I Cant sell my boat...
#1

Not because no one will buy it, I just cant justify selling it.
Has any one ever had this problem?
Its a '96 2503 Trophy with T/150s, I take it out every few weeks 15-25 miles off, out of MI. Had it for 9 years. Starts up every spring like I ran it the day before.
Yes, I know its a Bayliner and its not all sexy, but Its been a great little beater boat, reliable as heck, a lot of room and no problems. A little smokey at start and hard ride in tight head seas.
I want to reach out further to the tuna grounds and want some more length, dead rise and speed and have almost pulled the trigger on several larger CC over the last 2-3 years in the $50-70K range.
Every spring I keep saying this is the year I sell it, as I have several other boats. But I cant justify the price difference in what I have for about $10K and what I will get for $60-70K.
If you made the jump...was it worth it?
Has any one ever had this problem?
Its a '96 2503 Trophy with T/150s, I take it out every few weeks 15-25 miles off, out of MI. Had it for 9 years. Starts up every spring like I ran it the day before.
Yes, I know its a Bayliner and its not all sexy, but Its been a great little beater boat, reliable as heck, a lot of room and no problems. A little smokey at start and hard ride in tight head seas.
I want to reach out further to the tuna grounds and want some more length, dead rise and speed and have almost pulled the trigger on several larger CC over the last 2-3 years in the $50-70K range.
Every spring I keep saying this is the year I sell it, as I have several other boats. But I cant justify the price difference in what I have for about $10K and what I will get for $60-70K.
If you made the jump...was it worth it?
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#2
Senior Member

If you like your boat, just keep it. With the price difference and added expenses of running a bigger boat, you'd be money ahead by just chartering once or twice a year to scratch that tuna itch. Keep in mind that it is not only the 50k-ish price difference, but also likely more fuel burn, storage expenses, etc.
#3
Senior Member

I'm going through that rite now. unfortunately I listed it though and now have someone intrested. I'm giving that guy a chance and then taking the ad down. I feel stupid because I could never get the same boat for the same money
#4
Senior Member


I am in the same position, my boat is a '95 it has its dings and scratches but it is solid, well built, and does everything I need it to do. I really like the boat so I repowered it with new Suzuki 200s 2 years ago. For me it was a good move considering to buy the equivalent new boat would probably be $100K plus.
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#5
Admirals Club 


If you aren't sure you want to sell it, then you will regret it if you do.
#6
Senior Member

Not because no one will buy it, I just cant justify selling it.
Has any one ever had this problem?
Its a '96 2503 Trophy with T/150s, I take it out every few weeks 15-25 miles off, out of MI. Had it for 9 years. Starts up every spring like I ran it the day before.
Yes, I know its a Bayliner and its not all sexy, but Its been a great little beater boat, reliable as heck, a lot of room and no problems. A little smokey at start and hard ride in tight head seas.
I want to reach out further to the tuna grounds and want some more length, dead rise and speed and have almost pulled the trigger on several larger CC over the last 2-3 years in the $50-70K range.
Every spring I keep saying this is the year I sell it, as I have several other boats. But I cant justify the price difference in what I have for about $10K and what I will get for $60-70K.
If you made the jump...was it worth it?
Has any one ever had this problem?
Its a '96 2503 Trophy with T/150s, I take it out every few weeks 15-25 miles off, out of MI. Had it for 9 years. Starts up every spring like I ran it the day before.
Yes, I know its a Bayliner and its not all sexy, but Its been a great little beater boat, reliable as heck, a lot of room and no problems. A little smokey at start and hard ride in tight head seas.
I want to reach out further to the tuna grounds and want some more length, dead rise and speed and have almost pulled the trigger on several larger CC over the last 2-3 years in the $50-70K range.
Every spring I keep saying this is the year I sell it, as I have several other boats. But I cant justify the price difference in what I have for about $10K and what I will get for $60-70K.
If you made the jump...was it worth it?
I have had seven boats, none of them run 20 knots comfortably into short duration 3 footers.
Size doesn't directly equate with safety I am out almost 100 days a year and every boat has been out in most conditions. Every boat has its strength and weaknesses. I felt as safe in my 23 footer as in the larger boats.
If your boat is dead reliable, has no bow steer, snap rolls or other handling vices, sheds green water taken over the bow or gunnel and feels safe and secure to you, then why upgrade? If it fails one of these tests that is the reason to spend money on something better
#7
Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Savannah, GA
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Not because no one will buy it, I just cant justify selling it.
Has any one ever had this problem?
Its a '96 2503 Trophy with T/150s, I take it out every few weeks 15-25 miles off, out of MI. Had it for 9 years. Starts up every spring like I ran it the day before.
Yes, I know its a Bayliner and its not all sexy, but Its been a great little beater boat, reliable as heck, a lot of room and no problems. A little smokey at start and hard ride in tight head seas.
I want to reach out further to the tuna grounds and want some more length, dead rise and speed and have almost pulled the trigger on several larger CC over the last 2-3 years in the $50-70K range.
Every spring I keep saying this is the year I sell it, as I have several other boats. But I cant justify the price difference in what I have for about $10K and what I will get for $60-70K.
If you made the jump...was it worth it?
Has any one ever had this problem?
Its a '96 2503 Trophy with T/150s, I take it out every few weeks 15-25 miles off, out of MI. Had it for 9 years. Starts up every spring like I ran it the day before.
Yes, I know its a Bayliner and its not all sexy, but Its been a great little beater boat, reliable as heck, a lot of room and no problems. A little smokey at start and hard ride in tight head seas.
I want to reach out further to the tuna grounds and want some more length, dead rise and speed and have almost pulled the trigger on several larger CC over the last 2-3 years in the $50-70K range.
Every spring I keep saying this is the year I sell it, as I have several other boats. But I cant justify the price difference in what I have for about $10K and what I will get for $60-70K.
If you made the jump...was it worth it?
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#8
Admirals Club 


