I agree. Thats what I would offer.

Svence, thank you! That is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. This is such a blind item, I needed to understand what the "value" should be.

I'll keep you all posted as to the results of my negotiations.

I completely agree with you that a dealers reputation is worth money. (And a good dealer and mechanic are worth their weight in gold IMHO) My point was that when they are selling someone else's boat they are trying to make a commission, which is their job, and which adds to the total price of the boat. The question you have to ask yourself is what is the dealers reputation worth?

Glad to hear that you've taken it out for a test and all looks well. If you can get it for around the price that Csvencer mentioned then I'd say go for it. :clap:

The dealer (whom I have done business with in the past) is getting 10% of the purchase price.

He is a very good honest mechanic who took the time to explain the positives and negatives of the boat and engine, and what to look for in the future with that particular engine (it might need a hydraulic lift cylinder - it needed fluid last year and this, although there are no obvious leaks). If he will accept my offer of around $4000, (it doesn't have a trailer, nor do I need one), I will take it.

An update - I don't know if this should be here or in an other category - mods please move it if you think it necessary - but I have a question.

We looked at the boat for sale yet again (3rd time), and my wife wanted to know if the hull could be painted because she doesn't like "beige". I told her that it never was that color, it was always white and it's just that it changed over time.

Am I correct, or did Wellcraft use an "off white" or "beige" resin on the '84s? If it indeed has changed due to the sun and age, is it possible to bring it back to (almost) original color, and can it be done without paint?

I dont believe they ever made a beige gelcoat model but I could be wrong for sure.....is the beige color uniform throughout? not matter how bad a V-20 hull oxidizes or fades the area underneath the bow flare always seems to stay pristine due to lack of direct sunlight....is this area beige too? If it is then maybe it is original gelcoat.... I did see a dark blue factory gelcoat V-20 once so I guess its possible they did make some other colors....

There definately is a difference in "hues" in the coloration of the hull. The bow is much whiter than the rest of the hull. The stern hatch covers are significantly whiter than some parts (they are original - just not "beige").

As I said, I too think that it is just a chage due to age and UV. Do you have a solution to return the gelcoat to close to the original without painting it?

The fact that you are calling it "beige" is kind of unexpected...usually when white gelcoat fades it just gets dull and chalky but still stays white....you might just simply have water scum discoloration on it....when I take my boat to Raritan Bay even for a day, the areas that are unwaxed get brown in color...you might get lucky and just be able to spray it down with a hull cleaner and that brown might wash right off. I use the Attwood brand from Wally World and it works like a charm....if it is something more permanent you could first start with a good rubbing compound...3M's rubbing compound works really well but its kind of pricey but I have found it well worth the extra dollars as far as saving labor.....if thats not cutting it you have to get more agressive and go with a wet sand....do some research on what grit to start with....I'm thinking 800 to a 1000.....get the garden hose out, put it on fine mist and start sanding once it looks white again move on and then finish it up with rubbing compound and then wax.....its a TON of work and your arm will be screamin' at you after an afternoon but you should be able to get it back to a brand new finish.

Thanks for your advice, much appreciated! I'll let you know the progress.

Just an update: I spoke to the dealer, told him that I did some research on the '84 V20 and asked him his opinion as to what the price should be. Without hesitation he said about $3800 to $4000 - which is exactly what most everyone here said is the right price. I guess boat there still are honest boat dealers around!

Anyway, he said he would give the offer to the owner and see if he accepts it.

Stay tuned...

Have a great weekend :beer: