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1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
Why the "What is it worth?" "Did I get a good deal?"
I empathize with all the queries of "value to cost". A quick search to NADA or the local, as well as nationwide listings, will tell you a reasonable number. When I bought my boat I made it my boat. I looked at hulls, consulted with my wife, and gave a lot of thought. I do not deal in boats (if a great deal I might flip one). I chose my boat because the feeling was right. The deck, cabin, shape what was what I desired. I have spent more monies on accessories and tweaking the details, that could ever be saved by low balling an offer. Look into the costs of electronics or, a maintenance exam that goes over budget, and you will realize that the effort to save a couple of bucks during the purchase, you may end up with something cost effective, but not what you want. If you like the hull, inspect it, buy it. Things have a way of working out.
I couldn't agree more. Trying to figure out if it makes economic sense to buy a certain boat is a meaningless exercise. There isn't a boat in the world for which the economics look positive. If you are concerned about the money part of it then it will be more of a frustration than a pleasure. If you're considering purchasing a particular boat then you should be focused on whether or not that boat will be something you will enjoy. Keep in mind you aren't buying a boat, you are buying the memories that you will make while using that boat.
Hey, guys. Take it easy people who are new to boating or Whalers in particular. I see nothing wrong with someone asking for an opinion. What are you going to say to people who are just reaching out for a little help? "Sorry buddy, we don't care if you buy a piece of crap and get screwed because we can't be bothered with that. Now, welcome to out friendly, helpful site."
I winter in Ft. Myers and summer in St. Joseph, Michigan. It’s now about 12 years since I’ve joined this group. I gave my 1972 whaler to my daughter and sold the 17’. Bought an O’Day 28 sailboat and sailed on Lake Michigan. Yesterday I bought a 2005 130 Sport.
Wing, equally eloquently said. I remember when I posted my original thread it was in reference to a person looking at an Outrage 17'. He asked for input (all with pretty similar answers) and I believe one of the members mentioned the sellers asking price was a steal, he still was asking if he should "low ball". I am all for honest questions with honest replies. I believe the web site should always be non judgmental and helpful for all questions.
thetoddjohnson wrote:
I couldn't agree more. Trying to figure out if it makes economic sense to buy a certain boat is a meaningless exercise. There isn't a boat in the world for which the economics look positive. If you are concerned about the money part of it then it will be more of a frustration than a pleasure. If you're considering purchasing a particular boat then you should be focused on whether or not that boat will be something you will enjoy. Keep in mind you aren't buying a boat, you are buying the memories that you will make while using that boat.
I agree that as a concept buying a boat virtually never makes economic sense. But of the 5 to 10 options that an individual may have in choosing a boat to buy, certain options will be far better than others economically. It's good for a buyer to be well-informed in this regard and seek counsel from others who may be more experienced.
Ric232 wrote:I agree that as a concept buying a boat virtually never makes economic sense. But of the 5 to 10 options that an individual may have in choosing a boat to buy, certain options will be far better than others economically. It's good for a buyer to be well-informed in this regard and seek counsel from others who may be more experienced.
True, but specifically the "What is it worth?" "Did I get a good deal?" questions as the OP stated, are nearly impossible to answer via the internet, due to regional variances in pricing and the inability to adequately determine the true condition, without actually laying eyes on a given boat.
