Conference vicki::boats

    My search ended up at aboat dealer. Some will freely let you browze
    through it while others want to look up the value for you. You gotta
    tell these types to back-off! Otherwise you won't buy the candy
    colored 32' superduper cruiser they can't seem to move. The dealer
    I asked let me look and offered info on the tolerance of the numbers 
    given in the book.

    Good Luck
    /MArk

    The most definitive source is the "BUC Book". It lists
    average retail prices for most every model of boat, by year.
    It is published in three volumes which are (approximately)
    1981-1988, 1975-1980 and pre-1975.  The books are expensive,
    I paid $110 for volumes 1 & 2.  They are published twice per
    year.

    I don't have the publisher information here, but it's
    BUC International in Ft. Lauderdale.  I'm sure you can
    get the number from 305 directory assistance.

    They take credit cards and ship UPS.

    	- Lee

    Does your average (or maybe larger than average) library carry a copy
    of this 3-volume set, maybe updated at regular intervals?  Perhaps in
    the reference section where removal from the library is prohibited?
    Wishful thinking?
    
    					...Roger...

    If your looking for the data on a specific boat, try your local
    bank. They would check it befor they gave you a loan. You might
    also try the DCU (Digital Credit Union)--who knows?
    
    Don

    There is a noter in the SAILING notes that I believe he has the BUC.
    He has always been very helpfull to other noters.Why dont you ask in
    that file?

    I haven't been in here in a while so I'm just now seeing the requests
    for BUC Book info. 
    
    Most boat dealers have a copy and will usually let you look at one.
    Most general purpose banks won't have a copy; the big marine financial
    people will, but you're not likely to find a convenient office to drop
    in to. Libraries in active boating area's (Marblehead, Newport, etc)
    usually have copies in their reference section (not for removal, but
    with a coin operated copier handy you can get what you need.). The
    Annapolis library has a subscription and since it's just down the
    street from me, on occasion I go over and make copies for noters.
    Done it three or four times now (coincidently got a request today which
    is what reminded me to browse in here) and until it gets out of hand
    I don't mind an occasional request.
    
    J_R

    Moved by moderator...
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Note 816.0                 Pricing for a used boat????                No replies
JUPITR::DIPINTO                                       8 lines   4-APR-1991 10:58
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    I am thinking of putting my boat up for sale.  I am not sure
    what to ask for a price.  How do you go about getting a figure
    for this?  It is pretty easy with cars just look in the "blue book".
    
    
    		Thanks,
    
    		Carl

I'll give you $100, sight unseen.    8^)

Seriously, your best bet is to check the BUC price book, as well as
scan all the used boat ads you can find to see what people are actually
asking for similar boats.  The Want Advertiser is a good place to start,
but remember these are *asking* prices.  Some of these ads have been in
there all winter with no takers.  

The price you ask will be partially determined by whether you want a 
quick sale, or are willing to spend months trying to sell it.  Right now
is the best time to sell and you will get your highest price.  By July 
the buying season has already slowed down, so if it doesn't sell by then
you're probably asking too much and will have to lower the price if you
really want to sell before the season's over.

You can also check some of the notes below, which I complied by typing
"DIR/TITLE=USED".  If you'd like, describe the boat to us and we'll
try and give you a ballpark figure.

Rick


 Topic  Author               Date         Repl  Title
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   286     RGB::PAN           6-MAR-1989     7  Used Boat Advice Needed
   387  ASPEN2::BOIKO        25-MAY-1989     6  Blue Book for used boats - where..?
   429  SMVDV1::JGUNNERSON    7-JUL-1989     7  How to test, sea trial, a used boat
   486    CSSE::RBROWN       23-AUG-1989    22  Used Boats (low end)

    Moved by moderator...
    
================================================================================
Note 3.1099                   Boat Sale Ads Here...                 1099 of 1099
POCUS::CULLEN                                        16 lines   7-AUG-1991 16:23
                         -< Help, what's it worth... >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I am about to offer my 1973 Wellcraft Nova Offshore for sale and need
    some feedback regarding its value.  Especially helpful would be any
    input from NY/NJ noters.  The NMMA "blue book" only goes back to 1979
    and I have not been able to get a BUC price.
    
    The boat is a 1973 25' Nova Offshore.  Twin Mercruiser 198's.  The
    engines were rebuilt by the previous owner in 1988 and have less than
    75 hours since then.  
    
    Aesthetically, the boat is in fine shape.  A few nicks and scratches,
    but what would you expect!?  
    
    Your help is gretaly appreciated.
    
    Tom
     

    Moved by moderator...
    
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Note 897.0               Boston Whaler - 13' What price?              No replies
ICS::PAINTER                                         18 lines  15-AUG-1991 12:22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I would like to know a fair price range for the boat described below.
    Please send your thoughts to ICS::PAINTER. I am not a "notes person."
    
    	1965 Boston Whaler - 13'
    	No motor
    	Hull in good shape - no bumps, holes, patches, etc.
    	all fittings, except ski tow eyes in good shape
    		ski tow eyes need to be replaced
    	wired for night running
        trailer needs new axel and has rust
        all steering and motor control cables are in good shape
        seats and rest of stuff are in good shape
    f
    What's this thing worth? I am new to boats and need some advise.
    
    Thanks.
    
    ICS::PAINTER   or   Steve Painter @PKO

    For the lack of a better place to put this request. . .
    
    Does anyone have a copy of the blue book for used boats (BUC?).  I
    want to put my 1986 15' CC Whaler (puchased new in June 1988) with
    1988 Mercury 45 ELO and 1988 Shoreline trailer on the market.  I'm
    also checking the Want Advertiser.
    
