1986 Aquasport 170 Osprey

[TurboGSR96]

Whats up fellas, I am looking to get into my first boat. I been scanning craigslist and local dealers, I have always been a fan of Aquasport Boats. I came across an 86 170 Osprey at a local dealer that they just got it, the boat needs a motor.

First off, how do you guys feel about dealing with a dealer vs a private owner? Can they be haggled like a car dealer?

The salesman wants to freshen up a 1994 Yamaha 85 they have sitting there (it has a 90 now, with the hull rated for 130hp how bad will the 85 be?), and put it on the boat to sell me, is this a way for them to pad the price?

The boat looked real solid, transom was solid, floors felt good. They have all new teak that will be installed and they will go over the whole boat and provide a 1yr warranty on the motor, as well as thoroughly clean it.

The gelcoat was nice and shiny, I saw 2 spots on the hull that might be of concern, one was on the bottom where the hull comes to a point about a foot below the water line, I could see the top coat was gone and I could see fiberglass, area was about 1/2" wide and 2" long. The other was just below the gunnel where it looked like a golf ball hit the hull, how hard will these area's be to fix and will they affect the boat alot?

What are the chances the gas tank is going bad? Any way to inspect it?

I took some pics but stupid me I forgot to snap some of the problem area's.

Boat, motor and trailer with 1 yr warranty on parts/labor on the motor for $7,800, does this seem high to you guys? I think I saw on his paper the motor was in the $4,400 range so bare boat/trailer for $3400.

The boat also comes with all the safety equip needed (jackets, flares etc)

Here are some pics, and help or opinions much appreciated!

[wingtime]

I have a 1987 170 Osprey with a 1996 90 HP Evinrude on it.  The boat moves out just fine with the 90.  I bought mine from a dealer for WAY south of what your talking.  Granted this was without a trailer.  Cash is king.  My boat was a trade in and all they wanted to make is at least what the allowed for the trade in.  The damage you describe on the keel sounds like the damage my boat had.  Most likely caused by rubbing on a trailer cross member or beaching the boat.  To be honest the price seems a tad high to me.  You can find a newer boat from the late 90's for that price point.  Where are you located?

[gran398]

I'm with Bruce...its way high.

Keep looking

[TurboGSR96]

I am in Delaware, boat trailer has NJ plates. I looked at the NADA on the boat and priced the motor and added some for the trailer and I came to the same conclusion with the price.

I have cash, I wonder if they would be willing to sell it without the motor, I was thinking offering $2500-3k you guys think that is a fair offer without the motor? I think that is where we are getting out of the price range. I am sure I can find a good deal on a rebuilt outboard somewhere else local, there are boat dealers everywhere being in between the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays.

[TurboGSR96]

Also the motor they are trying to sell me for $4400 is an 94 yamaha 85hp, Torn down cylinders checked, new head gasket carbs gone through etc and weighs 255lb's, I found a Honda 02 BF115A 4 stroke for the same price with 180's compression and controls with a 30day warranty, but it weighs 496lbs... what kind of effect is it going to have on this boat with almost twice the motor weight on the back? Sorry for the rookie question never messed with a boat that had a outboard motor.

[RickK]

You can get a rebuilt engine for less than the quote you received.
A 85/90 will push the boat fine.  Boat only price seems high, as Bruce said.

[TurboGSR96]

I understand the price is high, thats why I asked originally if Boat Dealers can be haggled, if I can get the boat/trailer for $2500 with no motor would that be a little more in range?

[RickK]

A boat is no different than a car or anything else - it's only worth what someone will pay for it.  Haggle away or walk away or both, your choice.

[slvrlng]

Still too much! I got my 222 with trailer and motor and electronics for that.

I got the 19-6 with trailer and motor for 325 bucks. Yes it will be a total rebuild but I don't have anything in it. I would keep looking, there are deals out there.

[GoneFission]

Price is high - agreed.  Print out these ads and take them to the guy with your offer:

'88 Osprey 200 for $1225
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1988Aqua ... 232b647a90  

2003 Repo 205 - no motor, but $4550 now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-Aqu ... 1e7b197bba

[slvrlng]

Here are a couple of examples for you. Show these adds to the dealer and see what he says.

http://florida.findanyboat.com/boats/aq ... -1987.html

Here is an almost new 2003 175 for just a little bit more money than they want now. Dang that is a good deal right there!!!
http://florida.findanyboat.com/boats/20 ... aster.html

Edit: it is good to see some people think like me!!!  Ha Ha Ha!!!

[Blue Agave]

I'd offer $1,500 and go from there.

[gran398]

Here are a couple of examples for you. Show these adds to the dealer and see what he says.

http://florida.findanyboat.com/boats/aq ... -1987.html

Here is an almost new 2003 175 for just a little bit more money than they want now. Dang that is a good deal right there!!!
http://florida.findanyboat.com/boats/20 ... aster.html

Edit: it is good to see some people think like me!!!  Ha Ha Ha!!!

He's so tight he can step on a dime and tell if its head's or tails!!  

[CTsalt12]

Okay I have a 1989 175, very similar boat, bought in very similar condition for 3.9k with a 115 merc 2 stroke in great condition.  I can tell you a few things: that 4 stroke you're thinking about is way too heavy for that boat, and I think 170's are only rated for 100 anyway.  Stick to 2 strokes for these boats, you're going to have water coming through the scuppers when you stand in the stern anyway.  If the tank is original, I would bet that you will have fuel problems.  As said already, price is way too high.  A little marine tex will take care of the scrapes.  I like the idea of starting at $1500, maybe 2k.  Cite the issues of tank, see if all electronics work?, check thru hulls etc.