Need help, trying to buy a sx230 2008 with 300hrs.

[Newbieboater20]

What should I be paying for this boat,

Mint 2008 Yamaha SX230 Jetboat - boats - by owner - marine sale

Hello, Up for sale is my 2008 Yamaha SX230. It has twin MR-1 engines in great condition. Jetboat...

newyork.craigslist.org

 

[marcham]

First off, anyone who sells something used as "mint" either needs to look up the definition, is a little dishonest or needs better glasses.

1. Find comparable units for sale elsewhere
2. Look up nada pricing (they are dealer retail, not private retail prices)
3. Inspect the hull out of the water. Assume the gel coat will need a cut and polish ($1000 +)
4. Have a mechanic check the hours and compression

With the current situation it's a buyer's market. I'd start at 14 if the mechanical checks out.

 

[scokill]

What should I be paying for this boat,

Mint 2008 Yamaha SX230 Jetboat - boats - by owner - marine sale

Hello, Up for sale is my 2008 Yamaha SX230. It has twin MR-1 engines in great condition. Jetboat...

newyork.craigslist.org

I would try and find similar listings. The hull appears to be in great shape. The interior will need to be redone. There is nothing you can do to save the gray material and it's common. The hydroturf would need to be replace most likely, and the carpet. Could you get by with all of this? Sure. Interior, going back with seadeck on the entire boat would likely cost you $5,000.

Mechanical...good idea to check hours and compression. 5-600 hours wouldn't be a concern at all IMO or even more if well maintained. I would actually be more concerned if it had under 100 and had sat for long periods of time. This is the best test IMO as it will identify potential pump and engine issues. The boat should go 42-47 MPH GPS, not speedo, and turn 10,000 rpms at WOT. Do not buy a boat without test on the water. You might be looking at pump maintenance...bearings, seal, but if it runs with speed and RPMs likely everything is OK...have never had to service mine. Steering and throttle should be smooth. Many have had to change steering and throttle cables, although my 2008 is fine never changed.

They are good boats. I would put the range on these at $15-$22K from rougher to immaculate. I think $14K as above would be a steal IMO.

 

[BigAbe75]

Also, when looking at nada prices, remember that these boats are sold as a package set. Don’t let them jack the price up by including a tower option, bimini cover or trailer. All that stuff is factory included and factored into the base price.

Aftermarket addons, fancy stereo, battery charger, steering enhancement might improve the salability (is that a word), but they don’t add much value on the price. So, if the ad mentions $5,000 upgraded stereo... that’s great and throw the guy a bone, but it doesn’t raise the price by 5,000. A dealer on trade wouldn’t give him a $1 more, in my experience. (Well, maybe $1... you get the idea)

In fact, when I traded my boat... the dealer took a bunch of my addons out before selling it.

 

[Newbieboater20]

Being a new boater ,this helps me alot guys , thank you for all your feedback, much appreciated,,keep the opinions coming please,, im learning as i review your thoughts

 

[gthh]

2007-2010 was a very good design and build year for Yamaha so if the boat was properly maintained and the hull not abused I would not hesitate to spend some money on this one.

The boat in good condition would be worth $18 to $20 thousand depending on the mods and condition.

You will get any premium you pay back back in the enjoyment, fuel savings and low maintenance cost during the time of ownership.

 

[Scottintexas]

I agree when they say it's "mint" and then the grey seat backs are sunburned, it makes you be very cautious of what else are they exaggerating on,

You can have a jetski shop hook up the engines to read the hours,

Once the grey seat backs start getting sunburned it's only 2-3 years until the fabric is gone and you'll see foam underneath as the fabric just gets harder and pulls away,

new interior, since the bow cushions will be quickly in the same condition, is anywhere from 3-5k and probably on the higher side,

I wouldn't buy it without a test ride and somebody reading the engines with a YDS.

 

[Beachbummer]

I paid $16.5 for slightly worse condition but fewer hours. (But I think I got an exceptional deal) this one has a galvanized trailer, that's a plus if you need it. If he comes down a tad more it would be a great deal I think. Even as is, if it's the boat you want and you are willing to pay it, it could be good. Next match may be one or 2 months out a few hundred miles away? Is having the boat now worth $1-$3K to you? If so keep trying to negotiate but don't let it go. If you are willing to wait more or travel farther you can find a better deal I'm sure. I looked for about 3 months and traveled 600 miles to find mine.

