My wife and I are considering purchasing a 1985 23'O'day the asking price is $ 5,500. Now living under 15 feet of snow 8 months of the year at 2600 feet doesn't really sharpen the boat buying instinct, and having never really owned a boat before my experience is less than extensive. The boat comes with a trailer, recently rebuilt outboard and reconditioned sails. if it were livestock I might be able to form an opinion of it,s condition and value.But as it is I know about as much about boats as the price of beans in bangladesh.Any one out there in cyberspace or closer with an opinion,advice or "tricks of the trade" would be greatfully appreciated. happy sailing, break a leg,red sky at night yo ho ho and a bottle of rum... etc
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little high
Unless this boat is in absolutely bristol shape it seems high. Check out prices at www.boattraderonline.com or www.yachtworld.com for comparison prices. I would think something closer to 3k would be right for this size boat.
Unless this boat is in absolutely bristol shape it seems high. Check out prices at www.boattraderonline.com or www.yachtworld.com for comparison prices. I would think something closer to 3k would be right for this size boat.
$5500 OK
$5500 is a fair price for a 1985 Oday 23 in good shape, meaning all fiberglass, teak, sails trailor, interior and exterior was maintained and not obviously damaged. In your part of the country prices are probably somewhat lower by $400-$600. If you can get a marine survayer to check out the boat you would know exactly what shape its in. That would cost about $150.00
$5500 is a fair price for a 1985 Oday 23 in good shape, meaning all fiberglass, teak, sails trailor, interior and exterior was maintained and not obviously damaged. In your part of the country prices are probably somewhat lower by $400-$600. If you can get a marine survayer to check out the boat you would know exactly what shape its in. That would cost about $150.00
Factors to Consider
Trailer: if it is a galvanized trailer in good condition this has some definite value - 1K to 2K? I really don't know trailer prices but having seen some in want ads this seems to be what they've been advertised at. Galvanized is good. Trailer capacity - is it small for the boat or large? A heavy capacity trailer would be worth more. Motor: nearly all trailerables have outboards and they can be removed. Check if the book value includes the motor. Rebuilt - personally, I don't put much value in a rebuilt and would consider this a negative. Also, if it is older it is likely a 2-cycle. A late model used 2-cycle, say 8 to 9.9 range, could be worth 1K or so. Electric start would be an add. A 4-cycle would be worth more. The prices for these things can vary over a wide margin. Sails: Reconditioned? Recut or resewn sails would only be a couple hundred or so. If they've been recut they're nearing the end of their life so I think this could actually be a negative. Gel Coat: Has it been left in the sun and weather and is oxidized or kept waxed and covered? Scratches and nicks in gel coat? Lines fresh or old (probably original)? Extras(life jackets, electronics, ground tackle, porta-poti, etc.)? Overall condition on an older boat would cause the price to vary. Replacement value is a bundle!!
Trailer: if it is a galvanized trailer in good condition this has some definite value - 1K to 2K? I really don't know trailer prices but having seen some in want ads this seems to be what they've been advertised at. Galvanized is good. Trailer capacity - is it small for the boat or large? A heavy capacity trailer would be worth more. Motor: nearly all trailerables have outboards and they can be removed. Check if the book value includes the motor. Rebuilt - personally, I don't put much value in a rebuilt and would consider this a negative. Also, if it is older it is likely a 2-cycle. A late model used 2-cycle, say 8 to 9.9 range, could be worth 1K or so. Electric start would be an add. A 4-cycle would be worth more. The prices for these things can vary over a wide margin. Sails: Reconditioned? Recut or resewn sails would only be a couple hundred or so. If they've been recut they're nearing the end of their life so I think this could actually be a negative. Gel Coat: Has it been left in the sun and weather and is oxidized or kept waxed and covered? Scratches and nicks in gel coat? Lines fresh or old (probably original)? Extras(life jackets, electronics, ground tackle, porta-poti, etc.)? Overall condition on an older boat would cause the price to vary. Replacement value is a bundle!!
NADA
NADA.com has some pretty reasonable quotes for Boats and Trailers. (they are indavidually priced) But my 1985 Catalina Trailer books at $400 or so. That is a Swing Keel singel axle. Duallies with Brakes get on up there,,so take a look and enter the data that you are certain of. When useing the NADA site I also suggest you 'play' with Zip Codes, the site asks for your Zip Code and is good to enter in some Florida/California/Carolinas,,any state area that has a Coast. What John said is so on the spot, to replace my gear from a Hurricane Sinking cost me about $2500, (OB,Safety Gear, Halyards, Sails,,,) is a Boat so it never really ends! <g>
NADA.com has some pretty reasonable quotes for Boats and Trailers. (they are indavidually priced) But my 1985 Catalina Trailer books at $400 or so. That is a Swing Keel singel axle. Duallies with Brakes get on up there,,so take a look and enter the data that you are certain of. When useing the NADA site I also suggest you 'play' with Zip Codes, the site asks for your Zip Code and is good to enter in some Florida/California/Carolinas,,any state area that has a Coast. What John said is so on the spot, to replace my gear from a Hurricane Sinking cost me about $2500, (OB,Safety Gear, Halyards, Sails,,,) is a Boat so it never really ends! <g>
"Practical Sailor" did
a 3&1/2 page write-up on it in their "Practical Boat Buying" book. They liked the boat. Have someone who knows sailboats check it out - that price is pretty high for one, you probably wouldn't ever find one higher, but if it's a real nice boat you might make an offer you both could live with. It's a BUYER'S market. (Stop 100 random people on the street - how many want to buy a sailboat, even at a super bargain price?)
a 3&1/2 page write-up on it in their "Practical Boat Buying" book. They liked the boat. Have someone who knows sailboats check it out - that price is pretty high for one, you probably wouldn't ever find one higher, but if it's a real nice boat you might make an offer you both could live with. It's a BUYER'S market. (Stop 100 random people on the street - how many want to buy a sailboat, even at a super bargain price?)
Worth what you are WILLING to pay.
Patrick: You can probably get an expert opinion for about $250-300. The evaluation will give you the value of the plus any problems. Reconditioned sail and rebuilt outboard have no value when they are doing a survey on a boat. Either the boat is worth the price or not. If it happens to be a good value depends if you are willing to pay for these supposed items that the buyer is claiming. You are a novice and need to get a professional survey. Spend some time with the surveyor and learn a little about the boat and the purchase. Generally you will be able to save the price of the survey by knocking down the purchase price for any and all problems that the boat may have.
Patrick: You can probably get an expert opinion for about $250-300. The evaluation will give you the value of the plus any problems. Reconditioned sail and rebuilt outboard have no value when they are doing a survey on a boat. Either the boat is worth the price or not. If it happens to be a good value depends if you are willing to pay for these supposed items that the buyer is claiming. You are a novice and need to get a professional survey. Spend some time with the surveyor and learn a little about the boat and the purchase. Generally you will be able to save the price of the survey by knocking down the purchase price for any and all problems that the boat may have.
too high
I have owned my 78 23foot for 3 years It was in fair condition in the water (no trailer) with 9.9 elec.start motor ( motor needed work) up side was new Main and 2 good head sails. All safety equipment, radio, battery and ? 10 life jackets, tool kit for $ 1800. This was in the Houston, Tx area. This is my 1st sail boat and I like the way it handles.
I have owned my 78 23foot for 3 years It was in fair condition in the water (no trailer) with 9.9 elec.start motor ( motor needed work) up side was new Main and 2 good head sails. All safety equipment, radio, battery and ? 10 life jackets, tool kit for $ 1800. This was in the Houston, Tx area. This is my 1st sail boat and I like the way it handles.
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