    I don't know how the book works, but the boat/motor have never been
    in Salt and both are indistinguishable from brand new (read VERY low
    use).
    
    Thanks,
    
    Brian
    Reply to BHBVAX::PARR

    
    None of us will have a copy, can't get it.
    
    Call Boat u.s.
    
    JIm.

    Your local library may have a copy.  I know in Syr. NY the main library
    has the boat blue book and NADA for cars.
    
    Rick
    
    

    The BUC book(s) are available to anyone who cares to pay for
    them.  I have a set from several years ago.  The books cover
    something like:  Vol 1: most recent 5 years; Vol. 2:
    5 years preceeding; Vol 3: antique.  They're about $75 per
    volume with a discount for purchasing more than one volume.

    If you'd like a copy, 800 327-6929  They take credit cards.

    	- Lee Lindquist

                    <<< Note 387.12 by PIPPER::BORZUMATO >>>
                               -< call boat us >-

    
    None of us will have a copy, can't get it.
    
    Call Boat u.s.
    
    JIm.

    Back in 87/88 i tried to get one. They would not sell it.
    
    Maybe things have changed.
    
    who answers this 800 no.
    
    anyway its less$$ to call boat us. why buy it, if your the average 
    consumer.
    
    JIm

    > Back in 87/88 i tried to get one. They would not sell it.
    >
    > Maybe things have changed.
    
    You must be thinking of something else. I ordered a BUC book from this
    number back in 1985.
    
    > who answers this 800 no.
    
    The person at BUC Research who will take your order.
    
    JR
    

    Moved by moderator.
    
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Note 1029.0              How to figure value of my boat?              No replies
SONATA::STUDIVAN                                     18 lines   3-NOV-1992 12:01
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Hi.
    
    Is there such a thing as a "Power Boats Price Guide"? There is such a
    publication for old cars, called the "Old Car Price Guide" which gives
    average retail value of cars in various conditions by model and year.
    
    I am trying to come up with a value of my:
    
    1981 19-1/2 foot Baja Bowrider
    350 Chev. V8, with Mercruiser outdrive
    
    Good condition.
    
    Thanks for any help.
    
    Laurie
    

Laurie,
As mentioned eariler in this string, there is a book for used boat prices.
But I wouldn't place too much emphasis on it, there are too many variables.

For one thing, this screwed up economy has prices of non-essentials all 
messed up.  Stuff is worth what someone else is willing to pay, no more,
no less.  How many times do you see ads for an item that read "Worth $10K,
asking $5995"?  If they can only get $5995, that's all it's worth. Period.

Anyway, in boats, once they get to be more than 5 or 6 years old, price is
determined almost strictly by condition and not by model year.  There are 20 
year old boats that are worth more than they cost new, and there are 5 year 
old boats most people wouldn't give you a plug nickel for.

Here are some of the variables that effect price, and only you will know the 
answer to most of these:

- What are the prices of similar boats in the same condition, *in your area*?
- How well has it been maintained?  Does it need any work, or is it turn-key?
- Any salt water use, or fresh water only?
- Where and how is it stored? Is it left in the water for extended periods, or
  kept on a trailer in a dry space when not in use?
- How many hours on it?  how does it run?  Does everything work?
- What's the overall appearance of the hull, interior, canvas, motor, etc.?
  (And opinions as to "good" condition vary widely).
- Any accessories included?  A trailer?  Radio?  Loran? PFD's, skis, etc...
- What's the season?  Prices fluctuate significantly between spring and fall.
- Are you willing to provide any warranty?

As you can see, this isn't as easy as looking a price up in a book.  You're
going to have to do your homework, ask around, look at other boats, etc.  If
you really don't know where to begin, you may want to have it appraised by a
surveyor, insurance adjuster, or boat dealer.  The bottom line is still that
it's worth only what someone else will pay.  If you've put a good effort into
advertising in various places and still no sale, you're probably asking too 
much.

Rick

    Rick said it all.   It's a very unstable market.   And one of the
    things that makes it even crazier is that the price of *new* boats
    doesn't follow the semi-rationality of cars either.  A car dealer posts
    a retail price, knocks off 10%, and then you dicker around over $500 or
    less.  A boat may may have a *posted* sale price of 30-40% off retail
    and then you start bargaining.  Retail prices of new boats have been
    rising in the double digit percentage ranges every year whereas the 
    actual sales prices for those boats tend to track inflation (or stay
    stable, or even go down in today's economy).
    
    Look at marine electronics for even more irrational pricing.  Retail
    price $1999 - your price $300.
    
    

    
    If you are a member of Boat U.S. they will give you a book value
    
    form the B.U.C. book. Its a starting point, and is adjusted
    
    by regions of the country.   
    
    Rick is correct there are too many variables...
    
    JIm.

    Moved by moderator.  What you need is the "BUC" book.  I have access
    to a current one, send me *all* the details of the boat offline and 
    I'll look it up for you.
    
    Rick
    boats co-mod
    
================================================================================
Note 1048.0                      Auction HELP!!!                      No replies
WMOIS::WESCHE                                        16 lines  22-MAR-1993 16:30
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    Can anybody help me out there with boat auction experience or other
    applicable experience.
    
    I am looking into bidding on an auction boat(from a bank).  How can I find
    the book(a trusted) value?  Or what source should I seek.  I know the
    person who previously owned the boat so I know the condition and care
    that it has been given(all things you wonder about).
    
    How might I go about determining a reasonably LOW price so I don't end
    up paying more than I can get away with?  I want to go in with set
    limits so I don't "get it at any cost"!!!
    
    I know this is vague and general but any help is appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    Dave