Boat On Ebay What Do U Think

[dangles]

Currently im the market for a boat and come accross this on ebay. Just wondering what do u think its worth, build quality and are the hours on the motor ok?

thanks in advance

Daniel

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...%2509%26fvi%3D1

[tuffy]

Dan, if you can get it for around that starting price listed I reckon it's not bad value for money, IMO.

Russ

[a boat]

Hi Daniel, we used to sell the Clark range of boats many years ago and the Revolution was a good boat for its day. They are well made, ride OK and are stable. The 50HP Johnson is a bullet proof engine which has not really changed its design since the 1970's so it has been proven over many many years. It will not be a fuel efficient or quiet as a modern "clean" tech engine, but the price should reflect that. If the engine hours are correct (unfortunately no way of knowing on older carby engines like this) than 130 hours is nothing.

As with anything you buy privately there will be no warranty and I would want to give the engine a good look at by someone with a bit of experience.

I see it is priced at $10K, which is good buying, but I am sure it will go higher, I do not think it would be worth much more than $15-$16K if it checks out OK.

Get the serial number and PM me if you like and I can run a check on it.

Cheers,

Huey.

[bluefin]

He has it advertised elsewhere, find out where and for how much!

Do a revs check on it ! 130 hours is very little on the motor. looks like a nice clean rig.

Howard.

[pelican]

No comment on the specific boat but a couple on ebay and buying boats - sorry if it is a little off topic so feel free to ignore it.

Auctions are used by sellers to force a sale time- ie pressure It may be because they want it over and done with or because they don't want proper inspections as time doesn't allow or alternative to be sought. Don't pay up just because someone else has bid on it as many people get their mates to bid ( shill bidding) along with numerous other scams. On expensive goods with possible finance owing etc treat it as a introduction service and a normal transaction. If you are happy with the boat and the person wants to sell via ebay get him to put it up at the agreed buy it now price and close the transaction- don't get sucked into an auction bidding war. Serious sellers will probably be happy to deal with a honest punctual buyer.

Forget that it is an auction or ebay and if you like the boat get it properly looked at by someone who knows their stuff on boats , motors and trailers. Make sure you are there when all tests are done so you can understand any issues.

Starting price is just a tease price- find out what the bloke will actually accept.

Ensure it is unencumbered via revs and a stat dec from seller. Ensure the sellers ID is the owner - a few scams with rebirthed boats around. Ensure the seller has all original relevant rego warranty papers.

There is possibly a lot of good sellers out there of second hand boats and goods but for the few diamonds out there there is a lot of coal and lemons.

Interest rate pressures are starting to bite and it is Winter so more are likely to come up soon and spring may be a pretty hard time this year for dealers and good buys for people with cash.

I think last year there was a topic on things to check when buying a new or second hand boat - probably worth a search.

Sorry I can't comment on the specific boat.

130hrs isn't much on a 2 stroke and the inportant thing is compression is even and strong like it was new. Check serial numbers and what year motor is. Cowl colours look about right. What oil does he run? Johnson motors of that era were heavily discounted by some people as the parent company went broke so they may not retain as good second hand value in some peoples mind.

Quick things I noticed - it has a foil on motor - find out why- boat have handleing issues- sucked in by advertising- achieved slower plane- - on when he bought it or possibly wrong set up?

Very clean - fastidious owner or just detailed? stored indoors perhaps.

What brand trailer and what weight rating? Does that suit you if you put all the kids crap in on annual holidays and is it still legal.

It is a fishing boat so check carefully for pitting and corrosion inside the hull from any tackle that has gone astray.

With underfloor tanks and low hour motors just beware that a lot of damage can occur to motors that get run on stale fuel - can't test for (unless compression down) it but worth considering particularly if motor is minimum HP for hull as it will have been working very hard. Ask about top speed and revs. Motors not set up right die early.

If the boat passes your initial enquiries talk to the site sponsors as they know boats motors and packages and may be able to help you out if they know or trust the local dealer or mechanic in regards to history or inspections if a serious about a purchase.

good luck

Edit - Just seen Huey has replied with half your answers but he obviously types faster.

Edited May 10, 2008 by pelican

[jewgaffer]

I agree with what has been said as to the importance of thorough checking etc. However as far as 15 footers go in bays and estuaries and close in work, this boat is an excellent fishing boat in my opinion and given the season and economy and being located where it is more, it more than likely won't get a bid. Then it puts the ball in your court and might be well worth the trip.

Cheers

jewgaffer