My first boat - Grady 208 Adventure - price advice please

[karnog]

Hi All

I have been bitten by the boat bug and it's the best feeling ever! I now want to get my first boat. However being a landlubber all my life and a complete newbie, looking out there for a boat has been one helluva ride. To help myself out, I have researched my tail off, gone to a couple boat shows and think I may have finally found one I might make an offer on.

It is a 1994 Grady White 208 Adventure. The specs are:

150 HP Yamaha Saltwater Series
Uniden Solara VHF
Uniden Depth Indicator
small swim platform with ladder
Vista Top with front and side curtains
Asking price: $19,500

If I can agree on a price, I will certainly get a surveyor to check it out. From what I can tell, it looks to be in great shape. I did searches on boattraderonline and yachtworld and it seems basically in-line but with so many different available options, a price can swing several thousand one way or the other. I found NADA to give a price in about the $14,000 range and BUC came in at about $17,000. I know both of these are just guidelines but figure they must mean at least something. What should I make my offer at? $17,000? and then maybe they will come back with $17,500?

Here are some items I am considering in the price:

It is missing the v-berth cushions and I think it is missing the 2 cooler and 2 aft cushions as well. From what I gathered in response to another thread I posted about this, replacing all these could cost me anywhere from $500-$1000.

There is no trailer. I don't necessarily think I will need one but it is a factor in pricing a boat from what I have read.

It seems a bit short in the electronics area (no FF or GPS)

The broker has no idea what the engine hours are but it is an 11 year old boat and with only 150HP it means it probably has been run somewhat hard (lower HP engine has to work harder?) The broker told me he uses 50 hours a season as a rule of thumb so that would mean 500-600 hours as a guess. I am (and so was the boat) in the northeast area and the season is about 6 months.

I don't think it has a cover. Don't know if I need or want one but another factor.

Although from what I read this is something that you should do every season with any boat (if you keep a boat in the water) but I will have to repaint the bottom too.

Sooooo in summary (and hoping this wasn't too long winded), a fairly basic setup with few bells and whistles but what appears to be a boat in good shape. I figure the surveyor will find any major issue with the engine.


Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[ben]

Hi Karnog, i think 150hp for a 208 are low power. I had on mine a 225 D.I. Evinrude.ByeBen

[karnog]

Thanks Ben.

Yeah I would like more power but am trying to get a Grady boat in at least the 20' range and at or below the $20k price tag. I am finding it hard staying in that price range with boats having higher HP engines. I figure I will feel fine with this for one or two seasons. Then I will still have a decent hull and can upgrade the engine later.

[GWcpa]

With the power and missing equipment, I wouldnt' be real excited about the boat and offer 15K. As you noted this really depends on the equipment as well, in addition to the lack of FF and GPS, what about tabs, hydraulic steering (probably not with the 150) or washdown/shower? The 208s with the larger prices have this equipment.

That boat new was probably mid to high twenties.

Would be a great boat for 15 or 16K with the knowledge that you will still need to put money into it. Figure 2800 for a trailer as well, which most boats listed include.

[ben]

Ok You can go with the 150, and*in future will upgrade. More power probably will help You*in fuel consumptions, because a "little" 150hp with a full fuel tank, 3-4 people and a little rough sea, does suffer when pushing a 3000lbs boat. Sure that sometimes You'll exceed the 3000s also...ben

[karnog]

Ben, yep all your comments make sense.

And GWcpa you're right, I forgot about no trim tabs, no sink, washdown, etc and probably no hydralic steering. What the heck is this anyway?

Thanks.

[Parthery]

GWcpa - 3/28/2005 10:53 AM With the power and missing equipment, I wouldnt' be real excited about the boat and offer 15K. As you noted this really depends on the equipment as well, in addition to the lack of FF and GPS, what about tabs, hydraulic steering (probably not with the 150) or washdown/shower? The 208s with the larger prices have this equipment. That boat new was probably mid to high twenties. Would be a great boat for 15 or 16K with the knowledge that you will still need to put money into it. Figure 2800 for a trailer as well, which most boats listed include.

