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**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 07:35 AM

price high...you can always negotiate lower...can't negotiate higher.....

:arr arr

**smitty477** · 06-12-2012, 07:41 AM

Many folks have struggled with this over the years as did we a number of times.

I can't tell you what your boat is 'worth' any better then we could tell ourselves but.....

I can tell you how you can make yourself feel at least a bit more comfortable about the whole idea.

Find a half dozen or so equivalent boats as yours in the area and go see what they really are like.

It was always a real eye opener when we went to see simlar boats as our for sale or just purchased to get a feel for the condition.

We often see them anyway as we meet people on a cruise and can either help them with information, crusing sites, or parts sources.

Hope this helps

**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 08:10 AM

20-25kish. The trailer will help, if your not keeping it.

All the updates, repairs, mods you have added wont add to the overall value remember, they will only make your boat stand out next to others in your class.

Make sure you test your unknowns, nothing makes me cringe more when buying something then an owner that says "dunno never used it before". Usually to ME thats a dead giveaway of something is up and is an immediate turnoff. Test everything, make sure it works.

**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 08:14 AM

Just a thought- it is ultimately worth what someone is willing to pay for it. We can guess at what that number is in advance. Start high and see what happens, you can always negotiate or reduce your price.

**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 08:18 AM

You need to find an honest broker, that you trust, and ask him/her.

A good broker will do some homework that includes finding proper comparables and researching recent sale prices (not asking prices). They can also adjust for your area, fresh vs saltwater, missing/extra equipment, etc.

Obviously, an incompetent or unethical broker won't do you any good, so you have to find a good one. They're rare but they DO exist.

**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 08:32 AM

whiskywizard wrote:
You need to find an honest broker, that you trust, and ask him/her.

A good broker will do some homework that includes finding proper comparables and researching recent sale prices (not asking prices). They can also adjust for your area, fresh vs saltwater, missing/extra equipment, etc.

Obviously, an incompetent or unethical broker won't do you any good, so you have to find a good one. They're rare but they DO exist.

I was guna say mike, I have yet to find a decent broker. You will also pay a hefty chunk of commission to them, at 20k is it really worth it? I can see a broker for a 100k+ boat, they can bring people in with money that you might not be associated with. Not really for 20k, you can find buyers on craigslist or boattrader for that. Just my opinion.

**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 08:37 AM

biohazard wrote:

Make sure you test your unknowns, nothing makes me cringe more when buying something then an owner that says "dunno never used it before". Usually to ME thats a dead giveaway of something is up and is an immediate turnoff. Test everything, make sure it works.

Bingo. As I was reading the OP when I got to the unknowns I immediately assumed that each of them was a problem. Odd considering I have a belief that the boat is very well cared for but by not knowing that it did work, I immediately assumed it didn't. Especially the trim tabs. As a buyer I would assume they would have been used at some point. How hard is it to get out and use that system to see if it works? Or the hot water and stove. Fire it up and be able to give them peace of mind (even if it doesn't work).

**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 08:45 AM

biohazard wrote:
I was guna say mike, I have yet to find a decent broker. You will also pay a hefty chunk of commission to them, at 20k is it really worth it? I can see a broker for a 100k+ boat, they can bring people in with money that you might not be associated with. Not really for 20k, you can find buyers on craigslist or boattrader for that. Just my opinion.

The way I see it personally, brokers pull deals together and help ensure they close without snags. When the asking price is small, as in this case, the commission is also small. A good broker earns his commission many times over. That's my opinion but of course each seller has to decide for himself if it's worth it.

p.s. You don't have to pay a commission until you list and sell with the broker. Before you list, you'll know what he/she thinks is the right asking price and selling price. The good ones, with good local knowledge, will decide in 5 minutes what that boat is worth. talk to a couple - it doesn't cost anything to talk.

**706jim** · 06-12-2012, 09:01 AM

Salt water or fresh water?

Makes a big difference up here.

**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 09:58 AM

Phil,

i do not know about your area but, I priced my 1997 2355 with 300 hrs all new canvas (2 years) 5.7 Alpha 1 gen 2.

The boat is cleaner than most. 8.5-9 on a 10 scale. trailmaster 2 axel trailer with brakes (1997) new tires.

$14,000.00 I can't not even get an offer.

it is paid for and it can sit or I will give it to one or all of my kids to use if necessary.

Bob

**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 10:13 AM

I think the prices are really dependent on the area. Around where I have a chance to look (and that may be different just some miles away) small boats sell almost at the same price as larger boats of same age and condition. When I was on the hunt for mine I could have picked my 17.5ft 4cyl or a 24ft 8cyl, both in excellent condition, at only a $1000 difference. Couldn't tow the big one so I got the small one. The 24' boat was still advertised 7 months later.

Looks to me that people all of a sudden care about fuel economy and cost of maintenance. A smaller boat can be stored in the garage or side yard, the bigger ones need a slip or storage space and a gas guzzler to tow it.

**Guest** · 06-12-2012, 10:40 AM

I agree with this 100%!

seapuppy wrote:
price high...you can always negotiate lower...can't negotiate higher.....

:arr arr

**Jeffw** · 06-12-2012, 10:48 AM

Regarding brokers, if they ask you what you need to get, or something similar, walk away. Just get their opinion first.

Phil, you need to decide what it's worth to you, IOW, what's your bottom dollar you would sell it for. When I sold my 305, it was priced high, but under retail book. I had my bottom line price, and after 19 months for sale, that's what I finally got. He offered under, I countered higher, we met in the middle at my bottom line. I knew he was going to buy it, we just had to dance a bit.

I bought the 2858 eight months before I sold the 305, because it was the boat I wanted and we agreed on price. If you need to sell your 3055 before upgrading, you probably won't get your price. If you can afford to upgrade, then sell, you'll come out better, eventually.

I think $25k is probably a good start, maybe even higher. As stated before, you can always come down. A word of caution. Sounds like you have your 3055 just how you want it. Before I bought the 305, I had a 289. Now I have a 2858, you do the math, I think you know what I'm saying here...

**itsabowtime2** · 06-12-2012, 10:50 AM

Bit of confusion.

The trim tabs do work. It has the auto trim system. I have never used it. I use the tabs to get up on plane then raise them and only use tab to adjust starboard/port to get the boat level.

Great idea to check what has bot been used. And Vicky corrected me, we used the stove once.

Appreciate all the insight.

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