Advice Needed

[LetsRock]

As I have stated on this board when I first joined I recently bought a 1990 220DA and cant wait to get out on her.

Now - my old boat is a 22 foot 1984 Larson Delta 7000 with a Load-Rite trailer. The boat runs great and the trailer is in very good shape as well. The problem with the boat and the reason I upgraded to the Sea Ray is that the interior is all wood and has some serious rot issues, I believe all the way down to the stringers.

My mechanic who has worked on this boat for me over the past 2+ years has offered to take the boat from me in return for a $1,000 credit for work I need on the new one. I am plannning new engine mounts, manifolds, risers and some work on the trailer it sits on.

I am happy about the thought of not having to lay out any money (or maybe a few bucks) for this work I plan on having done to the new boat but I wanted to know from the group am I getting a fair deal or do I need to ask for more?

All feedback is greatly appreciated. :smt100

 

[C-SIDE]

check the NADA value on your old boat.

Do you think you can sell your old boat for more than $1,000?

 

[LetsRock]

Thats the question. Also, then I need to explain whats rotted, the seats are badly weathered and it isnt real nice to look at on the inside. I was wondering if I tried to sell the engine, stern and trailer separately if it would be better

check the NADA value on your old boat.

Do you think you can sell your old boat for more than $1,000?

 

[dan313]

Lets Rock,

Your looking at a 25year old boat that needs alot of work.

IMO i would dump it for the $1000 in credit and call it a day.

It would be more of a headache to try and sell it on your own..

 

[LetsRock]

Thats exactly what I was thinking just wanted to make sure there wasnt another avenue out there that would be more benefical, like selling individual parts...etc.

Lets Rock,

Your looking at a 25year old boat that needs alot of work.

IMO i would dump it for the $1000 in credit and call it a day.

It would be more of a headache to try and sell it on your own..

 

[shayes]

A grand in this economy? Take it. Do you owe any $ on the old boat? If no, let it ride, you need to get on to the good stuff.

 

[Russ Calasant]

I agree, however I would not stop at the $1000. It is a "credit" I would use it as a good starting point. You also might want to get a second estimate of the work being done in trade just to keep things on the level.

 

[Alex F]

I agree, however I would not stop at the $1000. It is a "credit" I would use it as a good starting point. You also might want to get a second estimate of the work being done in trade just to keep things on the level.

I was thinking the same. Since there's no cash involved you should have a chance to negotiate may be another $100 or $200. Don't streach too long though. Also, make sure you have some sort of written commitment. You need to be pretected and secured credit.

 

[LetsRock]

Good point, he actually mentioned he would right everything up so I would be totally protected. I will see about a few extra hundred bucks but I dont want him to get cold feet. The boat would be impossible to sell on my own.

I was thinking the same. Since there's no cash involved you should have a chance to negotiate may be another $100 or $200. Don't streach too long though. Also, make sure you have some sort of written commitment. You need to be pretected and secured credit.

 

[LetsRock]

Russ - I have used him for about 3 years now and usually will mention to freinds and other boaters what he charges for certain items and they agree he is either in line or a bit lower than what they pay so I feel pretty good about it.

You also might want to get a second estimate of the work being done in trade just to keep things on the level.

 

[MaddyDean]

I would negotiate with actual work instead of $1000 credit. Try to make it a “no money deal.”

Agree on the work to be done so he cannot charge you anymore. For example, something should take 1hr but he said it took 2 hours.

 

[LetsRock]

I would negotiate with actual work instead of $1000 credit. Try to make it a “no money deal.”

Agree on the work to be done so he cannot charge you anymore. For example, something should take 1hr but he said it took 2 hours.

Agreed MaddyDean - He actually inspected the new boat with me before I bought it and he pointed out some things that should be done so I think we are on the same page

 

[MExcelsior]

If going the $1,000 amount, I would get an itemized list of what needs to be done on the new boat, and how much it is going to cost you. (No surprises after-the-fact). Of course you will be able to get the $1,000.00, but check with him to see if you can a % discount for anything above that. If there are planned boat-expenses in the very near future, get them done all at once.

ie. Let's say the new work will cost $2,000.00 and will be $1,000 out of your pocket after the $1,000-agreed-upon. Why not try to get a bit of a discount on the remainder... let's say at least $250.00. (It might be better to approach it as as a 25% discount instead) In fact, if you are planning on spending money on certain things, like a grill, new stereo, etc.. in the near future, this would be a good opportunity to try to get things down to as close as "cost" as possible. You need it done... and they appreciate the extras since they will be working on the boat anyway.

Mike

 

[LetsRock]

Great point, I will write up a list and present it to him. If he says thats going to be over the $1,000 then I will bring up the discount on the overage. And I am looking for a grill and an updated stereo....how did you know?

If going the $1,000 amount, I would get an itemized list of what needs to be done on the new boat, and how much it is going to cost you. (No surprises after-the-fact). Of course you will be able to get the $1,000.00, but check with him to see if you can a % discount for anything above that. If there are planned boat-expenses in the very near future, get them done all at once.

ie. Let's say the new work will cost $2,000.00 and will be $1,000 out of your pocket after the $1,000-agreed-upon. Why not try to get a bit of a discount on the remainder... let's say at least $250.00. (It might be better to approach it as as a 25% discount instead) In fact, if you are planning on spending money on certain things, like a grill, new stereo, etc.. in the near future, this would be a good opportunity to try to get things down to as close as "cost" as possible. You need it done... and they appreciate the extras since they will be working on the boat anyway.

Mike

 

[LetsRock]

My mechanic is open to the "list" idea so I am starting to create one for him.

Being a salt water boat I am going to put manifolds and risers at the top of my list. Since it will be kept in a salt water slip I will also be putting zincs on the list.

Now there are a couple of things he pointed out when he inspected the boat before I bought it. The trailer needs a little work and the engine mounts should be replaced.

I was also thinking about a tune up.

What other routine maintenance items should I include for a salt water stored boat?

I want to hit him with everything and see what he will accept.

 

[geriksen]

I would do it on a $1,000.00 credit towards work done at the regular price and itemized on a regular invoice. Otherwise the temptation will be there for him to do 'cheap' work on your boat to just to fulfill the agreement.
And check the prices so u are sure the 1000 doesn't get 'fluffed" in.
This keeps both sides honest and won't turn it into a he said she said, as most deal like this tend to do....

 

[katricol]

Why not make it labor only and up it to 1500.00?? His labor is free to him, while parts cost him money out-of -pocket. You buy all parts needed for anything needed. Most of the things you are going to fix in the future are piece of cake repairs for him. If you run it by him verbally he may go for it. nothing ventured...