Is this a good deal on a boat?

[Charlottenian]

I just sold my two older jet ski's and am looking for a small pontoon boat to just fish and be out on the water..... I found this on craigslist and it looks like a nice price if I can get it for about 4K..... Any input would be appreciated

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/boa/737795796.html

[Delhommey]

All I know is it's a buyer's market for boats and trucks right now.

[Charlottenian]

Originally Posted by Delhommey

All I know is it's a buyer's market for boats and trucks right now.

Yea I know, but that is on larger boats where the fillup is almost $500.... I don't know if this is the premium price on a 18 foot pontoon or if I am better waiting till August/September and pick one up.

[Carolina Husker]

50 HP seems kinda weak...

[Bleys7]

You really have to go look at it. Look it over and see what quality it is in. The motor is only 50 hp, which seems quite weak for the boat, and if it's used daily like he says- it may have some wear and tear. That would add another grand or 2 (easily) to replace it.

Overall, Pontoon boats are great for parties and a collection of people. Not so much for fishing, even though if you are in the sound at the coast, it is really nice to have with 5 or 6 people wanting to fish. They aren't fast by any means, but nice party boats.

I would say the price is good, if it isn't in bad condition...






Edit: As always, I would try to talk him down a little more.

[Charlottenian]

Originally Posted by Bleys713

You really have to go look at it. Look it over and see what quality it is in. The motor is only 50 hp, which may be a good size for the boat, but if it's used daily like he says- it may have some wear and tear. That would add another grand (easily) to the price if you had to replace it.

Overall, Pontoon boats are great for parties and a collection of people. Not so much for fishing, even though if you are in the sound at the coast, it is really nice to have with 5 or 6 people wanting to fish. They aren't fast by any means, but nice party boats.

I would say the price is good, if it isn't in bad condition...

There would not be a ton of people on it, 18 footer is kinda on the small end anyways for a pontoon. I am planning on maybe seeing it today and throwing an offer of $3700 and see if she takes it. I guess I have to either ask for a water test or for them to turn it on with a hose attachment to hear the motor

[Bleys7]

Originally Posted by Charlottenian

There would not be a ton of people on it, 18 footer is kinda on the small end anyways for a pontoon. I am planning on maybe seeing it today and throwing an offer of $3700 and see if she takes it. I guess I have to either ask for a water test or for them to turn it on with a hose attachment to hear the motor

I edited my last post saying to offer a little lower just to see if he takes the bait. I would also look at other pontoon boats offered on craigslist and compare the 2. See if the prices are in the same price range.

A water test would definitely be a good idea. If he really uses that motor daily and it's a 2000, that motor has to be worn a little. Then again, it could be a good motor.

They are great for having a good time on the lake/sound.

[Bleys7]

The cheapest I see for a pontoon boat is the one you are looking at. Most are between $6500 - $16000 (higher in price is obviously newer)... And the size of the motors average about 65hp.

[Charlottenian]

Originally Posted by Bleys713

The cheapest I see for a pontoon boat is the one you are looking at. Most are between $6500 - $16000 (higher in price is obviously newer)... And the size of the motors average about 65hp.

Yea I don't think the price is that bad for a 2000 model.... I have seen some in the 3500 range but they are typically late 80 models.... I like that this comes with a trailer, that is usually an extra grand in itself

[Bleys7]

Sounds like a good deal. Just be sure to check out why it's priced so low. Time for a huddle party on the new boat!

[MrsPantherFan]

ok...I don't know if EUR 1.850.000 is a good deal on this boat...but I want it...I think it's pretty badass!!! anyone wanna chip in on it????

http://www.yachts-4-sale.com/yacht-s...document=8#pic

[bubbadawg]

50 hp should be plenty for that pontoon. I've fished Santee on several pontoons with 50hp or less on them. Pontoons are not exactly built for speed.
If you need some work done I've got a guy in Indian Trail who does great work and is cheap. He can get stainless props for under $100.

[Skew]

For that boat, it's a good deal MPF.

Not sure about the pontoon boat.

[Scrumtrilescent]

I'm about 3.98 million short.

[Badbak]

A 50 HP motor on an 18 ft pontoon is not so bad. You didn't say anything about pulling skiers! Get 6 or 7 people on an 18 footer and you will have a crowd. That would be fine for fishing and just hanging out on the lake and a 50 will not burn so much gas either. If I had the $ on hand I'd try to get it before you do.