Postby jimh » Mon Jun 10, 2024 8:48 am
The 15-foot hull has always been a popular model, and they generally remain in high demand. Two elements of this boat tend to reduce the possible appeal of the boat.
The STRIPER model is a bit unusual. It seems particularly set up for angling, rather than just recreational boating. Also the location of the helm is farther forward than typically seen in other models. The short console is nice; I think it may have also been used in the the also rare CENTER CONSOLE 15 model.
The maximum horsepower rating for the 15-foot hull is 70-HP. This boat's 90-HP engine exceeds that rating (although the actual power produced by the "90" is in the range of 85-HP plus-or-minus). The engine weight is also somewhat excessive, as can be seen in the static trim of the boat shown in Figure 1. The freeboard at the stern is noticeably reduced from the intended lines for the hull. The E-TEC 90-HP is a modern engine, and as long as the buyer does not object to the powering above hull rating and the lack of freeboard at the transom, and the sudden exit from the outboard engine market by Evinrude, a modern engine would be a significant asset and boost the value of the boat. But the added value may not be as much as would normally be anticipated by having a modern 90-HP engine on the transom of a 42-year-old hull.
The location in Washington state may increase the value, on the basis that the farther away from Rockland, Massachusetts, the fewer classic-era Boston Whaler boats to be found.
For a comparable, I will use a basic SPORT 15 that was offered for sale by setting it on the side of the road in a small village in northern Michigan in the Summer of 2023. The boat was a c.1977 model, so about five years older. The engine was a legacy two-stroke-power-cycle engine. The overall condition was quite good, not exactly showroom new, but without any significant defects or damage, with all original components, and few modifications. The asking price was $9,000. The boat sold in one day. The rapid sale suggests the boat was perhaps priced too low. I think the seller could have gotten $10,000 without much trouble
For your newer 15-footer, for someone who has been seeking a STRIPER 15 model, I would add $2,000.
For the modern engine, albeit over the hull rating and too heavy, I would add $1,500.
Typically a trailer is expected as part of the boat sale, but if the trailer is in really excellent condition it can add more value that normally allotted by a buyer.
For the location in Washington state, I would add $1,000. I don't have much experience with the Pacific Northwest market, so perhaps my figure is too low.
The very nice mooring cover should add $500 to the selling price, but such excellent accessories are often overlooked by buyers who don't realize how much custom-fitted boat canvas actually costs in 2024.
Thus my rough appraisal is $14,500 to $15,000 for this boat. I think that asking price would create a fast sale. Of course, if there is no rush to sell, the boat could sell for a higher asking prices. I think a key element in achieving the highest sale price is the buyer must be particularly interested in buying a STRIPER model and not have grave concerns about buying an engine whose manufacturer has exited the outboard engine business. Also, a buyer who is looking for a boat in excellent condition will pay more for this boat than a guy who thinks he could have done all the wood restoration himself for no significant cash outlay.
My general theory on selling classic-era Boston Whaler boats: the first guy to actually come to look at the boat with cash in hand usually buys the boat if the condition is as represented in the advertisement and the price is appropriate.
You are also selling at a time when the market is advantageous for the seller. Maybe add more to my appraisal estimate to begin.
