What should my first offer be on used boat?

[10point]

I'm looking at a used boat that is priced at $13,995 at a dealership. I actually think it's very reasonably priced. I'm about to make an offer. I'm wanting to start at 10k cash. Would that be an insult if it's already reasonably priced?

[CrappiePappy]

IMHO .... "reasonably priced" takes in account the profit margin of the dealership & what the dealership actually paid for the boat. Since they're not likely to tell you what they paid for the boat, offer them a couple thousand below what you think the boat is worth & see if they'll dicker with you. If the boat's been there for some time, they may ... but, if it hasn't been there for long, they'll likely try and hold at that price ... thinking someone will come along & pay that price.

Could be the boat is a trade-in or a consignment ... the asking price may differ on these two scenarios. But, to be sure, the dealer is gonna try and make the most profit it can on the deal, regardless.

[10point]

IMHO .... "reasonably priced" takes in account the profit margin of the dealership & what the dealership actually paid for the boat. Since they're not likely to tell you what they paid for the boat, offer them a couple thousand below what you think the boat is worth & see if they'll dicker with you. If the boat's been there for some time, they may ... but, if it hasn't been there for long, they'll likely try and hold at that price ... thinking someone will come along & pay that price.

Could be the boat is a trade-in or a consignment ... the asking price may differ on these two scenarios. But, to be sure, the dealer is gonna try and make the most profit it can on the deal, regardless.

I do know it was a trade in for a guy buying a pontoon.

[spartannation]

And after you make your offer don't be afraid to walk away if they don't come down in price. Leave your number and have them call you if they change their minds. The worst that can happen is you pay their price later.

[BuckeyeCrappie]

and look at the blue book values online before making your offer. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are asking 30-35% more than they gave for it.

[wannabe fisherman]

And after you make your offer don't be afraid to walk away if they don't come down in price. Leave your number and have them call you if they change their minds. The worst that can happen is you pay their price later.

or cry if it's one you'd like to have and someone else got it.

[DockShootinJack]

You can always raise your offer. Certainly can't lower it after you have made it. It is also the off season for boats. That should factor in

[keeferfish]

at a dealership. Would that be an insult if it's already reasonably priced?

Are you worried about insulting a dealer? If they had 5k in it and sold it to you for 14K I bet they'd sleep just fine at night.

Your money your offer.

[DockShootinJack]

[happycaster58]

It depends on how many used boats they have in inventory. In my area, there are very few if any used or new fishing boats to be had. As others have suggested, check Blue Book values and start from there. If the boat is in great shape and it is the boat you really want, I would buy it before somebody else does. Good luck in your search.