Fair price for a Topcraft 420 Console?

[patrickdiviacco]

Is 3500 euros a fair price for this new console boat (motor not included): a Topcraft 420 Console:



Do you think if I buy it new, I'm going to save some money on maintenance for the first years?

Thanks

 

[rafiki_]

Welcome Patrick.

€3500 does not seem expensive to me, but I really do not know the market for these boats, sorry. As regards maintenance, that really depends on your usage and storage. Clearly warranty work should be covered if new, but maintenance is down to you. Are you going to trail the boat, or leave her in the water? If in the water, you will need to antifoul. The engine/drive will need most of the maintenance in any case, lubrication, anodes, servicing etc. Will you go flat out everywhere or potter? Sorry, more questions than answers.

 

[patrickdiviacco]

Thanks for reply.
Yeah I leave it in the water, and I already take into account to spend around 100 euros per year for the engine maintanance, but what I meant is, if I buy it new, for the first years I have less costs (no painting required), probably I just need to wash it and that's it?

 

[Nos4r2]

100 euros a year for engine maintenance is nowhere near enough unless you maintain the motor yourself and even then, that will only just cover the materials.

 

[patrickdiviacco]

All right, so how much is near enough? If you tell me 100 euros is not enough, it means you have a certain acceptable amount in your mind, regardless the specific motor I own. How much?

 

[rafiki_]

100 euros a year for engine maintenance is nowhere near enough unless you maintain the motor yourself and even then, that will only just cover the materials.

This again will depend on the motor. If you buy a Honda/Suzuki/Mariner 2.5 hp and potter around for a few hours a year, and you do the servicing yourself, your €100 per year should be OK.

 

[gjgm]

I dont know if second hand versions are about, but almost certainly your biggest cost is going to be depreciation, and a new boat depreciates alot more than a second hand one. That will massively outweigh any running cost differences between new and old. If you have a new outboard you will have to have it (expensively) serviced to maintain the warranty.
The boat itself is unlikely to need much maintenance..if it is grp it will probabaly last 25-50 years ! Depending on the power of your outboard, 2 or 4 stroke, if second hand you may be able to service itself yourself if you have some basic skills.
If you are on a tight budget, I would look for a well maintained second hand one.

 

[Nos4r2]

This again will depend on the motor. If you buy a Honda/Suzuki/Mariner 2.5 hp and potter around for a few hours a year, and you do the servicing yourself, your €100 per year should be OK.

It's a 4.2m planing hull. It's going to need at least 25hp to plane with more than one person aboard. 40hp would be better.100 euros will only just buy an impeller, gear oil, gearbox fibre washers,grease,fogging oil for the winter layup, fuel stabiliser for the same,and anti corrosion spray to stop the powerhead turning into a pile of rust. Add 40-50 euros for a yearly anode change (if you're leaving it in the water, you'll need to). That's without the labour at £25 to £50 (pounds not euros) per hour for the work, unless you can do it yourself.

 

[rafiki_]

It's a 4.2m planing hull. It's going to need at least 25hp to plane with more than one person aboard. 40hp would be better.100 euros will only just buy an impeller, gear oil, gearbox fibre washers,grease,fogging oil for the winter layup, fuel stabiliser for the same,and anti corrosion spray to stop the powerhead turning into a pile of rust. Add 40-50 euros for a yearly anode change (if you're leaving it in the water, you'll need to). That's without the labour at £25 to £50 (pounds not euros) per hour for the work, unless you can do it yourself.

Well, this rather depends on the OP's intended use surely? Perhaps the OP can clarify this?

 

[Nos4r2]

Well, this rather depends on the OP's intended use surely? Perhaps the OP can clarify this?

Trust me. He won't be using it with 2.5hp. It won't move.