Need Help selling…

I hate to type or utter these words, but I am in a place where I have to sell my boat. My circumstances are now at a place I can't fix whatever is wrong with it. I have maintained my boat since I bought it a long time ago...99% of the people I run into are stunned when I tell them the age of my boat. Regardless I am in a place I just can't fathom and must sell. The problem is there are some things wrong with the engine. I do not know specifically what, and trying to find a certified Merc mechanic who will take the time to diagnose has been an arduous task to say the least. My question is how do you price something when you don't know exactly what is wrong? The engine runs...I know it needs some kind of electronic control module for the oil injection, but when I drop the throttle it just bogs down and never takes off. Heck the last time I did that...I put the throttle in neutral and RPM's skyrocketed and motor stalled out. Again, I know motor will turn over, but there is definitely something wrong...how do you price something in this condition? Again...boat is almost pristine condition for something that is over 20 years old. I would be willing to bet from a distance you could not tell my boat was as old as it is... It kills me to even write this...if I somehow could afford to get it fixed I would...at least I could keep my baby...but life has dealt me a different set of cards to play. Any advice as to how to price? One last thing...this boat is a '99! The boat itself has 0 scars...maybe my bias is showing...for the age of this boat you can't see any damage...yes there are some mars...but no gouges, carpets look new...ok..I need to replace the lid shocks, but generally speaking there is nothing on the hull or top to indicate this boat is worn...biggest concern is the engine...I have always faithfully maintained...but again...something just not right for now. Apologies for my rambling...I just don't know what to do, or how to evaluate the price for selling. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! Todd One more thing yes I have used NADA guides, but question the pricing.

This topic has 4 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 1 month ago by mike dominick.

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April 7, 2023 at 12:23 pm #710480

himmelrr
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I am sorry for your troubles whatever they are. I truly am. I will pray for peace for you.

Now, as far as price goes, it will be difficult to sell at a premium due to engine problems. It could be a $200 fix or a $10,000 fix and the buyer does not know. You hope it is $200 and the buyer will assume $10,000. I would highly recommend you get it fixed and sell it as a solid motor. If you are with 4 hours of Greenville, SC you need to get it to Don Weed at European Marine. He has amazing diagnostic abilities. He only works on Mercury motors.

Price will also vary with the age of your electronics and trolling motor type. Other accessories like a hydraulic plate, power poles etc do not add a ton of value. Generally 1/3 to 1/2 of what they cost. It sucks but that is the way it is.

You have two options, let it go for a big discount without fixing the motor or pay to have it fixed and get a better price. In either case, clean up the boat, take GOOD pictures and be ready to sell by getting paperwork ready. Write down the motor, boat and trailer serial numbers so a serious buyer can do their research.

April 7, 2023 at 12:27 pm #710483

BIGCATTER
Participant

Sounds like NADA may seem a bit low to you . — All I have to offer is that I bought a 99 model Classic in 2010 that needed a motor, and I paid 5000 for it back then, and it was in very good condition. – I can’t imagine your circumstances, but my advice is to find a service facility that can make the diagnosis you need, fix it, and then sell if you must. – Sometimes you have to spend a little money to make some more. – My brother had an older Mariner 200 that had the same symptoms you described. – It needed the injection computer replaced , but we found a place in California that fixed it for only a couple hundred bucks . – Simon Motorsports was the name of it I believe.- I hope this helps you a little bit, but I’ll offer up prayer for you just the same. – Take care, and God Bless !! — Hoss

April 7, 2023 at 2:00 pm #710489

tb3364
Participant

Thanks guys…yes my dilemma is just that I don’t know if it is a major or minor thing. Where I live there are no basscat dealers within a couple of hours drive. I have reached out to several marine dealers, but many of them don’t want to waste their time running diags to maybe or maybe not repair. I have already been denied service at 4 different places because they don’t want to waste their time on something they didn’t sell, or on a non-regular customer.

I know I am going to take a bath on the boat selling “as is”, but just didn’t know where I should start even at a base level. Keep in mind if I could afford to fix I would in a heartbeat…I just can’t justify the expense when I have so many other financial obligations which take precedence.

Again…thanks for responding. I do appreciate it.

April 7, 2023 at 3:53 pm #710493

mike dominick
Participant

I hate to add to your pain, but is this the same boat that sunk and you found out the hull was cracked? I think you got it repaired, but I would probably factor that in. If the engine was submerged, this could be the cause of your issue.
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