I'm thinking it's time for a change...

[Tonka Boater]

My wife and I have decided to sell the 280 and look for something more suitable for water sports. I am hooked on water skiing and the kids are just getting into wake boarding and skiing too. I absolutely love our 280 but I also love boating in general so I am happy as long as I am on the water.

This is where I need your opinions on price. We don't owe anything on the boat so trying to price it to pay off a loan is not an issue. It's a 2008 that we purchased brand new last season and we only have 107 hours on the engine and I think it's cleaner than the day we took it home. We're looking to be reasonable on the price and I've done all the research so I have a number in mind but I am curious about the consensus of the crowd.

In addition to being meticulously maintained, here's the feature list:

• Flexiteek swim platform
• In-dash GPS/Fish Finder
• Gas grill
• Generator with 15 hours
• AC/Heat
• Clarion stereo with 6 speakers and iPod adapter
• 6 disc CD changer
• Cockpit wet bar with sink and cooler
• Full camper canvas
• Cockpit cover
• Windlass
• DTS (digital throttle and shift)
• LCD HDTV with digital antenna
• Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Corian counter tops
• Cherry cabinets
• Cherry tables
• Full-size head with Vacu-Flush
• Shorepower with AC converter/battery charger
• Fitted sheet sets
• American flag with magnetic flag holder
• Bow cushions and pillows

Let me know your opinions....thanks!

 

[OldSkool]

Post up some pictures of that bad boy...

 

[rcknecht]

Not sure what the price should be, but I think you probably have a good idea... Timing is not good being at the end of the season... I have an '01 190 Sundeck with 200 hours if your interested...

 

[fwebster]

You will save money (or reduce your loss?) if you keep the 280DA and buy an older ski boat for pulling toys. I've bought and flipped 3 Nautiques in the last 4-5 years and started below $3K each time.......the highest time engine was 430 hours on the 3.

 

[SevenTeas]

Hmm. How about you just get a smaller sport boat to go with it. After all a tender is always handy, bout a 20 footer should do the job...

 

[Tonka Boater]

Post up some pictures of that bad boy...

Oh yeah -- forgot that!

 

[Slippery When Wet]

I'll take it! :thumbsup:

Want mine? :grin:

 

[Tonka Boater]

You will save money (or reduce your loss?) if you keeo the 280DA and buy an older ski boat which is designed for pulling toys. I've bought and flipped 3 in the last 4-5 years and started below $3K each time.......the highest time engine was 430 hours on the 3.

I agree with you but taking a loss is a foregone conclusion. I obviously don't want to loose money but I also consider that I did get 2 great seasons out of it. I would love to do as you said but having 2 boats isn't practical for us.

 

[Dave S]

Since boating season is getting short in your neck of the woods, do you want to sell it now or in the spring when boating interest is higher? People generally look for deals at this time of the year.

I would say that after haggling on price it might fetch between $90-$95K. I would list it for $$100K - $105 to start and see what happens. The drawback with your boat might be (even though it shouldn't ) the single engine instead of twins.

Dave

 

[Slippery When Wet]

Yeah, wait til spring and I might bite. :thumbsup:

 

[OldSkool]

Man what a beautiful boat!! Sure would think about picking a ski boat up for under 10K just to play with and keep her for weekends. Just my opinion.

 

[dpvandy01]

Man what a beautiful boat!! Sure would think about picking a ski boat up for under 10K just to play with and keep her for weekends. Just my opinion.

That's what I just did....

 

[Big Island Lifer]

Are you looking to trailer or keep it in the water? If you are going to trailer there are several Malibu's on the local craigslist that you could pick up (the 247 is a heck of a boat but they lack a head). If you are going to stay on Tonka and keep your slip I suggest one of the larger Sea Ray open bows. IMHO

You have a great looking boat. The new owner will be happy and lucky to have her.

Darren

 

[trit21]

I don't think anyone really answered your questions but I will give it a go. Depending on how quickly you want to sell of course (quickly less, not so quickly maybe a little higher MIGHT work). I would say list for $85-90k and you would sell for high $70's maybe low $80's, if you can find someone to purchase. My guess and I will be the first to tell you I know nothing.

 

[At Ease]

I agree with you but taking a loss is a foregone conclusion. I obviously don't want to loose money but I also consider that I did get 2 great seasons out of it. I would love to do as you said but having 2 boats isn't practical for us.

Who ever said having a boat was practical? Buy another one and keep that gorgeous 280. :thumbsup:

 

[Tonka Boater]

This is a tough decision and I really appreciate all of the opinions. I would love to get a supplemental boat but the problem is that our lake is not a water ski lake at all. 'Big Island Lifer' will back me on that. It's just too busy on the weekends among other reasons. With that in mind, I am looking to get something that I can trailer to some of the better ski lakes in the area.

I've been skiing a lot with a buddy using his Nautique on a different lake and it's taking away from the 280. It seems like a waste to sell it so soon but with the short Minnesota summers it's also a waste to pay for a slip when I only get out 3 times a month. I'm on the water a lot during the week -- just not on my boat lately and not on my lake.

 

[AKBASSKING]

I agree with Scott. KEEP IT and buy a used ski boat, heck even a baaaaaaaaaayliner (dang that was hard to type) would work.

You and the Admiral will need quiet cove time together, so keep it!!!:thumbsup:

 

[HIRISC]

Very nice 280. Sorry you weren't selling when I was in the market.

I agree about Tonka.. weekends aren't optimal for skiing (except Sunday's after 5pm).

We tend to be out weekday evenings and nearly always have the place to ourselves.

G/L on your sale.

 

[Firerooster]

Tonka, I am going to have to agree with most of the others on here. Esp, if your 280 is paid off. Keep it and buy a cheaper used sport boat for the skiiing and wake boarding. I am actually doing the same thing just going the other route. I have Excessive Green my 240ov that I have completely redone and it makes a great sport boat and day run about. We stay the night on it once in a while. But we r wanting to get a cruiser with the amenities to stay a week or so. Want it small enough to trailer to the different lakes we use. But big enough to enjoy the longer stays on the water. Even entertain some friends for the weekend etc. My ov is paid off, we love it and are gonna keep it. So rather then financing a cruiser we are looking at 3 different DA's right now. All fully loaded with A/C, genny, twin 5.7's etc. But all are mid 80's vessel's. no payments!

 

[66pony]

I just picked up an 18' Stratus, with a 150 hp Evenrude, (1988) $1750.00. (trailer included.) No brainer. Needs a little engine work, carb kit. but. still have my river cruiser and not a lot to tow to any lakes.