Wanting your opinions (boat)

[Jigsisme]

I would like for your opinion on a boat purchase, I'm not asking for a "Ford vs Chevy" debate.
As some of you know I've been searching for a certain boat (Brand, Model and Year specifically)...with not one coming up, but I have found a similar boat (same boat but an 18 1/2 foot model)...the boat is pretty much what I want but at a price that "I think" is too high. If I need to be more specific let me know.
For those of you that shop Used vice New...did you wait till the exact one you wanted became available or did you "settle" for another, whether it be a different Brand, Year or size? I don't mind settling for the 18 1/2 size (I wanted to stay in the 18-19 foot range), its the price that kills me! Because its in "like new" condition with less than 30 hours...he wants max price!! I say...ok, great condition BUT it doesn't have a lot of the options that RATE the full price but the seller will not budge !!!
What would you do, go ahead and settle or keep looking/waiting??
Appreciated,
Jigs

[201Pro]

In this economic condition, definitely wait ... there are great deals to be had if you wait and expand your search (location wise). I buddy just bought a 19 foot Triton (TR19?) w/ a 200Opti for ... around $16K ... deals are out there. Just wait and see.

[swimbait]

I don't mean to spam, but I just went through this same kind of process. It's tough! I wrote a piece about the experience. Maybe it will help you.

http://www.calfishing.com/freshwater/bu ... state.html

WB has some good articles on the boat buying process as well which I certainly read.

[mark poulson]

It's a buyer's market right now.
Tax time is coming up, and there will be a lot of boats for sale, thanks to our economy (or lack thereof).
Be picky, take your time, and don't be afraid to negotiate. The worst someone can say is no, but you'll never know 'till you try.
If you find a boat you like, make up your mind what you want to pay, make an offer below that, and come back up to it. If a seller won't budge, there will be others.

[ASD]

It's a buyer's market right now.
Tax time is coming up, and there will be a lot of boats for sale, thanks to our economy (or lack thereof).
Be picky, take your time, and don't be afraid to negotiate. The worst someone can say is no, but you'll never know 'till you try.
If you find a boat you like, make up your mind what you want to pay, make an offer below that, and come back up to it. If a seller won't budge, there will be others.

+1 Thare are also alot of people selling certs that they won last year and you can buy one of them and get a new boat riged how you want it @ a USED price.

[L.Mickelson]

+1 I agree with Mark.

[phishenphool]

I don't mean to spam, but I just went through this same kind of process. It's tough! I wrote a piece about the experience. Maybe it will help you.

http://www.calfishing.com/freshwater/bu ... state.html

WB has some good articles on the boat buying process as well which I certainly read.

Good article. I actually got my brand new 2008 stratos 186xt with 115opti in Idaho in August for $14k out the door. It sat on the lot for 20months and they had to move it.

[619]

If you buy new get it from your local dealer. You will get the best service this way.

[CN]

You should keep looking until something more in your price range comes along plus your like the rest of us you may not buy another one for year's. So get the one you want dont rush it.

There are some great deal's outside of California but the hassle of getting it here may not be worth it?

[Schneider Fishing]

Getting exactly what you want is more important than price. I assume you want to keep this boat for a while. No regrets!!

[cLanderman]

Getting exactly what you want is more important than price. I assume you want to keep this boat for a while. No regrets!!

+1 ...I just completed my purchase and really took my time. If you are that concerned about the price, then I would assume that you are planning on a permanent purchase (not jsut your "Next" boat until the one after that) I spent 6 months waiting for the exact type of boat at the right price to come up and it eventually did. Sure glad I waited, because I didn't want to have any regrets settling for one of the others that came up before it.

Edit: By the way.. .I have to disagree with previous posts that it is a buyer's market. Boat prices right now on used boats are outrageous compared to when economy is good. Right now (and I spent the last 6 months as shown above in the market) you are finding people that are having to get rid of their boat to either get rid of the payment (which they are way upside down in) or make some money when they dont really want to sell it, whereas during good times you find TONS of boats for sale cheap because the guy found his next boat and wants to get rid of it.

[Jigsisme]

I appreciate all's comments. I've read that article before and I read it again. I do the travelling all the time when I go see family in Missouri and Oklahoma so I'm always on the lookout for a boat out there.
I guess I'm being impatient and I needed a sanity check! Its getting so frustrating for me because I have to wait for others for "when they are going fishing" and sometimes feel as a burden...plus I want my own boat!!
That "special boat" will show itself one of these days!!
Jigs

[mark poulson]

If you buy out of state, make sure the boat is CA compliant, or factor in what it will cost to make it so.
Anglers Marine in Anaheim is a good place to run it by. Rick and Jordan know almost everything there is to know about boats from all over.

[Popper]

In today's market you're in the drivers seat. Make your best reasonable offer for the boat. If the sellers firm, move on to the next boat.
As noted above, some sellers cannot afford to sell their boat at your ideal price as some will be upside down.
If the cost of a use boat is not far in price than a new one then purchase the boat new.
In the short and long run you'll be much more satisfy with the purchase, and you'll get full warranties on the motor and boat.

Good luck,
Ed

[biteme]

DONT DO IT! Never settle unless you can live with it. You will see some other boater on the water with the boat you wanted and wish you would have bought it! Trust me on this. Just wait until you find the boat you want.

[macinckirk]

here you go

http://www.westernbass.com/forum/ads_item.php?id=14723

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

All I can say is "wait till that one deal comes along and it really hits you"... U will know period! It is a buyers market out there right now. I got my ranger 482 for 5000. That I knew was a deal. The other day on craigs list i saw a LUND IFS with a 2004 yamaha 150hp for 7400.. who knows if that a scam but hey There are some great deals out there....... you just got to be patient.. not to many people are just dropping money left and right at this moment.

[calfisher71]

There is alot of boats on the market right now!
I would shop around you can find incredible deals right now.
Many pro's have last years boat to sell and you can get a better boat at a great value.
Also many people are winning boat certificates and offing these for 10 less than its worth!

be smart check around, need help? I can usually find good boat deals since I know some of these people offing these boats.

pm me