shop around
I just bought a nice F235 at what I consider to be a very fair price. Perhaps there is a little regional price variation (maybe one has to pay more in the NE?), but I would suggest you look at as many F235s as you can before deciding - I looked at 5 before buying. Based on my experience ... you should find that F235s asking 10K or less are probably in ave/poor condition - especially if they do have a trailer with them. (A new 2-axle galvanized trailer will cost $3-4K, depending on manufacturer and additional features.) F235s at about $11K will be a mixed bag (this is near the midrange price) - with a trailer, they could be very average boats, but without a trailer, they could be nice, and/or well equipped. F235s in the $12-14K range should be in ready-to-sail condition with a reasonable motor, and should have a trailer. F235s above $13K should have at least two of the following features: good trailer, really nice condition inside and out, manufactured in the 90s, include some extra equipment (e.g., spinnaker stuff, vhf radio, compass, depth/speed, solar panels). Any F235s asking over $15K are probably over-priced, or they are so pretty and so well equipped that you are looking at 'the best house in the best neighborhood'. Good luck!
