Advice needed on rigging prior to sale

[2112]

I have a 98', 32' stepped bottom Fountain that is in pristine condition that I have been hanging on to for too long. I spent too much fortifying the gimbals, drives and structure of the boat and got sentimentally attached.....I know, mistake.

Well, I finally came to grips with it needing to find a new home where it will be enjoyed.

Here is my question; I need to put power in as I am a believer that non-powered boats are tough to sell and bring the lowest $. In today's market, boats definitely have finite and unfortunately lower values. I don't think it makes any sense to put $30,000-$60,000 of engines into a boat that I would be ungodly lucky to find a buyer at a price that supports both boat and expensive engines.

I also think one-off custom builds would require that one in a thousand buyer that would want that package. Yes It would be cheaper to install a non-warranty medium power BBC (carbed).

The boat did 70mph with the 7.4L 330 motors at the factory when I had it built. My thinking is to drop in a pair of 383 magnums with a factory Mercury Warranty. With less weight and 25 extra horses, I think the boat should be an honest 72-73mph boat.

These motors are reasonably priced and easy to install.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/383_Magnum.htm

Now I am sure this can turn into a discussion on how you can get more power and performance with bigger and better engines. No argument there. But at what return? Remember, the purpose is to keep the package affordable to attract a buyer in the toughest market in recent history.

Well, Common sense input please, Am I cutting off my nose to spite my face going this route? Remember the circumstances.

.

[glh]

I had one of those and you might want to consider big blocks. I had small blocks when I bought mine and ended up changing for big blocks.

Plus that'll put you well over the magic 80mph for those kind of rigs.

God choice on going GM!

[Sean H]

Call Innovation and ask about the Vortecs they have...

[2112]

I had one of those and you might want to consider big blocks. I had small blocks when I bought mine and ended up changing for big blocks.

Plus that'll put you well over the magic 80mph for those kind of rigs.

God choice on going GM!

Agreed, now, to keep cost in line, Do I hurt myself puting no-name but decent build BBC's in versus MERCURY warrantied engines?

I know I can get warrantied Big Blocks but the $ shoot skyward pretty fast. The boat has finite value and the more I put in, the less I get out.

.

[2112]

Call Innovation and ask about the Vortecs they have...

I am not aware of these...I'll look them up.

.

[glh]

Agreed, now, to keep cost in line, Do I hurt myself puting no-name but decent build BBC's in versus MERCURY warrantied engines?

I know I can get warrantied Big Blocks but the $ shoot skyward pretty fast. The boat has finite value and the more I put in, the less I get out.

.

I think these days your biggest parameter is the price you will sell it, the lowest pretty much will be the better and the easiest to finance for any eventual buyer.

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Michael, tough call. Generally you shouldn't spend to sell. If you do you should time it for the spring impulse buyers. Still a tough call. Seems likely what ever you put in it is a gamble and the first real prospect would rather have had something different.

Add in the time and effort on top of the packages and what is the real gain.

I suppose I would offer it out first as is, Shop some used low hour take outs in the mean time and if you haven't shaken it by spring MAYBE repower with warranties. You can always offer it like that before you invest further in it.

[phragle]

It's a double edged sword, now you are selling an underpowered boat.... that might effect market too "Damn it's a nice boat but small blocks..if I buy it from you, then I have to rip the motors out, have bigger ones put in and try and unload these."....

[Sean H]

I am not aware of these...I'll look them up.

.

it's definitely worth a call (941) 355-7852‎, I don't think you will find 500 turnkey efi HP anywhere else cheaper.

[2112]

Michael, tough call. Generally you shouldn't spend to sell. If you do you should time it for the spring impulse buyers. Still a tough call. Seems likely what ever you put in it is a gamble and the first real prospect would rather have had something different.

Add in the time and effort on top of the packages and what is the real gain.

I suppose I would offer it out first as is, Shop some used low hour take outs in the mean time and if you haven't shaken it by spring MAYBE repower with warranties. You can always offer it like that before you invest further in it.

Actually, I was thinking springtime. The boat has no power at the moment.

It's a double edged sword, now you are selling an underpowered boat.... that might effect market too "Damn it's a nice boat but small blocks..if I buy it from you, then I have to rip the motors out, have bigger ones put in and try and unload these."....

Exactly, But the other side is lower intial cost, lower insurance cost, lower fuel (maybe) cost. Fuel injected and a warranty.

Lets a newbie get in, enjoy with a warranty and either sell or repower later.

.

[2112]

it's definitely worth a call (941) 355-7852‎, I don't think you will find 500 turnkey efi HP anywhere else cheaper.

With all that I am guessing $35K a pair, minimum maybe as much as $50K. If I were keeping the boat, I see it. But I don't think this particular boat would support a price to justify that expense.

.

[2112]

Michael, tough call. Generally you shouldn't spend to sell. If you do you should time it for the spring impulse buyers. Still a tough call. Seems likely what ever you put in it is a gamble and the first real prospect would rather have had something different.

Add in the time and effort on top of the packages and what is the real gain.

I suppose I would offer it out first as is, Shop some used low hour take outs in the mean time and if you haven't shaken it by spring MAYBE repower with warranties. You can always offer it like that before you invest further in it.

Jim, I know your right on this but my gut tells me there just are not that many guys out there able or willing to take on a rigging project. Especially if they need financing.

I see ads where they will rig an otherwise great boat with your choice of power and they don't seem to sell very well that way

.

[Sean H]

With all that I am guessing $35K a pair, minimum maybe as much as $50K. If I were keeping the boat, I see it. But I don't think this particular boat would support a price to justify that expense.

.

less, way less.

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

You have a few months to shop some nice take outs. Presently time is on your side.

[2112]

You have a few months to shop some nice take outs. Presently time is on your side.

Yes, One advantage I do have.

Actually, I have a friend who had been expressing strong interest, he wanted to put in take out 525efis. That would have been a great package but non-warrantied and expensive. Unfortunately for me, his plans changed.

less, way less.

Well, I need to call and find out then.

Do they have a website? Doing a search yielded tons of Innovation marines.

.

[phragle]

3rd option... for sale w/o motors.. buyer provides/gets engine and you install..

[sellsman11]

For sale...without power for $$$$ OR with (whatever you find a reasonable deal on) for $$$$. What year model 32 is it?

[2112]

For sale...without power for $$$$ OR with (whatever you find a reasonable deal on) for $$$$. What year model 32 is it?

98' single step. HD gimbals and totally upgraded diesel bravo ones with vertical towers, treated gears and nosecones. Latham steering. Drives and gimbals have only 5 hours. Hull only a few more. Myco with SS brakes. Essentially a brand new boat, never in salt.

Only sale I know for sure for a 98' was with 400 hours on hull, engines and drives and sold for just under $50K, Not sure it included a trailer. Seemed in decent condition.

.

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

With the way your stuff looks someone will be lucky to have that 32 as is.

[Griff]

I think your best bang for the buck would be on a pair of low hour 496HO or 496HO Mag take outs.