2002 280DA

I would try to get it for 55K, and walk if Icouldn't. If I just have to have it, maybe go 60.... maybe.
 
Nice looking boat. Looks well maintained from the pictures. I agree on the price. What can they say? No? :grin:
 
How much you should offer largely depends on the condition of the boat and the demand for 280's in your area. The asking price is already a bit on the low side for most 2002 280s on the market based on my limited research. You are going to have to look at it first and determine it's condition. If it's a 10, condition wise, I doubt you will get it for less than $65K. If it's a 5, then make your $55K offer but I think that $60K might be more realistic.

The real question is do you want a boat without a genny? If you have little ones, you need a genny to cool the cabin so your little ones (and mom) have some place to get away from the heat...........just my opinion of course.
 
This goes back to the adding a genny debate. If I could get this boat down enough, maybe it would be a good enough deal that I could invest in a genny. I know there has been debate about the required space, but with the 496 I know we are dealing with some extra room in the engine compartment. From the research I've been doing, It seems like I could add a genny for around $7k to $8k installed, maybe less. If I could get this thing down to $60k, that seems like it would be a decent price? Maybe a could negotiate MM adding a genny for me?

I haven't seen any single 280s on the market here, some up on Lake Erie or Michigan maybe. But in Missouri, no, so I'm not sure what they have been going for. The twins have been listed at around $85k or less, some w/ gennys, some w/o. I'll be going down tomorrow for some other business, I think I'll check it out.
 
MarineMax on Grand Lake in Oklahoma had a 2002 280 with the single 496 and a generator that sold for $68,500 last August. I was too slow in responding to the brokers call and it sold the day after he called. He also had a 2004 280 with single and a generator that we looked at on LOTO that sold for $78,000 around the same time. Minus generator, and with six months of additional depreciation I think $60-62,500 should be your target on the boat you're considering.

Note: I have been very happy with the power and economy of the twin V-6's and the generator. Keep us posted.
 
I'm bad at negotiating... what do you think they would do with an offer of $65k and for them to add a genny? (this is assuming the boat is in good shape)
 
You are in good situation, because it appears that MM owns the boat, and it is not brokered. I would make a pretty low offer and then maybe when they counter offer, if the price is acceptable to you, ask them to add the genset and any other items you may want.
 
Bottom Line said:
You are in good situation, because it appears that MM owns the boat, and it is not brokered. I would make a pretty low offer and then maybe when they counter offer, if the price is acceptable to you, ask them to add the genset and any other items you may want.
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I did notice that this was a pre-owned, not brokeraged, so I'm not at the mercy of the owner, only MM, right?
 
Excellent condition boats can be bought for well under market value. It just requires patience and the ability to not get emotional. If I wanted a single engine 280, I would find one with the gen already in it in excellent condition for 60K at the very most, within a year. Twins would be 65. And, I could probably get both with a trailer.

I say this with humility, knowing if I sell my boats, I won't get what I want for them either. High dollar boats are a luxury nobody needs, and few can afford. No matter where and when, boats are a buyer's market.

The problem is there are many buyers that pay way too much for boats. This puts a sense of urgency in other buyers that I do not believe is warranted.
 
keokie said:
Excellent condition boats can be bought for well under market value. It just requires patience and the ability to not get emotional. If I wanted a single engine 280, I would find one with the gen already in it in excellent condition for 60K at the very most, within a year. Twins would be 65. And, I could probably get both with a trailer.
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Would this be true in the midwest? I've been keeping an eye on used 280s between '02 and '04 and I can't recall seeing one with a genny and twins under $80k. I realize that is before negotiating, but how much will sellers really come down?
 
What you see in the midwest are the asking prices, not the selling prices. The selling price happens when you get your check book out. But, you really need to do your home work so you do not discover in 18 months you bought the wrong boat for the wrong price. There is no urgency in a boat decision because there will always be another one.
 
It's true that there will always be another boat, but at some point you have to negotiate your best deal and start enjoying your new 280. Here in the midwest, I worked my tail off doing the research, traveling to LOTO, Grand Lake, Lake Austin, Table Rock Lake, and Lake Lewisville and finally had to come the conclusion that $81,000 was the "fair" price that I was willing to pay for a 2004 280 with a bunch of options. Sure, I could have probably waited (and waited) and paid less at some point but when? In the end, I know that it was the best deal I could work on the boat I wanted at the time I wanted to buy.

There's no doubt in my mind that you can find and buy a loaded 280 with a generator in the $70's. This one http://www.boats.com/listing/boat_details.jsp?entityid=15776931 is loaded with the 5.0 twins and it was on the market last summer when I was looking. If it's still there I would be surprised if you didn't find a highly motivated seller that might consider a reasonable offer.

