asking price is $15,000?

[GGALVIN]

Looking at a 2008 Lowe Suncruiser SS224 with a 90hp 4stroke and duel axle trailer. The private party is asking $15,000. I'm a first-time buyer, so need any advice you can give.
I haven't seen it yet. The owner says its in great shape (?). This is the model with a trolling motor (55 lb?) and live well and the four chairs - two in front/two in back, plus the "rounded" couch across from the driver's chair. What should I look for or ask the owner?
Should I try for less $? Thanks in advance for any guidance you may give me.

[curtiscapk]

Seems high for 5 years old... Look around on you local craig'slist usually a bunch out there this time of year.

[Bamaman]

If you come together on the price, then ask the owner to get an engine analysis, including a printout on the engine's scanner.

That will tell you the actual hours running, how many hours it's run by rpm ranges and if there are any codes thrown. Ask if there have been any recalls on the engine, too.

Also ask for the lower unit grease to be drained, and pressure/vacuum tested. Seals can be a $300 surprise.

[BoatCop]

NADA shows that boat is worth $15,300 average retail and $17,150 high retail. (w/90 hp & 2 axle) trailer.

[ROLAND]

well based on boat cops post above, it seems the seller might be right on point with his asking price of 15K... but even so, I thought it sounded a tad high when I first read your post... go check it out and see if you like it... but like others have said, before you buy it I would want to have someone check out the motor.... Good luck with it all!

[Ezgoing]

I'm new to pontoons myself, have always used deep V bass boats before.

I spent four months searching for a used pontoon before I bought a new one. People in Texas want more for a used pontoon than a new one costs. They were asking $15,000 for 10 year old pontoons and the dealers were even worse. Nobody wanted to talk NADA value, all claimed that was just for Northern boats, Southern boats held value better.

Which will be great if I decide to sell in a few years. But I don's see how they sell, since a new pontoon cost less. Until you add all the accessories.

Be sure and have the engine and cabling checked. I found a 5 year old 22 foot pontoon being offered for $10,000, which was the average NADA price but when I asked to have a mechanic check it out was told to go to h*ll, that nobody touched his boat. Since I would be paying for the mechanic I can only assume he had something to hide. It is much better to spend $200-300 to be sure everything is ok than to discover problems after you purchase.

I wouldn't place any value on the trolling motor or other accessories. Five year old fish finders are outdated and a 55 # trolling motor is rather light for that boat. I have a 24 volt 75 # on my 20 foot bass buggy and regret that I did not spring for a 36 volt 110 #.

Wind is a factor with pontoons and we can have windy days here.