Opinions on boat trade wanted

magster65

magster65

New Member
Dec 25, 2007
883
Saanichton BC Canada
Boat Info
2002 model 3788
Engines
Twin Cummins 6BTA's
A fella has offered me a 2007 Campion 705 sport cuddy / 5.7 / DP 100 hrs. and cash for my boat. I'm moving into a 280 - 290 in the spring and wouldn't mind having a boat in the off season. How much cash difference? I can't find many 705's for sale that new. Keep in mind it'll be sold when I get my 280 so i don't want to take a bath on it.
Thanks guys.
 
I have 28 years experience with boats and I'm a mechanic / fabricator by hobby so I have a good idea what to look for. With something this new (literally in showroom condition) you're really only looking for factory defects and I did go over it closely and found nothing of any concern. The Campion hull is really nice but the hardware isn't as nice as a Sea Ray... but they're pretty good overall.
A 240 is fairly heavy and the 705 isn't so most anything will tow it... it shouldn't be too difficult to sell come spring at the right price.
I was looking for numbers... should he be giving me his boat and say... $20k? More? Less?
 
Last edited:
Definitely more but how much is hard to say. With the right amount of research on both boats you should be able to come up with a $# that will be fair to both of you.(better for you of course) That being said i would still not do the deal without having his boat surveyed regardless of how nice it appears (and he should do the same with yours) but that is totally up to him.
 
I see the problem to be unloading it in the future.

It is a Canadian boat with a very sparse dealer network in the US. You didn't give us your location, so I don't know whether that is a problem in East Jesus County, Ark or Bumfu*k, NY or not. My guess is that most buyers will shy away from a small production make in favor of a boat they can research easily and get local service on. While the mechanicals may be Volvo, in newer boats with some hull/structure warranty remaining, access to a dealer is important.

Of course, how much you have to put in it really controls your risk in a trade. And for me, this is the biggest issue you face. Boat values right now are just all over the map. Demand and inventory don't seem to be driving prices as much as buyers being able to borrow money on a boat does. That can change over night, but right now you see the same make and model boats offered for sale with as much as a 100% swing on pricing. For me, until the banks turn the lights back on in their marine lending departments and some stability returns to used boat prices, I'd much rather have a 240DA to trade or sell in the spring than a Campion.

But this all may be moot. If you are thinking about $20K difference, that is going to mean your guy is getting a 240DA worth roughly $27K in today's market so he's taking $7K for his Campion that he paid $45K for 2 years ago. I doubt that dog is gonna hunt.
 
Last edited:
Id sit tight. Either way you still have to unload a boat to buy another.. Easier to do it just the once... Plus you already know your boat.
 
I see the problem to be unloading it in the future.

Possibly but all boats eventually sell at the right price and this style of boat (sport cuddy) is very popular here.

It is a Canadian boat with a very sparse dealer network in the US. You didn't give us your location, so I don't know whether that is a problem in East Jesus County, Ark or Bumfu*k, NY or not. My guess is that most buyers will shy away from a small production make in favor of a boat they can research easily and get local service on. While the mechanicals may be Volvo, in newer boats with some hull/structure warranty remaining, access to a dealer is important.

Yes, Canadian made and quite popular on the island. There's 3 dealers here plus a few more on the mainland.

Of course, how much you have to put in it really controls your risk in a trade. And for me, this is the biggest issue you face. Boat values right now are just all over the map. Demand and inventory don't seem to be driving prices as much as buyers being able to borrow money on a boat does.

Absolutely but in this case, there is no borrowing. The fella' has a successful heavy equipment repair business. From what I've seen there is nothing requiring any further investment in the boat.

That can change over night, but right now you see the same make and model boats offered for sale with as much as a 100% swing on pricing. For me, until the banks turn the lights back on in their marine lending departments and some stability returns to used boat prices, I'd much rather have a 240DA to trade or sell in the spring than a Campion.

Boat prices have changed but it has more to do with our strong dollar than recession. A 2006 240 sells in the mid 50's and a 2007 705 is in the mid 30's. Since we arguably live in some of the best boating areas anywhere, boat prices are high in this region. I'll be pulling my boat out of the water for the winter and another thought was the 705 would fit in my 'portable' garage and the 240 won't (too tall).

But this all may be moot. If you are thinking about $20K difference, that is going to mean your guy is getting a 240DA worth roughly $27K in today's market so he's taking $7K for his Campion that he paid $45K for 2 years ago. I doubt that dog is gonna hunt.

On the contrary, the buyer is very interested. He's made a 6 hour round trip to look at my 240 then another to bring his boat down for me to look at. He's just made me a $17k + boat offer and I said it wasn't enough. I said at least 20 and he didn't seem put off... he and his wife obviously love the 240.

I haven't seen boats as cheap as you said but I see the prices falling... perhaps moreso further south. I'm very likely going to buy in the US and have it shipped up to Seattle. From there it's only a few hours cruise to my port in Sidney BC. I've done it before and it's easy as long as you have your paperwork in order.

