2006 185 - Price Point

[pfitzsim]

I'm looking at a 2006 185 with a 4.3 Merc (carb vs injected). Looking for some advice on price point. It has a little under 200 hours and has been maintained by the same marina since new. Includes bimini, bow/cockpit covers, Shorelander trailer in addition to some water toys, lines, life jackets etc. Asking price is US $13.7k NADA has an average retail price of $12.4k

Any thoughts on additional price reference points - I'm in Canada and there aren't many/any others listed at this time of the year to compare with.

Thanks.

 

[Peter Reed]

I have a 2007 185 with the same engine, accessories, and trailer. I bought it in early 2015 with only 100 hours on it. Condition was very good. Price paid was $16.5k USD.

If it is in excellent condition and runs good, the asking price of $13.7k is in the ballpark, but I'd try to negotiate down to the NADA. BTW, if you go to Boat Trader (http://www.boattrader.com/), you can do searches on 185's to see what the current asking price is for a 185.

 

[pfitzsim]

Thanks Peter, it appears on Boat Trader that the vast majority have asking prices north of NADA - not indicative of final selling price I guess. I'll try and get it as much below $13k as I can. Do you run the 185 on Lake Champlain? I'm in Ontario but would love to get out on Lake Champlain at some point as we usually do a road trip through the Burlington area each summer (without a boat of course as this is our first boat purchase).

 

[Peter Reed]

Yes, our boating with the 185 is exclusively on Lake Champlain. It is a great lake to explore. The Burlington harbor is one of our favorite destinations.

Hope you get a 185 at a good price. We've been very happy with ours.

 

[fwebster]

On a 10 year old boat, don't get fixated on squeezing the last $$ out of a deal and don't pick a boat just because a price guide says it is a good price. The reason is that on a 10+ year old boat, condition can mean as much as 25-40% of the eventual true selling price....... on more complex boat with a lot of systems, that statement is even more true. Pick the boat that is the nicest and best example of the model you are looking for then negotiate the pants off the seller.