A rough 215 Weekender

[slomaro]

Hi all thanks for having me and sorry for the incoming novel! I've been keeping my eyes open for a decent 215 weekender and instead have run across one that would be a bit of a project. I'm pretty handy and have some history with modifying cars, but nautically speaking my only experience is my Jet Ski. Hoping to get a sanity check. I enjoy saving cars before they fall apart completely and I think this could be fun at the right price.

What it needs for sure:

• Fiberglass repair (it's above the waterline so I think I can DiY)
• Bellows (they weren't dry rotting externally, but best case were done 3 years ago)
• Batteries
• One heck of a deep cleaning + new cockpit carpets
• Trailer tires
• Possibly trailer brakes
• Power steering pump or at least seals

The positives:

• I have winterization receipts for 3 years and the mechanic overall had positive things to say about the condition of the running gear.
• No soft spots
• No moisture or odd smells in the cabin
• Full camper enclosure
• Swim platform
• I couldn't find any concerning corrosion
• Engine fired right up with a jump pack

Boat has ~200 hours and he is asking $14,500, but seems very motivated and I showed him some of the stuff that it's going to need. So now the am I crazy question: I was planning to offer around $9000, hopefully not offend the guy too much and settle somewhere under $10k, seem reasonable?

The sob story is that he bought it for his now ex-wife who cheated on him with another boater.

 

[Scott215]

Buy it

 

[Lazy Daze]

Condition - not that bad. About 3 years on the bellows... that's a good thing, not a bad thing! Carpets needing to be replaced is expected. Having that platform add-on is a HUGE plus.

Actually, I think the asking price is VERY fair. All of the things you mentioned in the "what it needs" part play right in line with the asking price. Meaning, if those things were already addressed, he could EASILY get more for it. It's at the price it is to account for the repairs needed.

 

[slomaro]

Condition - not that bad. About 3 years on the bellows... that's a good thing, not a bad thing! Carpets needing to be replaced is expected. Having that platform add-on is a HUGE plus.

Actually, I think the asking price is VERY fair. All of the things you mentioned in the "what it needs" part play right in line with the asking price. Meaning, if those things were already addressed, he could EASILY get more for it. It's at the price it is to account for the repairs needed.

You might be right about the seller being able to get more. I’m really not finding a ton of comps for 215 weekenders and was thinking a sorted one in this vintage with trailer should probably sell around the 17k mark. This one has been listed for sale since the start of the boating season at this price though.

that’s good to know about the bellows I may not have to replace them for this year. I think I’m pretty sold on the boat unless the fiberglass estimate comes in over $1500. Hopefully I can make a deal, get it sorted and get her out on the water!

 

[Pirate Lady]

Buy it, that is not a project boat, that is normal maintenance.