Used boat pricing

[enufsed]

Yesterday I began my boat search by looking at two Mac boats and found the range of prices and types interesting, spanning the high and low ends. I'd be interested in opinions on these prices.

The first was an S class McGregor from the 1990s (1993?), built the last year they made them. The boat was in great shape and clean, but that old design is really a day sailor with no stand-up room in the cabin, tiller steering and (a real deal breaker for me) the capacity to use only a 9.9 hp motor. There were not many extras (e.g., no electronics) -- a "no frills" boat but clean. The vendor wanted $12,500.

The second was an X class from 2001. It had a lot of options, including a complete water system (for tap water and a mini shower). It had all the electronics (including VHF radio, built in stereo with speakers inside and out, autopilot, etc.). There were various extras like a bimini, a fuel filter, and little windows for the sleeping quarters under the cockpit. It had the 50 hp Honda four stroke, which looked like it was in showroom condition. It was gleaming inside and out. The vendor is asking $24,000.

My feeling is that the second boat -- the X -- is the Mac model I want. I especially want it with that nice Honda engine. But I thought maybe the price was too high, and that I should look at some boats more in the $15K to $19K range.

Is realistic for me to expect to find a boat like the X described above in that price range?

[Beam's Reach]

When we decided on a Mac, there were very few to choose from in Ontario. We liked the X better than the M (he said as he ducked for cover) so a new one was out of the question.

But to come up with a reasonable price range to expect to pay, we took the price of a new M and added all the extras and features we wanted and then compared that total to what was around. We really wanted a full enclosure and were willing to add it to whatever boat we found, so that was a $4-5000 swing either way, depending on whether to one we found had it or not.

I think for what's included with the X you've described, you're not likely to find one cheaper, but again, it really depends on what's for sale at the time.

[bastonjock]

check out those extra windows,if they have not been installed properly,they could put you and your familly at risk,one guy on this forum had his boat sink after the DIY job on the new windows gave in.Have them checked

[corkscrew]

I agree on the X and M thing....a lot of people seem to agree. X's seem to be layed out better...in my opinion. I have seem prices on X's rane from under $10K to over $20K....seems to depend on condition and xtras. Even late model 90's X's that are full loaded appear to be in the high teens or low 20's.... but if they have everything in them already....comes out about the same as getting a cheap on and then adding all the extras in.

[Beam's Reach]

I think that may be low for fully loaded in Ontario. Prices here seem to have been higher than in the US. At least they have been in the past...maybe the dollars evening out has changed that recently.

[cuisto]

If you can find one in the US they tend to be much less expensive there..Duty is not very bad on used boats. Equiped as you say, in good shape. I think you are in line with the local market.

Mine came equiped nicely but i had to add auto pilot and some extras...still adding 3 years later. Big plus is that it had a full enclosure in good shape. $25000, 3 years ago.

We are over in Wiarton, would be happy to have you drop by and check it out. Will be at wiarton marina all weekend dock C28

[cuisto]

Here is a sample of DOWSARS used inventory in HAMILTON

http://www.dowsar.com/preowned.htm

[Kelly Hanson East]

(From a Mac Dealer)

I sell Ms, but own an X and like the X layout better. Ford vs Chevy.

If you like working on engines, a carb engine can be ok, but personally for a pleasure cruiser, I wouldnt consider a boat without a modern EFI nowadays, especially in the North where you will lay it up each winter. You can get either 4 stroke or 2 stroke EFI and spend a lot more time boating than fixing, imho.

[Beam's Reach]

Dowsar is where we got ours. We looked at 3 others being sold privately, but felt more comfortable buying from them. As dealers of both new and used Macs, they really know the boat and can give knowledgable advice and service. They had sold the boat new to the first owner, resold it the the second and then to us and had all the details of all mods since they had done them. We even had them make a couple more before we picked it up.

It looks like you're close enough that a trip talk to them might be worth it. They always have a new M in the showroom, and while it looks like they dont' have any used ones now, they might know of owner that might want to sell. At the very least, they can talk to you about what to look for.

[richandlori]

I had a M.....but liked the X layout better....there I said it!

[cuisto]

PRETTY GUTSY RICH!!!
duck

[Beam's Reach]

Yeah, and now you have neither...trader...(or trader upper).

What, you think I'm just bitter because you're casting off and living our dream? Of course not....

[enufsed]

Hmm. Looks from the above like this boat might not be overpriced after all. I'm going to check out some more over the weekend and contact that dealership like some of you recommended.

I'll also call the guy I spoke to with the $24K boat and let him know he's still on my list and that I have a few more questions.

One of you mentioned the importance to you of having a full enclosure. I'd love to be further enlightened as to why you thought this was important. I mean, with all that space below deck... Unless of course you live where there are lots of mosquitos.

[Scott]

Hello enfused, look in your inbox. (PMs)

[Beam's Reach]

It may seem like there's lots of space below, but put 3 kids aboard and it gets rather cramped. Other than sleeping, using the head, or getting something from the cooler, we spend almost all of our time up top.

There's nothing like stretching out in the cockpit with a glass of wine and the stereo on regardless of the weather, temperature, or, yes mosquitoes. We've spent many pleasant evenings at the dock in the rain. When it's too wet to be out on the water, we send the kids below with a movie and stay up top and chat or read.

The enclosure extends our relatively short season by allowing us to use the boat earlier in the spring, later in the fall, and on rainy or mosquito filled evenings.

If we used our Mac mostly as a daysailer, it probably wouldn't be a priority, but for how we use it, I wouldn't buy another boat without a full enclosure. Period.