What is a fair price for a second hand cruiser?

S

sidney

Active Member
Joined
9 Oct 2007
Messages
61
Visit site
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Very much a novice eager to learn! So apologies, but I hope I will gain the boating knowledge eventually.

On a more general point re trying to get 20% off (see forum elsewhere) from the asking price of a broker, I am looking at a motor cruiser asking price £150k, good condition, good spec, well maintained etc. advert says offers considered, I know the owner, don't want to insult, but equally don't want to pay over the odds and lose on future resale. Have searched high and low on the web and really have no guide on what the boat is worth, nothing seems really comparable at the moment. New price now would be around £220/230k, boat is six years old and asking £150k. What do the experts out there advise please? Have to say I am stumped and delaying any offer. Totally confused!
 
a fair price is one that the seller is willing to accept! - he can always say no, and then suggest a more approriate price level.
 
Not an expert on expensive cruisers, but suggest if you are serious about buying the boat, get a surveyor to carry out a survey on boat condition etc.

He will give you a good idea about the value, and will give you ammunition to knock down the price to reflect value before any defects are repaired.

You should find a reputable surveyor, perhaps advertised in PBO or by recommendation.

As a rule of thumb, I reckon you might expect to get 10% off asking price, but that is just my opinion. If the boat gives you wjat you want then maybe its worth the asking price. Only you will know that.

Good luck
 
I don't know how well you know the owner, or how much you want the boat, but experience has taught me never to buy anything expensive from someone you know. It makes things awkward if things go wrong (and experience has taught me that where boats are concerned, they usually do!!) There are thousands of boats out there for sale. I'd buy one from someone you don't know and try your luck with a low offer.
 
You can pay professionals to value boats - if you think them wiser than you. If you're thinking of paying £150K the cost is modest in comparison. But ultimately I agree with others, a fair price is one both parties can agree. Is there a rush? You can learn a lot about comparative values by going over several boats, and there are plenty for sale. I don't think I would contemplate spending that sort of money without sending many hours going over the boat in question and others. Any experienced friends who can help? Or pay to accompany a surveyor.
 
There is no certainty over a particular discount being acheived against listed price... of the last two boats I have bought, I got nearly 30% off one, and paid near advertised price for the other.... only difference was the realism of the initial asking price.... you may strike lucky with a seller desperate to sell etc etc... but really you need to get a market value in order to make your decision.... if it feels good for the money, then it probably is!
 
not sure id pay 150k if i was a novice in the boating world....its alot of cash...id guess your geting alot of boat for that...may be too much to handle for a novice...
 
Agree with most opinions.
If the asking price is realistic, don't expect a big discount.
If you know the bloke and value the friendship, don't buy it. (Will he take it off brokerage and sell privately?)
The are are lots about and the prices will be falling
Rising interest rates
Rising running costs
Falling financial confidence
Advancing poor weather (winter)

No need to rush. Bide your time and save money. Lots of people with expensive boats will be in the second home/buy-to-rent/leisure-luxury retail businessmen trap that means increased overheads and diminishing income.

Just wait for some bargains.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top