much at all, in fact that's a good deal assuming all is well with that boat. It's hard to find an excellent condition older boat like that. Those are the ones to jump on, because they're usually well maintained and or low hours. That one won't last long, the zx225 is a desirable model.

[Further North]

Good boat, good motor, looks well kept and cared for from the few pictures available.

 

Regarding electronics: To me, they are pretty much an non-factor unless they are no more than two or three years old.  Most serious fishermen are going to replace them and they become worth only what you can sell them for...which isn't much.

[RubberDuck]

Thanks guys!  I left the seller a message.  I'll have to make sure to speak with them.

[RubberDuck]

I looked at the boat today. The owner had gouged of the gel coat off and of the splash rails (I think that's what they're called). It was deep. I could see fuzzy fiberglass fabric. It didn't take me long to decide I did not want that boat.  This was the damage. https://imgur.com/a/NGgQl96

 

[38 Super Fan]

6 hours ago, RubberDuck said:

I looked at the boat today. The owner had gouged of the gel coat off and of the splash rails (I think that's what they're called). It was deep. I could see fuzzy fiberglass fabric. It didn't take me long to decide I did not want that boat.  This was the damage. https://imgur.com/a/NGgQl96

 

Jeez, that guy's idea of "immaculate" is a little different than mine.

[kenmitch]

Dang that looks really bad. Full disclosure in his ad would be best I'd imagine. I hope you didn't have to waste too much time and effort to see the boat. 

[RubberDuck]

2 hours ago, kenmitch said:

Dang that looks really bad. Full disclosure in his ad would be best I'd imagine. I hope you didn't have to waste too much time and effort to see the boat. 

Oh I did.  I was probably too nice to the guy too.  I wished him good luck in selling it and left.

 

On a positive note, a buddy directed me to a dealer that has a few used boats in consignment.  I found a gorgeous 2010 Bass Cat pantera classic.  It's more expensive, but I'd be willing to take out a small loan for a boat that nice.  We have to make sure the wife and I are aligned on that.

[iabass8]

No wonder he didnt show me pics. Thats one ugly gouge.

[kenmitch]

1 hour ago, RubberDuck said:

Oh I did.  I was probably too nice to the guy too.  I wished him good luck in selling it and left.

 

On a positive note, a buddy directed me to a dealer that has a few used boats in consignment.  I found a gorgeous 2010 Bass Cat pantera classic.  It's more expensive, but I'd be willing to take out a small loan for a boat that nice.  We have to make sure the wife and I are aligned on that.

He might not be so lucky next time....Not that I condone violence.

 

Good luck with the wife!

[38 Super Fan]

2 hours ago, RubberDuck said:

Oh I did.  I was probably too nice to the guy too.  I wished him good luck in selling it and left.

 

On a positive note, a buddy directed me to a dealer that has a few used boats in consignment.  I found a gorgeous 2010 Bass Cat pantera classic.  It's more expensive, but I'd be willing to take out a small loan for a boat that nice.  We have to make sure the wife and I are aligned on that.

That's a shame. Finding the right used boat usually takes some time and research though. I searched for about 5 months before I got my Skeeter. Better luck on the next one!

 

That Pantera sounds sweet by the way.

 

 

[Boomstick]

I found a Skeeter ZX200 from 2012 that's well equipped that I'm seriously considering looking at even though I am largely shopping aluminum boats and I should hold off on a boat at the moment due to both an unknown financial situation next year and some health reasons (chemo makes me tired, so I may not even be able to use it this year).

 

At a glance without seeing that ugly gouge, this one looks just as nice but it's a 2001. I think he wants a little bit much for it especially considering the gouge.

[Wurming67]

People sell for alot of different reasons gotta be real carfeful or you could be be buying someone else's problems.

[Boomstick]

1 minute ago, Wurming67 said:

People sell for alot of different reasons gotta be real carfeful or you could be be buying someone else's problems.

A used anything is almost always somebody else's problems in one way or another.

[Wurming67]

I'm going new on my next boat might not have all bells and whistles but it will be new, warranty and I'll know the maintenance being done on it and storing in a garage.

[Boomstick]

Just now, Wurming67 said:

I'm going new on my next boat might not have all bells and whistles but it will be new, warranty and I'll know the maintenance being done on it and storing in a garage.

I'm debating getting a new boat or used boat myself. I can definitely afford a lot more boat used, that's for sure.

[Jig Man]

If that is the only problem with the boat you could get it fixed for around a grand.  If I were interested in it I'd make a firm offer of 12k and see how it went.

[Wurming67]

14 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

I'm debating getting a new boat or used boat myself. I can definitely afford a lot more boat used, that's for sure.

I hear ya,but it's nice having new ,I haven't had a ton of problems with mine but rather not deal with it,glad I got a good friend that enjoys working on boats and he makes money doing it lol

[Further North]

On 7/28/2018 at 2:07 PM, Wurming67 said:

People sell for alot of different reasons gotta be real carfeful or you could be be buying someone else's problems.

I agree with this, and it's why the smart play is to get it checked by a competent marina/dealer.

 

Unless you know the seller...and even then, a dealer check can save a friendship.

[RubberDuck]

On 7/28/2018 at 2:07 PM, Wurming67 said:

People sell for alot of different reasons gotta be real carfeful or you could be be buying someone else's problems.

Agreed.  I plan to walk away from any used boat that looks even half that rough.  A hull that beat up makes me wonder about how the seller treated/maintained the rest of the rig.  I'm not in a big hurry to get a boat, I just have to not get too excited about potentials I find.  Maybe I'll find my unicorn of a boat this fall.

 

On 7/28/2018 at 2:18 PM, Wurming67 said:

I'm going new on my next boat might not have all bells and whistles but it will be new, warranty and I'll know the maintenance being done on it and storing in a garage.

I'm also considering picking up a new aluminum.  I crawled around in one of the new vexus boats this past weekend.  That was a very nice looking boat.  I'm not comfortable with taking out a boat loan at the moment, but that'll change within 2 years when one of our vehicles is paid off.  I'm willing to spend a lot more on something new vs used.