Maybe I should be 'Johnny the boat importer guy' for a while? :lol:
 
So, as I understand it, I spent a fair amount of time thinking about and crafting an answer to a trade you already talked yourself into making in a non-US location where I have no knowledge of the boat industry economics, all because you were not courteous enough to complete your profile and give us a geographic location?



Note to self: DO NOT RESPOND TO ANOTHER QUESTION WITH AN INCOMPLETE PROFILE!
 
I didn't realize that information was missing, sorry about that... it's there now.
So no... I don't have myself talked into anything. I appreciate you taking the time to respond and you could be right... wait 'til spring... either way it's time to move up.

To change the topic slightly... there was a 2006 280 for sale at the Sea Ray dealership in Vancouver (not for from here). They were asking $114900 cad / $106000 usd for it and it just sold in 3 weeks. I don't know what it actually sold for but that's an indication of where the prices are at locally. Is that similar to your area?
 
Last edited:
I would find out what can you get for a trade on the campion.this way if you can't sell it you can trade it towards the 280.Whatever the trade minus the value of your 240 is what I'd want in cash.A friend of mine did this with a car.He sold it to someone,took their trade plus cash and traded their car to the dealer for his new car.just an idea and will give you ball park number.If by chance you can sell the boat next year,you could come out ahead instead of trading it.
 
:grin:what will my next girlfriend looklike?:lol:
fwebster said:
So, as I understand it, I spent a fair amount of time thinking about and crafting an answer to a trade you already talked yourself into making in a non-US location where I have no knowledge of the boat industry economics, all because you were not courteous enough to complete your profile and give us a geographic location?



Note to self: DO NOT RESPOND TO ANOTHER QUESTION WITH AN INCOMPLETE PROFILE!
Click to expand...
 
When I sold my last boat, several people wanted me to take a boat + cash. I refused.

Basically, when I sold my boat, I could look the buyer in the eye and know exactly what I was selling them. I took care of my boat for several years, and was comfortable when I sold it.

I am not sure how excited I would be about buying a boat from someone who took it as a trade, and did not know much about the boat or its history.

This is a personal decision, but realize that you may have a difficult time selling this trade. However, if this is what it takes to sell your boat, and you are comfortable with the deal, then do what you got to do. It is tough selling a boat today.

Personally, I would compare the NADA value of your boat to the NADA value of his boat, and see where the "difference" lies....Good Luck!
 
NADA for boats doesn't mean sh*t in my opinion. That how the dealers kick you in the teeth when trading in a boat.

I'd wait until spring John, but my gut reaction was $22-25 so it puts you in a decent position to sell it and be ready to pounce when you find what you're looking for.
 
Hi :smt001,
I can't decide.
I feel like a fat kid at a super-sized candy bar rack trying to pick one...

Allow me to think out loud a little more here;

Reasons to trade;
* 20k more in the bank towards my (480 sedan bridge :lol: I wish) next boat
* The 705 will fit in my portable garage for the winter
* It's a nice boat with a popular brand name in this area
* It has 2 years warranty still

Reasons to not;
* Might be able to get more for mine in the spring than 20k + the 705
* Still have a boat to sell so I'm no further ahead that way
* Buyer beware as always
* Lose respect from my CSR associates :lol: like there was any!

I'm gonna' call my broker pal again tomorrow and get some estimated numbers and an opinion from him (like johngus said). I called before but he's been at some broker convention sipping cocktails on the back of a 51' Riviera... tough job... the poor fella'!

Sorry to bore ya' with my indecision here...
 
Last edited:
magster65 said:
.

Boat prices have changed but it has more to do with our strong dollar than recession. A 2006 240 sells in the mid 50's and a 2007 705 is in the mid 30's. Since we arguably live in some of the best boating areas anywhere, boat prices are high in this region. I'll be pulling my boat out of the water for the winter and another thought was the 705 would fit in my 'portable' garage and the 240 won't (too tall).
Click to expand...

I track 240's on Ebay all the time to give me an idea of what mine is worth. A 2006 even loaded would have trouble bringing mid 40k. I bought my 240 (2007) new in a 2008, granted it was not loaded and paid 45k. Good luck
 
My broker-pal looked on his little continent-wide record of sold boats with selling prices and said I should go for it... so I accepted the offer.
The buyer lives out of town but having the mechanical inspection here at a local shop on Monday. We're doing the lien searches tomorrow... and I'm going to have my mechanic with me for when I go over the 705 just for piece of mind.
If there's no issues... I guess that's it.
 
Well... I can't say I was glad to see the guy drive away with my Sea Ray in tow. We had some great times and wonderful trips in that boat :smt089
It's time to move forward.
I took the Campion out for a cruise yesterday. Thankfully it has a nice personality and it runs smooth and strong... and it's user friendly. At the ramp and marinas everyone was complimenting how nice it looks... which it does. I'm hoping this is an indication that it will sell quickly.
The time for a bigger Sundancer is drawing nearer! :smt038
 
Hey John
Congrats. I still look forward to meeting you up in the Gulf islands maybe next spring when you're on your 280DA or bigger.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,253
Messages
1,429,373
Members
61,133
Latest member
Willbeckett
Back
Top