Pricing Used Boat

[roblpm]

Hi

Just embarking on a medium term plan of buying a boat. Probably a Hunter Ranger 265 or Horizon 272/3 Twin Keels for use on the Forth.

I found this link to a useful list of things to look at on a first viewing:
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-review-purchase-forum/48177-boat-inspection-trip-tips.html

And I have ordered the RYA buying a boat book.

However as has been pointed out on here there is a large variation of prices for these types of boats. For example one HR 265 just failed to sell on Boatbid at £14,000 (at least that was what it was at before it disappeared from view! and it is back on sale on Boatshed) and top end ones are £27,500.

Now obviously this all depends on year, condition and extras. So what I was wondering is if anyone has a list of extras they have though about when purchasing and then I can make up a spreadsheet with an adjustment for year and condition and these extras and come out with a perfect pricing model!! (Haha but its worth a go!).

So if anyone has a list that would be great as I am sure I will have missed some items:

eg

Dinghy £450
Outboard £450
New Sails £1500
Scooper Sail £??
New Standing rigging £??
Autohelm
Chartplotter
etc etc etc



Cheers

Rob

 

[Lakesailor]

A boat is worth what someone will pay for it at the time it is for sale.
Start looking at boats. There is a terrific variance in quality and condition.
Take into account repairs and replacements which can add a huge amount to the cost of a boat.

Bear in mid that virtually every vendor over-values their own particular baby.

 

[Tranona]

Most of these cost, certainly of equipment are self evident with just a bit of research to see what market prices are. Costs of repairs etc that are specific to a boat vary so much that they can only be determined by getting quotes.

As Lakey says there is so much variation in prices related to year condition, equipment, location, seller desperation etc that you have to consider each boat on its merits. Look at a lot of boats and you will get a feel for the reasons for variations. Then set yourself an "ideal" spec and see what needs to be done to the boats on offer to meet that in comparison with your budget. It could well be you can't find a boat that is cheap enough so you have to readjust your expectations. You will find that most boats are pitched higher than they sell for but equally the seller will have his own view on the minimum price he will sell at. Not all sellers are desperate to sell and would rather keep the boat than sell at a low price. Often these are the best boats and the owner would rather keep a good boat as it is worth more to him than the market price. On the other hand many boats are on the market because the owner has lost interest or they need a lot of work so they are selling to avoid the expenditure.

There is no short cut to buying your ideal boat, but many people will tell you the right one usually becomes obvious when you see it.

 

[KenMcCulloch]

Hi Rob
Rather than looking for a particular model, you might consider looking for boats on the market locally, and looking for one hat suits your needs. A bilge keeler or lift keel is a good choice for the Forth. There's a nice 24' lifting keel Dufour on at Port Ed for a pretty good price for example, no connection other than having sailed her a few times when a previous owner, not the current seller, had her.
Cheers

 

[Rossynant]

So what I was wondering is if anyone has a list of extras they have though about when purchasing

Boat "pricing" is for good, sound boat, that can be used for it's intended purpose. So "usual market price" is base from which you detract! There is no such thing as "extra"; equipment needed just should be there, on each and every boat.

Forget about "cost of equipment". Unless there is brand new, unused and not yet installed piece of what you would want anyway - all stuff aboard is "used one". No additional value. Equipment is something you will have to buy again anyway, in few years time.

Other way around: if some parts of boat are old and will need replacement soon - detract this from price, same way as repair costs.
Yes, having rig, sail and engine only couple years old, good shape and already installed - is an argument, not for higher price but for choosing this boat over another.

Boat that cannot sail out may be worthless, literally, as repair/replacements/equipping cost often will be more than market price of a boat. Another boat that is, as you may just find a good one, in working order, with 'equipment' it needs to sail.
Other thing is to buy a "project" to repair and 'equip' yourself. in such case price is unimportant, you buy a boat that is sound substance, worth investing in - and investment will be great. (I'm about to spend 4 times purchase price despite the boat is nice condition - but was ready for this. Buying well kept one would be cheaper).

Not much caring myself what RYA or whoever "professional" says. It's good to look for advice on technicals and such, but not on money issues. Worth to remember "boating industry" is there to get money from boaters, ye know...

 

[Daydream believer]

Hi



So if anyone has a list that would be great as I am sure I will have missed some items:

eg

Dinghy £450
Outboard £450
New Sails £1500
Scooper Sail £??
New Standing rigging £??
Autohelm
Chartplotter
etc etc etc



Cheers

Rob

Insurance
Mooring/marina cost
Yacht club subs

 

[johnphilip]

The boat you want to buy is at least double the price as the same boat if you were selling her.

 

[Tam Lin]

Owners' perceptions of their boats vary dramatically however it is possible to find a boat that has been meticulously maintained and in excellent condition - often when the owner is retiring from sailing. Otherwise I agree with the previous posters that you should go and look at as many boats as you can. Secondhand boat shows are useful for this as you can look at a number of boats in one afternoon. While it may be worth paying a good price for a boat in good condition what you don't want to do is pay a good price for a boat which will need work. Questions to ask are:
How reliable is the engine, will it need replacing in the near future?
How old is the standing rigging, does it need replacing?
Will the sails need replacing?
Does the upholstery need replacing?
If the answer to any of these is "Yes" then you have to factor in the replacement cost when making an offer. Remember that the price of a new engine may be as much or more than the cost of an old boat. Don't pay the asking price especially in the current economic climate - always haggle!
Lastly, try and buy with your head as well as your heart!