Ever trade in a boat for a Harley?
Ever trade in a boat for a Harley?
So picked up the bike today for some work, and while waiting dealership has this new sign they accept anything for trade in with a VIN (ATV, boats, etc.). I have a good condition Searay 240 cruiser with about 250 hours on it that I bought about 7 years ago for $60K (paid cash so its paid off), and I've been thinking of jettisoning it as the moorage on Lake Wa is annoying considering how much I use it (rode the hell of it but now focused more on riding so just a few outings each summer but paying moorage year round. Excellent condition with EZ loader trailer with Merc 9.9 kicker, Garmin fishfinder and GPS and some fishing related add-ons. Moored year round on Lake WA (fresh water).
Put it on craigslist a year ago but was just a waste of time and I value my time too much to show the boat to hundred people who don't have the cash and such.
I know I'll take a bath on it - sunk cost. Not even looking for much, but just curious if anyone has done a trade-in with a boat before? Any suggestions on how to approach (assume nothing really but just curious). Should I expect to get a certain percentage off FMV from the boat valuation mags? My main dealer was bought by a bigger company that owns a bunch of dealership so apparently this is nothing new to them, but want to come prepared when I walk in. If I can get a 2nd Harley out of it win win.
Danke.
Put it on craigslist a year ago but was just a waste of time and I value my time too much to show the boat to hundred people who don't have the cash and such.
I know I'll take a bath on it - sunk cost. Not even looking for much, but just curious if anyone has done a trade-in with a boat before? Any suggestions on how to approach (assume nothing really but just curious). Should I expect to get a certain percentage off FMV from the boat valuation mags? My main dealer was bought by a bigger company that owns a bunch of dealership so apparently this is nothing new to them, but want to come prepared when I walk in. If I can get a 2nd Harley out of it win win.
Danke.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,311
From: Virginia
You don't want the boat you want a bike dealer takes trade ins go talk to them and see what it is worth.
You know you will get more for the boat if you sell it yourself but you don't want to waste the time and time is money.
You know you will get more for the boat if you sell it yourself but you don't want to waste the time and time is money.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,061
Likes: 12,988
From: Texas, USA
Go to a boat dealer and find out what true market value is in your area. Like you said, you will likely take it in the *** but also take into account not having the annual mooring fee.
Would you rather have a floating cash cow you don't use much or a brand new Harley in your garage ?
Would you rather have a floating cash cow you don't use much or a brand new Harley in your garage ?
But thanks for your input!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 41,407
From: Marion NC / Lake Norman NC / Panama City Fla
Its a Searay and there are sayings here in Florida about Searay owners that goes something like the saying in the biker community about American Express riders. GLWT as you have the Hyundias of boats.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,311
From: Virginia
Both Kelly Blue Book and NADA have boat value sections. Look up the value of your boat, know what it is worth and what dealer trade in is. Also know it's about the end of summer so boat values, like bike values go down.
Looking at NADA a Searay Sundancer 240 that was $73,000 new is worth $35,000-$40,000 retail that varies a lot with which engine they have. I'd be surprised if the dealer offered you more than $25,000 for it. But that should about cover your new bike.
Looking at NADA a Searay Sundancer 240 that was $73,000 new is worth $35,000-$40,000 retail that varies a lot with which engine they have. I'd be surprised if the dealer offered you more than $25,000 for it. But that should about cover your new bike.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,912
Likes: 8,987
From: SoCal
Most likely the dealer would just flip it to a boat dealer or at wholesale (like cars), so you may be able to trade it but the trade value will be rock bottom. OTOH, remember the two best days of a boat owners life are the day you get it and the day you get rid of it ... so there's that.