Should I persue it??

[eyepatrol]

Okay, I know in other posts in other forums I've said that we're waiting until next spring to purchase a boat and I've discussed thoroughly on whether to get new, new non-current, used, model, etc. But today I came across a boat I feel might be just too good to pass on and would like some thoughts. First off, it's a used, 2004 Alumacraft Tournament Sport 175 with a '04 Yammi 150hp 4-stroke ("very very low hours"), Minnkota 65AP, Lowrance X51, Lowrance X125, 3 bank on-board charger, Shorelander trailer with swing tongue and spare, transom saver, 4 rod holders, travel cover, 4 seats, and stereo with cd player. That's what I know right now. The OBO price being asked is $18,500 (previously listed at $20K).

What do you guys think? Pending a review of the rig, but if it's problem free, would this be a great deal? Seems as though it would be to me.

[cold one sd]

I was looking at a new F250 diesel last year and didn't but it because my wife started grumping about us not needing a new pickup and especially not a noisy diesel. She doesn't like Lunds because my brother owns one and she doesn't like 2 stroke outboards because of the smell. I bought a new 1800 Fisherman this spring with a 150 4 stroke and she was grumping about not buying a pickup. I think I am getting this figured out. I just leave her home and listen to the complaining after the fact. Might not work for you though.

[eyepatrol]

How's the Verado treated you this year?

[hanson]

I've been reading this for awhile too.

My gut feeling basscatcher is that you are hesitant to pull the trigger on this one. Let it go. There will be others that come along, maybe even a better boat at a better price.

This is the time of year to buy but you'll also be buying something that you will see little to no use out of until next May, unless you plan on fishing the rivers this fall & winter.

I think if you and your wife wanted that boat, you'd own it already and we wouldn't be chatting about it on here.

The difference between 18,000 & 17,500 is peanuts in my opinion. That price difference should no way be the deciding factor since its so close already.

Good Luck to ya!

[eyepatrol]

If I had my say, we'd be picking it up Saturday. And I agree, $500 is "small potatos" when talking these amounts.

[harvey lee]

I would agree with Hanson 100%.If you think it is the boat you want and if the wife is willing to go along with it,then the 500 difference is nothing on a purchase if it is what you want.If you have problems with the purchase then forget it and wait for another boat or another time.Lots of deals to be had at most times of the year.

[Koldfront Kraig]

The Tournament Sport 175 is Alumacraft's top of the line in that size boat. Equivalent to a Lund PRO V 1800 IFS. Lots of standard features that a Lund Exploror doesn't have. Including thicker aluminum in the 2 XB hull.It also has a walk through windshield.

Price a new one to double check then look up NADA to compare their pricing.

That's not a bad deal.

[cold one sd]

The Verado has been very good. I have had some things come up this summer and I only have about 24 hours on it so far. It runs very well and gets about 5 mpg when cruising at 4,000 rpms. Fuel usage is about the same as my last boat which had a 4.3 liter I/O so there were no shocks there. They seem to be working out to be good outboard. I was reading about a Verado on a water taxi overseas that got 3,900 hrs put in it in about 18 months with no problems. I really don't think that there is a bad outboard out there at this time. Too much competition. I would recomend the Verado to anyone that is interested in one. If I ever get my wife in the boat long enough she will too,

[iffwalleyes]

I think Hanson is right on this. As much as you are struggling with this decision it probably is best to pass on it. This is just me but if I find something I really want I usually don't wait too long to go get it. From your past post is this really the boat you want? Or are you just settling for something in order to try and get one? One thing for sure it is a nice boat I don't think anyone will disagree on this. But as I told you before it is a persona decision not one any of us can make for you. We aren't going to make the payments you are. So you need to be ok with it. I would say that also means the Mrs. needs to be on board with it and if she is against it maybe you should listen to her . After all she did say you could get one in the spring and true you might not get as good of a deal as the fall but the are still some pretty good deals in the spring too.

[eyepatrol]

Good points IFF. We aren't struggling with the brand/model of boat to get....this boat along with a number of other boats are exactly what we're looking for. Any one of a number of brands/models would be fine with us, as they are set up very similar from brand to brand, model to model. The struggle really rests with my wife. Its a long story that I won't delve into, but it has to do with timing on buying a boat.

In short, I've told her I'm comfortable with getting one now or next spring. I'm just trying to look out for our best interests on spending money. This boat presents the best value that I've found to date....meaning its the right brand, right model, right price and with the right equipment (almost anyway). So we'll see. If it happens, it happens. If not, I'll wait until February and start my searches over again.

[LocalGuide]

The Fall is always a good time to search for a new boat too. Some dealers will have some hold overs that they want to get rid of before winter.

Just keep a eye out this fall and maybe you will hit the sweet deal!

Hey look, gas prices are going down! Boat sales might also go up too, but since its nearing the end of the season who knows.

