emlevins: have you found any other 260's that have caught your eye at a comparable price?
Not at all. And I have been working at this for quite a while. Though there have been a few that have been near this price, they have been all salt water boats (for example - with a smaller engine - http://www.yachttraderonline.com/listing/2000-Sea-Ray-Sundancer-260-91930646). I want a fresh water boat. Most 260s and even 240s (salt or fresh water) have been more. The price and apparent condition caught my eye. I am not financing - and I would not earn that much on this money should it sit where it is until spring. My sense is that this is a good time to buy and the asking price was very good. However, I was concerned about the extra costs that I would incur from winterization/storage and transport/delivery. However, they are now included in the price. Additionally, the sales agreement lists the sales price at $23,500 (the additional 4K is listed for winterization and delivery) so I will pay less sales tax when I register it in PA. Also, the sales tax can be deducted on my income tax return - thanks to the President's stimulis package.
I am having a survey done on Monday and am flying up to look at the boat and take it out on a sea trial next Thursday - with the surveyor ( who also happens to own a 2000 vessel with twin 7.4 mercs). Though this is also an extra cost, I am spending only $180 total for r/t airfare and lodging and the sales folks are transporting me from the airport. They have been terrific and I am pretty excited.
But anything can happen... so I'll update as this progresses.
Thanks again for all of your comments and assistance.
EDIT - fwiw - I was also told that in the few weeks they have had the boat for sale, they "sold" it twice - but in both instances the buyers were not approved for financing and the sale did not go through...
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