You’re going to pony up more $ than u may think for routine offshore runs. Safety gear and equipment, etc etc. Hit a charter when u get an itch, you’ll save $.
#9

Not because no one will buy it, I just cant justify selling it.
Has any one ever had this problem?
Its a '96 2503 Trophy with T/150s, I take it out every few weeks 15-25 miles off, out of MI. Had it for 9 years. Starts up every spring like I ran it the day before.
Yes, I know its a Bayliner and its not all sexy, but Its been a great little beater boat, reliable as heck, a lot of room and no problems. A little smokey at start and hard ride in tight head seas.
I want to reach out further to the tuna grounds and want some more length, dead rise and speed and have almost pulled the trigger on several larger CC over the last 2-3 years in the $50-70K range.
Every spring I keep saying this is the year I sell it, as I have several other boats. But I cant justify the price difference in what I have for about $10K and what I will get for $60-70K.
If you made the jump...was it worth it?
Has any one ever had this problem?
Its a '96 2503 Trophy with T/150s, I take it out every few weeks 15-25 miles off, out of MI. Had it for 9 years. Starts up every spring like I ran it the day before.
Yes, I know its a Bayliner and its not all sexy, but Its been a great little beater boat, reliable as heck, a lot of room and no problems. A little smokey at start and hard ride in tight head seas.
I want to reach out further to the tuna grounds and want some more length, dead rise and speed and have almost pulled the trigger on several larger CC over the last 2-3 years in the $50-70K range.
Every spring I keep saying this is the year I sell it, as I have several other boats. But I cant justify the price difference in what I have for about $10K and what I will get for $60-70K.
If you made the jump...was it worth it?
#10

I see this in a different flavor .
Sophomoric Koolaide and Hoopla leads a poor unsuspecting schmuck into a "Brand"
"Oh I run this in a 3' chop" "I go to the gulfstream" " "Oh sure pile in 3 300 Pound Lard ASSES"
Then they take their family out , wifey gets scared shitless . Now they are on the hook for a glitzy overpriced "toy"
the "Cult" that egged the poor bastard into buying the piece of crap is NO help ...They only shout "NEXT" and
laugh and "BOOZE Cruise" While more innocents get suckered . :-(
I come out and say "Hey look around there are better choices" But I'm the bad guy ... Very surprising that those that
I try to save , turn on me Pretty hilarious some just like to be in a "Dog and Pony Show"
And hey I Know my "STALKER" will read this ... Hey you grody Bastard take a bath shave and stop molesting kids !!
Sophomoric Koolaide and Hoopla leads a poor unsuspecting schmuck into a "Brand"
"Oh I run this in a 3' chop" "I go to the gulfstream" " "Oh sure pile in 3 300 Pound Lard ASSES"
Then they take their family out , wifey gets scared shitless . Now they are on the hook for a glitzy overpriced "toy"
the "Cult" that egged the poor bastard into buying the piece of crap is NO help ...They only shout "NEXT" and
laugh and "BOOZE Cruise" While more innocents get suckered . :-(
I come out and say "Hey look around there are better choices" But I'm the bad guy ... Very surprising that those that
I try to save , turn on me Pretty hilarious some just like to be in a "Dog and Pony Show"
And hey I Know my "STALKER" will read this ... Hey you grody Bastard take a bath shave and stop molesting kids !!
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#12
Senior Member

In addition to what Obvious said, I know here in SC the tax difference would be substantial each year. I dropped over $400 on my 2014 21' NS 2110 Bay Boat and over $300 on my 2013 Yamaha 150. A 20 year old boat would be almost nothing for tax (based on value). On a new $70K (or higher) boat, SC would tax the hull and both motors separately, at a pretty high rate.
If you like your boat, just keep it. With the price difference and added expenses of running a bigger boat, you'd be money ahead by just chartering once or twice a year to scratch that tuna itch. Keep in mind that it is not only the 50k-ish price difference, but also likely more fuel burn, storage expenses, etc.
#13
Senior Member

