Selling my 290 Sundancer!

Thanks to all. I am heading to Louisville Wednesday to look at the '97 Carver 325 and will post some pics and details.
 
For those that missed it, my 290 sold last week to a great guy who is now a new member of CSR!
 
My son and I drove 2.5 hrs today and looked at two more Carver 325s (1995 &1997). I liked the '97 with hardtop and enlarged bridge seating much better. Both of these boats were very dirty and the '97 will need a real good buff & polish (I get tired just thinking about it). Also the fresh bottom paint looks like it was applied over a dirty hull...WTF?
Here is some pics of the '97. The canvas is about shot, I can probably have my canvas guy restitch it and limp through a the season with it.
I may make an offer on it, it is listed at $59,900.

Lesson of the day: All boats look clean in pics!

1002434le.jpg


1002606n.jpg


1002480l.jpg


1002478ey.jpg


1002484v.jpg


1002634e.jpg


1002630f.jpg


1002554.jpg


1002561j.jpg


1002450e.jpg


1002447x.jpg
 
Looks good Dave, add up everything that needs to be put right and hit him with a offer.....and don't forget your time isn't free. Good luck.
 
Thanks guys. Swimplatforms.com asked me if they could use the pic (of course I agreed). They sent me some nice gifts.....great product and company.
 
Absolutely will be contingent on sea trial followed by survey.
 
Good deal. I know it's not your first rodeo but if it were me i'd give him an offer (say 20% lower than his asking price assuming it's priced reasonably but lower if the boats been on the market awhile or if the '95 is also part of his inventory too) plus a short list of the bigger items you want fixed (I.e. new or repaired bridge isin, buff/wax, interior detailed, main/trans/gen fluids and impeller changes, etc). If this is a dealer, they often have means to get things done easier, quicker and cheaper and can be more inclined to "throw" the extras in to make the sale. He'll counter you on the price but I'll bet he won't on all the items on your list. Once you come to terms here, the survey will inevitably bring to light a few extra items that can then be negotiated as you flash them a glimpse of your checkbook.
 
It is a brokered boat. Thanks for the advice.
 
Last edited:
Here is the latest in my drama filled boat buying saga. After having a 1995 Carver 325 bought out from under me, I found another one (slightly newer) for more money. I negotiated a price contingent on sea trial and survey.
1st sea trial ....the port engine bogged and would not go over 2000rpm. They pulled the boat and found debris in Anti-siphon valve and fuel filter. They Called a week later and said "shes running great"....come on down!
2nd sea trial.... starboard engine bogged after about 10 minutes and we had excessive vibration on starboard side. More debris in filter.
They spent the next week pumping debris from the bottom of the tank and running the boat, changing filters etc. Prop was sent out for repair, shaft was checked, engine alignment was tweaked.
3rd sea trial.... A few weeks later they called and said "shes running great".....come on down. So yesterday I made another 2 1/2 hour drive down to sea trial.
I ran it for about an hour and it ran good. It hit WOT spec and reached 30mph. There was still slightly more vibration to the starboard engine vs the port. It was only noticeable when I lightly held a foot on the riser of each engine, gauging vibration (while the boat was on plane.....service manager at the helm). I did not notice it at the helm while driving.
We came back to dock and I told them I was probably good with the sea trial but would now compression check the engines (as was prior agreed upon).
I labeled all the plug wires on the starboard engine and removed the spark plugs. The last plug I pulled had physical damage to it.
Mmmm....not a good sign. I got 160 to 165 psi to the first 7 cylinders and when I got to the number eight cylinder (the one with the damaged plug)....drum roll please........"0" psi. So after almost 3 months of these shenanigans and $585 cash to the surveyor the deal is over.
How in the hell did that motor run well and hit WOT? Lessons learned fellas. Here is a pic of the plug from the "0" cylinder, oddly the electrode is intact but underneath it was fractured and missing a chunk:

temp3p.jpg
 
Better now than after you own it. I know, that is little consolation right now but when the successful search is over this will be a footnote. It is hard to find a good boat sometimes, no matter the market.

MM
 
Phlorida said:
The Sea Ray gods don't want you to buy a Carver!
Click to expand...

That is funny. I called about a 1998 330DA while still in the parking lot with grease still on my hands from the Carver. I Got a hold of the broker and drove 3 1/2 hrs to look at it. It was absolutely pristine. Engine room spotless. It has always been my "dream" boat.
I really like the interior room of the bridge boats though.
 
Looks like your back to the Sea Ray's, You sold your 290 fairly quick. I have a friend that sold his 1990 270 two week ago for decent money, boats must be moving for this year. What make me kidda sick is when I see one like mine on Craigs list for $8,000 in February. It sure looked good it the pictures, but may have been in poor shape in person.
 
They all look good in the pics!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,180
Messages
1,428,032
Members
61,088
Latest member
SGT LAT
Back
Top