New or Used Boat?

bvaughn97 · Newbie Joined: 03 Apr 2004 Posts: 4

I am beginning the process of searching out and buying my first boat, and I wanted to get the opinion of people who are experienced with the boat-buying process.

I have searched multiple used boat websites as well as bought my regional BoatTrader rag. I have found some great boats in my price range, as I can afford any payments lower than $400 per month. But, it also looks like I might could get a Moomba Mobius LSV for about the same payments, although for a longer term. So what would be the better option? A used boat for 10 years at a higher interest rate or a new boat for 15 years at a bit lower interest rate? In the near future I would be able to make additional principle payments to shorten the term for either.

Also, are there any used models out there that would be considered a "better" boat than a new Mobius LSV? I don't care much about luxury items, but I do care about reliability, performance, etc. Thanks for opinions and advice.

cstmgsxr · Soul Rider Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 470

well i went to buy a used boat, and after seeing about 10 different ones, i said screw it and went shopping for a brand new one, after learning that moomba's were a bit high for the budget i had in mind, i ran accross a guy (during jan) that said he was considering selling his boat, so i went and looked at it, of course it wasnt a wakeboard specific boat, but it is a 20' glastron with the 5.0 gl engine, and it only had 20 hours, i asked what he wanted and he said make me an offer, so i called a few friends to see what they are going for in thier area, and they all said around 22k so i offered they guy 17.5K and he took it....now after a summer (this comming up one) I will have enough equity to go trade it in for a good size down payment and get what ever i want basicllly...
so to answer your question, just shop around open minded, you never know what your gonna come across...

hope that helps Smile

Erik · Posted: Apr 03, 2004 6:54 pm Post subject:

Dear sir please have a look at this post:
http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=22123&sid=0f9a238822503823737f3e9c91344e65

KurtInCincy · Addict Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 645 City: Cincinnati OH

I recomend buying used because the value of it will not decrease as fast (even if the interest rate is abit higher). Then get a new boat in a couple years if you find out that you like the sport it alot.

DWKsnaeb · Criminal Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Posts: 52 City: lawrenceburg

I'm sellig my Mastercraft Prostar 190 great condition corvette engine 4 kicker speaker airboom pile on with speakers etc private message anti-shoobies or email nateflyn22@aol.com

surfsup · Outlaw Joined: 30 Jan 2004 Posts: 118 City: Orlando

Like KurtInCincy suggested, I recommend starting out used - especially if you've never owned a boat. You wouldn't want to damage a new boat due to inexperience. Plenty of things can happen when you trailer and launch a boat several times a week. Make sure you're happy with the boating lifestyle and then upgrade when your ready...

Skikid03J · Posted: Apr 07, 2004 12:36 pm Post subject:

I agree, We bought a good used boat and have had no mechanical problems. Although when we first got it we did have loading problems or other things like that which caused a scratch here or there.(wouldnt want to do that to a new boat) By used and get some practice.

NorCalStud686 · Posted: Apr 07, 2004 5:11 pm Post subject:

DWKsnaeb, do you have a pic?

Mike O · Soul Rider Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 416 City: KINGSPORT

money is cheap right now, buy NEW! 5.5% @ 10 yrs. on $38,000 is about $400 mo

WPlumb1004 · Newbie Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 1 City: Fort Wayne

bvaughn97, Hey there, I work at a marina and we used to carry Moomba. Moomba is a great boat and is very much the same as a Supra but more affordable. With any V-drive boat especially for wakeboarding, when you fill up the ballast they can be somewhat hard to steer. Any inboard boat maintains a better value than a regular I/O, and if you would want to trade in a couple years you can also take it to the nearest moomba dealer and get more out of it than if you went to another dealer.

Get the LSV, it throws out a great wake that will definitely please you, also if you would go with the LSV, DO NOT GET IT WITHOUT the HYDROLIC WAKEPLATE. With the v drive it makes a world of difference and don't let a salesmen talk you out of it.

Diggs · Addict Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 627 City: Portland

I agree to buy used your first boat cause you really don't know what you want until you have been out on another boat for about a year. When I bought my first boat used (I/O 5.0L with 30hrs) the guy said you will be back in a year wanting a new boat with the features and functionality that you will learn you want. 1.5 yrs later I went out and bought new and got everything I wanted after owning the other one first. You can always find a good used boat for cheap if you look hard enough. I traded mine in for much more than I paid for it even... Good luck and it sounds like you have plenty of money to play with. Hope you have just as much for the gas, insurance, and the toys you need to buy to take out on the boat with you. I am sure you will have a hard time getting it from your friends........
PS I found financing at 3.59% for 5.5 yrs and 4.09% for 7 yrs...

Doc Haze · Newbie Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 10 City: Parsippany

money is cheap right now, buy NEW! 5.5% @ 10 yrs. on $38,000 is about $400 mo

yeah, if you want to spend a total of $50,000 for your $38,000 boat that will be worth $32000 after the first year and under 30000 after the second. like surfsup said, see if you like, learn to use it, and figure out if your willing to fix it and maintain it. then buy a new one in a few years. cause remember, during the winter when you ain't using it, you're still gona be shoveling out $400 while it sits drydocked.

watsoc · Addict Joined: 23 Feb 2004 Posts: 574 City: Anthem

I bought a used bpat last year and was able to get a lot of features that I could not have afforded if I bought a new boat. I was able to get a Airboom tower, amp with tower speakers, tower rack, etc. without having to shell out all the money that it would have cost me new. Granted I have an I/O that I may want to trade in in a couple of years. I found that buying used allowed me to avoid a payment as well. Therefore look for the best overall deal and just make sure that if you buy used that you have a mechanic give it an inspection so you know exactly waht you are buying. Either way I hope you enjoy your new or used boat.

wawakechic · Soul Rider Joined: 30 Mar 2004 Posts: 413

I bought used five years ago and I'm still happy with it. Sure, it isn't fancy and new and have all the nifty accessories, but it works for us, runs great, I don't have payments and it's okay of it gets a scratch here or there. The guy that sold it to me was such an idiot that it's still worth more than what I paid for it. Laughing