I don't even know what this means! I am not sure how any of this pertains to keeping a reliable 20 year old boat or buy a new boat. Are you telling the OP to keep his boat or buy a new one? Either way, it seems like the OP doesn't make hasty boat buying decisions very often.
I see this in a different flavor .
Sophomoric Koolaide and Hoopla leads a poor unsuspecting schmuck into a "Brand"
"Oh I run this in a 3' chop" "I go to the gulfstream" " "Oh sure pile in 3 300 Pound Lard ASSES"
Then they take their family out , wifey gets scared shitless . Now they are on the hook for a glitzy overpriced "toy"
the "Cult" that egged the poor bastard into buying the piece of crap is NO help ...They only shout "NEXT" and
laugh and "BOOZE Cruise" While more innocents get suckered . :-(
I come out and say "Hey look around there are better choices" But I'm the bad guy ... Very surprising that those that
I try to save , turn on me Pretty hilarious some just like to be in a "Dog and Pony Show"
And hey I Know my "STALKER" will read this ... Hey you grody Bastard take a bath shave and stop molesting kids !!
Sophomoric Koolaide and Hoopla leads a poor unsuspecting schmuck into a "Brand"
"Oh I run this in a 3' chop" "I go to the gulfstream" " "Oh sure pile in 3 300 Pound Lard ASSES"
Then they take their family out , wifey gets scared shitless . Now they are on the hook for a glitzy overpriced "toy"
the "Cult" that egged the poor bastard into buying the piece of crap is NO help ...They only shout "NEXT" and
laugh and "BOOZE Cruise" While more innocents get suckered . :-(
I come out and say "Hey look around there are better choices" But I'm the bad guy ... Very surprising that those that
I try to save , turn on me Pretty hilarious some just like to be in a "Dog and Pony Show"
And hey I Know my "STALKER" will read this ... Hey you grody Bastard take a bath shave and stop molesting kids !!
#15
Senior Member

Buying a boat never makes financial sense, it’s an emotional purchase. You are going to be disappointed if you run the numbers. You are talking about going a “little” further, with a “little” more comfort. No way that is worth $70k, but you shouldn’t ask a bunch of yahoos on a boating forum if you should drop $70k on a boat, the answer will be yes. If you want someone to talk you out of it go to a finance forum. I think you should pull the trigger and start a thread so we can critique your new purchase.
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#16
Senior Member

Back in 1991 I bought a new Grady White 19'. Two outboards and one new transom later I finally decided to sell it in the spring of 2017. Absolutely nothing wrong with the boat except for 26 years of scuffs and scratches. I wanted something bigger. Spent three weeks polishing up the boat and sold it in three days on Craigslist for $9750. Took that money and bought a 4 yr old 25' Grady for $60K. Spent last summer many times questioning my decision, since now I had much larger expenses.
Then this past January I found out I had cancer. and immediately started treatment which is still ongoing. Three weeks ago I put the boat in the water for the summer. It's been a cold somewhat nasty Spring & early Summer here in Maine. Last weekend the sun finally came out and warmed everyone up. I took the boat out fishing for a half day. Cruising back to the marina I kept thinking how glad I made that decision a year ago to sell and buy new.
I don't want to live my life for the future..I want to live it now.
Then this past January I found out I had cancer. and immediately started treatment which is still ongoing. Three weeks ago I put the boat in the water for the summer. It's been a cold somewhat nasty Spring & early Summer here in Maine. Last weekend the sun finally came out and warmed everyone up. I took the boat out fishing for a half day. Cruising back to the marina I kept thinking how glad I made that decision a year ago to sell and buy new.
I don't want to live my life for the future..I want to live it now.
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#17
Senior Member

here's the thing, you know exactly what you have and how it's lived it's life for the past 9 years. You can't sell that boat for what it is worth to you, makes perfect sense, I'd keep it and enjoy it. Who gives a shit about brand snobs.
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#19
Senior Member


Does your boat get you out to the fish and back safely and meet your needs?
Everyone gets two foot 'itis. The way the market is now, it's gonna cost you...big time. $60-$70K is a lot of fish, fuel and refreshments.
If you have a good boat, keep it. Maintain it. Get it all full of fish guts.
Everyone gets two foot 'itis. The way the market is now, it's gonna cost you...big time. $60-$70K is a lot of fish, fuel and refreshments.
If you have a good boat, keep it. Maintain it. Get it all full of fish guts.
#20


As far as the charter thing, yes it makes sense financially for the few times I'm out there, but for me, fishing is the thrill of the hunt. Finding them, getting them to bite, not just reeling in a fish.
I've been on charters and respect these captains very much.
it just seems a little more rewarding when we pull up a fish that we found and hooked. My boys feel the same way.
When given the choice on vacation in FL, charter to definitely catch fish vs renting and doing it ourselves with possible skunk, its always the later...but its hard to skunk in the Keys.
Tax is mostly a one time deal in NJ, just token registration every year after initial registration.