I agree...even if it checks out mechanically, you are going to be putting some $$$ into it.* Are you keeping the boat in the water?* If so, will the bottom need to*be painted?* Several hundred dollars there.* Trailers are more expensive in the NE...I would bet over $3K at least.

If you can get*a really good deal, then its worth it.* At $18-$19K, I'm not so sure...

[karnog]

Hmmm some good feedback here ...making me think. I guess I will talk to the broker and tell him my concerns and explain that is why I am making a $15-$16k offer and see what he says.

Thanks all for the feedback so far.

[gf]

Welcome!* Plenty of other Boston area boaters here.* Is that the 208 for sale in Bourne?* You generally can't go wrong with a used Grady.

What should I make my offer at? $17,000? and then maybe they will come back with $17,500?

Why start that high?* Heck, offer $14,000 and see where it goes from there.

There is no trailer. I don't necessarily think I will need one but it is a factor in pricing a boat from what I have read.

No trailer, eh?* Where are you going to keep the boat?* Do you already have a slip or mooring?* You probably want to nail that down before actually buying a boat.

It seems a bit short in the electronics area (no FF or GPS)

Don't worry about that, you'll want to buy all new stuff anyways.* Any electronics over a couple*of years old really have no value.

I figure the surveyor will find any major issue with the engine.

Wrong, most surveyors do not check outboard engines in great detail.* You will need to enlist a certified Yamaha mechanic to examine the engine.

My uncle is selling his 208 (near Boston- North Shore). Don't know what his asking is but probably 14K or so..Older boat 87 but repowered 90's yamaha engine. Rig is in very good shape as he only used it to go to the beach which is 2 miles from the harbor..PM me if you are interested and I can send some pics..

[karnog]

Is that the 208 for sale in Bourne? You generally can't go wrong with a used Grady.

Hi gf, yes it is the one in Bourne. As you probably know they are a Grady dealer and I did a lot of research and also feel from what I found that Gradys in general are good boats.

Why start that high? Heck, offer $14,000 and see where it goes from there.

The sales guy there seems like a good guy and I spoke with him just a while ago about a lot of this stuff and he basically said he agreed with my concerns and said, "Just make an offer at a price you are comfortable with and let's see what happens." By the way, how does commision work for these guys who are acting as brokers for boat owners? Flat fee? Do they make more money on their own boats. I was thinking of offering $15k but maybe you're right, can't hurt to offer $14k. Worst case is they just say no.

No trailer, eh? Where are you going to keep the boat? Do you already have a slip or mooring? You probably want to nail that down before actually buying a boat.

Right you are again. I am actually kind of putting the cart before the horse here. I have an uncle on my wife's side who has been in a yacht club forever and even though he no longer has a boat, he has a slip and his son has a mooring (who also no longer has a boat) and I am hoping I may be able to use one of those ...but I haven't really talked this all through with him yet and better get that settled first. I think he told my wife that worst case is he could get me in the yacht club and they offer permanent spots to park you boat on a trailer ...but of course in that case I would need a trailer.

Wrong, most surveyors do not check outboard engines in great detail. You will need to enlist a certified Yamaha mechanic to examine the engine.

Yeah this I just read about and was disappointed to find that out. Also, if I want to do a sea trial from this place in Bourne I have to get it in the water myself and the weather isn't exactly great yet to guarantee when I want to do it will be a "doable" day.

Nuthins ever easy is it? hehe

[karnog]

Hi kevcros

Thanks for that info but I am thinking I want a Grady after the hull change in 92. Thanks again for the offer though.

[Themis Sal]

A general statement regarding the used boat market for high quality lines:

A lot of it is affected by the new boat market prices...which just keep going up. A new Grady 208 is about 50k. The closer you get to boating season (and I think you are getting pretty close now), the used prices drift up, and it is harder to find the boat you want was all the better ones get snapped up in a hurry.