Keep that eye open!

[iffwalleyes]

Quote:

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Good points IFF. We aren't struggling with the brand/model of boat to get....this boat along with a number of other boats are exactly what we're looking for. Any one of a number of brands/models would be fine with us, as they are set up very similar from brand to brand, model to model. The struggle really rests with my wife. Its a long story that I won't delve into, but it has to do with timing on buying a boat.

In short, I've told her I'm comfortable with getting one now or next spring. I'm just trying to look out for our best interests on spending money. This boat presents the best value that I've found to date....meaning its the right brand, right model, right price and with the right equipment (almost anyway). So we'll see. If it happens, it happens. If not, I'll wait until February and start my searches over again.

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Man you are in a predicament aren't you ? To get the boat or not get the boat. Have to do it like Jeff Foxworthy said

"Is that a new bass boat in the driveway?"

"Your morning to sleep in sweet pea."

[eyepatrol]

Quote:

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To get the boat or not get the boat.

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Ha! That sentence reminds me of a t-shirt my wife and I saw at a convenience store of sorts on I35 on our way up to Vermilion a couple weeks ago. The shirt said:

"To fish or not to fish. What a stupid question!"

[iffwalleyes]

I have the same shirt myself.

[caseymcq]

It sounds like a pretty sweet boat too me... I think you should buy it... I would bet the first time you dip in the lake an pull away from the dock you will be grinning from ear to ear. I have an Alumacraft and I love it.

[eyepatrol]

Well it's settled. We ARE getting this boat! Thank goodness the drama is over! You guys were probably getting sick and tired of reading about it anyway.

Thanks for all the responses. Now the real fun begins by rigging it up with a couple extra items and, most of all, getting it out after those fall walleyes!

[PerchJerker]

Sweet. Congrads on the purchase. I hope it works out great for you.

[eyepatrol]

Pending the test drive to make sure everything works, which it should, I think this rig will work out great for our family. It'll be interesting to see how the ride of this boat compares to the previous boat I had. I've only owned the Warrior, so this will be my first go at an aluminum boat. Plus I've never owned or driven a Yamaha motor much less the 4-stroke this one has on it. So it'll be interesting to see how that performs also.

I'm definitely excited. And with the kids getting older, the boat will get much more use year after year. That's the good part! I can't wait to get my 3yr old son out in it. He always enjoys watching the "movie" (locator). Only one problem with that...he always wants to "change the channel" (push buttons!).

[PierBridge]

Isn't life Great......

Way to go team basscatcher......

[stmichael]

AWESOME!

[Deitz Dittrich]

Take pictures of the new family member and post them when you have time!

[iffwalleyes]

Cool Enjoy the new ride. That Yamaha is a sweet motor you'll like it.

[eyepatrol]

Well the saga continues! Or should I say drama? I'm sure some will get a kick out of this, but thought it would be worth mentioning.

Last week I had been in contact with the private seller regarding his boat. We got a loan pre-approved and set up ready to go. Our finance agent needed the seller to fill out a few simple forms, plus I told the guy I needed to take a test drive of the rig, if nothing else for him to show me the ropes of the boat.

That was last week Thursday. Haven't heard a peep from him since. I tried calling 3 times without him answering his cell phone, messages are not being returned, sent an e-mail that hasn't been replied to, our finance agent hasn't seen anything come in.....nada.

This non-responsiveness and unavailability got me all nervous and concerned. Not sure if he's busy with work or what, but obviously he's not motivated enough to sell or we'd have the boat in our garage by now (or at least some sort of communication on his part).

So, we're backing out of the deal. It may be a case where he simply hasn't been available, but to me the lack of communication and committment to taking care of things on his end throws up all kinds of red flags.

So, I thought some may be interested in hearing this. Buying from a private seller can save money and all, but one also needs to be able to notice the red flags if they pop up, either by lack of communication, lack of willingness to take care of things on their end of the deal, unwillingness to do a test drive, etc.

We have now decided to buy the same type boat from a guy who works for a dealership. It's basically a demo boat that he is selling to us as a private sale. He has been in continuous contact with me and has given me a lot of information about the boat and is obviously very eager to sell it so he can work on ordering his next boat. The price is nearly the same as the other private seller too, so we're not taking a big loss or anything.

Sometimes a great deal isn't always a great deal...you gotta be comfortable with not only the boat, but the person you're buying from too.

[marine_man]

Sorry to hear it didn't work out...

Good luck on this deal! Post some pics when you get a chance!

marine_man

[eyepatrol]

I'll post pics when we get it. Main reason why I even mentioned this is because, although it is very exciting to get a boat, one still has to be careful in that it doesn't turn out to be a bad experience and they don't get caught up owning a boat that goes awry on them. Again, maybe everything was just fine with the rig, but the lack of communication and response throws up a lot of red flags for me. Better to walk away and start all over than to put yourself in a bad position.