Here's a 280 single with a generator that I lake tested in Austin http://www.boats.com/listing/boat_details.jsp?entityid=16487641 last year that I feel sure will go in the mid $60's.

Here's a twin with a generator I also lake tested in Austin http://www.boats.com/listing/boat_details.jsp?entityid=103125141 that's probably mid to low $70's.

Summer is coming. Do your homework then take the plunge and enjoy the good times ahead. We've never looked back.
 
I like the way you think Scholarship! But I do understand I can't be too hasty. I'm not sure if I have the time to travel to Austin and other places outside MO though. Hopefully something will come up within close range, I just need to work on the negotiating.
 
BrentJones said:
Bottom Line said:
You are in good situation, because it appears that MM owns the boat, and it is not brokered. I would make a pretty low offer and then maybe when they counter offer, if the price is acceptable to you, ask them to add the genset and any other items you may want.
Click to expand...

I did notice that this was a pre-owned, not brokeraged, so I'm not at the mercy of the owner, only MM, right?
Click to expand...

On this boat...you should be dealing directly with MM. If they traded for this boat, they probably gave a low trade in...which could be in your favor.

I am not trying to spend your money...but I also boat in Missouri...and I am glad I waited for one with a genset.

On the negative side, prices in our area may be somewhat higher this year due to demand with the ice/snow storm that happend at LOTO this year. Just recently there have been 2 or 3 brokered boats in Springfield Marine Max, that have been brokered for a long time, that now have deals pending. I have heard they are going from Tablerock to LOTO.
 
I'd stay away from that last one, it's an early version 2002 with EFI engines. MPI is the way to go.
 
jg300da said:
I'd stay away from that last one, it's an early version 2002 with EFI engines. MPI is the way to go.
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The one I'm looking at is an MPI. I know I'd like to find one with a genset, but I'm thinking if I can make the right deal, one can be added, preferably by MM in the deal. It seems like it would make sense to get it down to $55-$60k and work a deal with the genset install too.
 
Brent,

Yes, my earlier comments about boats always being a buyer's market would even apply to the midwest. This has been very true between myself and the large circle of close friends who have bought great boats (mostly Sea Ray's) all over the country. It is very hard to get a good deal, let alone great deal, if you are not completely willing to walk.

Here is the formula I use: Once you have found a boat, call the broker or owner (I don't go in person if I am expecting a boat in great condition). Ask all of your questions, and request any additional information you need. Speak in a very deliberate and monotone voice and avoid answering the broker's questions where possible. Do not get into discussion about your background with boats, what you have now, how you like to boat, what you do for a living, or anything like that. Keep it strictly about this boat.

Then, if it is satisfactory, tell the broker you will buy the boat if it is exactly how he represents. Also, tell him that if it is not, you will not be interested in the boat at any price. Then, make your offer. He will likely turn it down. He may counter. If he does, say no thanks, and end the conversation. Give it some time. You will probably here from him on a regular basis over the next week or so with continually lower numbers. Do not flinch. Keep every conversation very short. He will likely reach your number.
 
02 280 DA

Scholarship said:
It's true that there will always be another boat, but at some point you have to negotiate your best deal and start enjoying your new 280. Here in the midwest, I worked my tail off doing the research, traveling to LOTO, Grand Lake, Lake Austin, Table Rock Lake, and Lake Lewisville and finally had to come the conclusion that $81,000 was the "fair" price that I was willing to pay for a 2004 280 with a bunch of options. Sure, I could have probably waited (and waited) and paid less at some point but when? In the end, I know that it was the best deal I could work on the boat I wanted at the time I wanted to buy.

There's no doubt in my mind that you can find and buy a loaded 280 with a generator in the $70's. This one http://www.boats.com/listing/boat_details.jsp?entityid=15776931 is loaded with the 5.0 twins and it was on the market last summer when I was looking. If it's still there I would be surprised if you didn't find a highly motivated seller that might consider a reasonable offer.

Here's a 280 single with a generator that I lake tested in Austin http://www.boats.com/listing/boat_details.jsp?entityid=16487641 last year that I feel sure will go in the mid $60's.

Here's a twin with a generator I also lake tested in Austin http://www.boats.com/listing/boat_details.jsp?entityid=103125141 that's probably mid to low $70's.
Click to expand...
Summer is coming. Do your homework then take the plunge and enjoy the good times ahead. We've never looked back.
Click to expand...
Scholarship, I am currently working a deal on the 02 280DA in Austin but I am unable to view it in person at this time as I live in N. Texas. Can you PM me with some information about this boat you gathered during your sea trial, thanks.
 
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