My .02 is that you are already doing the smart thing and picking a great boat, and buying used. I wouldn't let $2,000 keep you from boating for the full season. What price do you put on that? If the hull is great, and the engine smooth.... buy it and don't look back.

Dju know what I'm saying mehn?

[Afishinado]

karnog. Congratulations on heading in the right direction anyway!
I concur with most of what everyone has said here, I am wondering if this boat was used very much. No electronics? Is it all nice and clean (ie: no wires dangling and holes drilled from previous installations)?
As for the trailer, I would put that in my buget IF I really need it and have something to tow it with (assuming you're keeping it in the water). In Jersey you can get a guy with a trailer to pull it tow it and block it pretty reasonable). I only have a trailer for my GW because I had to buy one for my bay boat anyway. I agree about buying a SV2 hull, I think a 150 will push the boat fine, I've been on several with 150's, they were ample power.
I would go with the $14,000 offer, or tell him $14,600 and he pays your Yam mechanic & surveyor bill. Does it have hydraulic steering, something you'll end up spending $1000 on at some point.





I too have a GW for sale, not your size age or style.

[gf]

By the way, how does commision work for these guys who are acting as brokers for boat owners? Flat fee? Do they make more money on their own boats?

The sales commission is generally 10% of the purchase price for boats above $20,000, flat fee below that, probably $1500 or $2000.* Don't be afraid to ask Cataumet what their commission is.* Is this boat a straight brokerage or is the seller buying a new boat through Cataumet?* They may be willing to waive their commission if they are going to make money on the sale of a new boat to the seller.

It is standard practice to have the buyer pay for making the boat ready to sea trial, however, like most things in life, this is negotiable.

[karnog]

Thanks Afishinado and gf for some more good negoitation ideas. I will talk to the dealer about some of these and then try submitting an offer ...will keep you all posted.

[Vic Holmstrom]

Regarding performance, my last boat was a 1993 GW208 with a 1993 Yamaha 200. The 150 was the standard engine that year. The dispacement was the same between the 150 and 200. They shared the same gear ratio and were shipped with the same 17" SS propeller. Both engines were designed to top out between 4500 and 5500 rpm.

According to tests in 1993 the 150 performed as follows:

41mph@5100rpm (WOT), 35mph@4500rpm, 30.5mph@4000rpm, 25mph@3500rpm

The boat delivered 3.6 miles per gallon @ 3500rpm (incredible for a carburated 2-stroke).

My boat with the 200 topped out at 46mph@5700rpm. The cruise speeds were the same as the 150, and I used a little more fuel, still better than 3mpg. My 200 was probably quicker to plane. Best cruise speed was 32mph@4200rpm, where the engine seemed to find a quiet spot. My boat was trailered and had a clean bottom.

I would have no problem with a Yamaha 150 2-stroke on this boat, but would be planning to re-power with one of the new 200-225 4-strokes in the future. Best of luck.

Vic

[wahoo33417]

Karnog: For what it is worth, I just traded in my 1995 208 with a 2002 150 HPDI for $25000. My boat also had a Bimini top, not a hard top.

150 was enough power for me. I got up to 41 mph. The boat came with Teleflex no-feedback mechanical steering and it was fine. When I up-graded from an OceanPro 150 to the HPDI 150 I added hydraulic steering. Nice addition, but not a necessity. I also added trim tabs. That made a good-riding boat ride even better.

Good luck.

Rob

[WEEKEND HONEYMOON]

I had a Yamaha 150 on my 97 208 and never felt underpowered. I have been on one with a 200 and it was quicker (duh). I would not sweat buying a used on with a 150...however..the one you mention is a tad old. I think you may be able to shop and find one a little newer or a little cheaper. Just my .02

Tim

[mtcfish]

It is at the breakoff time to when they switch to the CV hull. I just picked a 96 up in Virginia Beach for a friend for $16K in good shape. Took 12 hours to get home.