 

[jcyamaharider]

That gelcoat will definitely need wet sanded to bring it back to a shine.

 

[marcham]

Forgot to say, welcome to the forum! The Yamaha boats are really great, do it all, and fun for the family!

The NADA dealer retail does assume a boat in good condition. The cosmetics of this boat are NOT in good condition. I agree with the above comment. If the seller considers the cosmetics as "mint", what else are they not being honest about? I just sold a travel trailer.

If you can get a quote to redo the cushions for $4000, replace the floor covers for $1500, bimini top & cover $1000, what condition is the storage cover in? Get an email from someone who does cut & polish on a boat that size for another $1500. You can then use this to bring the seller's expectations down to a realistic price. A dealer would probably not pay more than 60% of NADA retail on trade.

Ask them why they are selling. Check if there are any loans outstanding on the boat. Who has the title? Title problems can make a deal go sour real fast.

If you do try it out, tell him that the engines must be cold when you get to the boat. Touch the exhaust manifolds to confirm.

 

[Newbieboater20]

Thanks so much guys ,all of this is very helpful, i have got him down to 14k so far so i think my next move is to go look at it

 

[BigAbe75]

In NY, at 14k... I think I'd take it and figure the rest out later! Especially, if he can give you a successful water trial.

IF nothing else, you can put in a little elbow grease to shine up the colors and flip it for at least the same money, so you wouldn't be out anything if you decide it's not quite right for your family.

 

[Beachbummer]

For that price it will be very right! Enjoy it as is to make up your mind, but if the boat is solid mechanically you will have a lot of fun for $14K

 

[marcham]

Over the phone ... that's pretty good negotiating. Now take it out for a spin and get the compression checked! A mechanic would charge maybe $50-$100 to check compression and give the engines a quick once over. Well worth it to avoid a $5000 repair bill. Ask if he has a tool to read Yamaha computers to get the engine hours off the ECU.

 

[Newbieboater20]

Well that was a bummer, the boat pictures were very deceiving, boat had not been taken care of at all, rust everywhere, it was neglected and we couldn't take it in the water, every bolt in the engine bay was rusted, i just didn't get a good feeling for it so im passing, but i appreciate all your opinions guys,, i would come back as soon as i find the next one and get your opinions for sure

 

[scokill]

Well that was a bummer, the boat pictures were very deceiving, boat had not been taken care of at all, rust everywhere, it was neglected and we couldn't take it in the water, every bolt in the engine bay was rusted, i just didn't get a good feeling for it so im passing, but i appreciate all your opinions guys,, i would come back as soon as i find the next one and get your opinions for sure

That's a bummer. Over and above the neglect, I wouldn't even consider a boat without a test ride.

 

[Scottintexas]

But it was "mint" ???
Unfortunately it happens to often, keep looking

 

[GTBRMC]

Well that was a bummer, the boat pictures were very deceiving, boat had not been taken care of at all, rust everywhere, it was neglected and we couldn't take it in the water, every bolt in the engine bay was rusted, i just didn't get a good feeling for it so im passing, but i appreciate all your opinions guys,, i would come back as soon as i find the next one and get your opinions for sure

A very wise (and exceptionally successful) mergers & acquisition guy told me a few years back something very applicable to this situation. He was a big money guy, and had a track record of many successful deals. I asked him which deals he was most proud of. Without hesitation, he named off a few of his most high profile deals and said that they were all satisfactory. Then he said, "...but there were a handful of deals that I walked away from, despite intense pressure to close. And I saved the company over $1B in disasters in doing so. Those are the ones I take the most pride in."

His lesson: Often the deals you walk away from are your wisest calls.

You made a good choice. That 2007-09 230 platform was a wonderful model. But you don't want an abused boat. Keep looking, your baby is out there.

 

[marcham]

As per my opening comment, "a little dishonest" is common when you see the word mint in a used item sale listing.

Good call on walking away.

 

[Newbieboater20]

Ok i have officially got the "itch" lol, so im on to the next one , a 2007 ar230, im open to all the advice,, my wife looks like shes gonna divorce me, all im doing all day is looking at boats

Yamaha AR230 - boats - by owner - marine sale

Boat in new condition rarely used maintained by certified Yamaha mechanic kept on dry dock during...

longisland.craigslist.org