poss . new boat

[Ed Michrina]

My wife wants a bigger boat. I'm still in love with my 23.5 foot sportcraft.

Anyhow the boat we are looking at is a1985 31.5 foot Searay 11.5 beam with 2 v-8 inboards. and has 700 hrs. on it. He want's $26,000 .. Does anyone know if this is a good deal? 700hrs is that a lot of hrs? when do engine(s) need to be rebuilt?

[Shoeman]

Not a bad deal at all.

Engine hours? Not to worry. I put over 3000 hours on my old Formula.

Have a survey done. Compression and moisture content are most important on older boats

[IRock]

Be sure to check the stringers. I'd pay a few bucks and get a survey for sure.

[TONGA]

get some references for the surveyor,, I have herd a few horror storries about bad survey's

[Gone Fishing]

Ed, I’ve heard Bill Novak is the guy you want if you’re buying a boat and you definitely don’t want to see him if you’re a seller. His number is (586) 463-2400. He is probably not the cheapest but I hear he’s good.

[Jason Adam]

Use www.boattraderonline.com to compare this boats price to others simular for sale.

Definitaly pay for the survey. This size boat was more than likely slipped. You need to really keep up on your maintanance when the boat stays in the water. Wet hull or stringers and you're in for some huge repair bills.

[DANN09]

Ed a friend of mine has an '87 34' Silverton w/ fly bridge, AC all the elctronics, full canvas, about 500hrs. on two V-8s. I think it will go for 26,000 or less.