1985 "Stars and Stripes" - assistance requested

[RacerX]

Hey all, first post here. I'm looking to pick up a boat for the family, always been an MC fan. I'm looking at an '85 that looks to be in great shape. I've not spoken to the seller yet, will do so tonite I hope. I'm basically wondering what a fair price is, I don't know the value of boats all that well and I can only go on list prices of similar boats for sale. Anything in particular to watch out for on an '85? I'm very mechanical though not really a structural/body type guy. Any help is appreciated, I'm located in SE Michigan. Thanks, hope to be on the lake soon.

"1985 MASTERCRAFT STARS & STRIPES ADDITION ONE OWNER BOAT ALWAYS BEEN KEPT INDOORS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION HAS APCM 351 V-8 ELECTRONIC IGNITION ORIGINAL INTERIOR IN VERY NICE SHAPE BRAND NEW 13X13 OJ NIBRAL PROP FULL MORNING/TRAVEL COVER MASTER CRAFT SINGLE AXLE TRAILER QUICK RELEASE TEAK SWIM PLATFORM ALL GAUGES,LIGHTS AND SAFTY SYSTEMS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER BOAT IS READY FOR THE WATER - $6500"












Cheers.

Jack

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Welcome to Team Talk and good luck in your boat shopping efforts. That is a pretty nice looking '85. While this is the height of the boat sales season, that price may be a little steep. How many hours are on the boat? It will have an hour meter and it's a standard question to ask of the seller.

[Shilohsho]

Looks pretty clean to me. It's missing the stars down each side though. Those can be put back on, just makes you wonder what happened to them. I'm in SC and that's about the price for a nice clean S&S around here.

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Looks pretty shiny. I would bet the stars were removed for buffing. That is a very small factor, but can be utilized for a couple hundred when negotiating.

[Jeff_in_NY]

That's the cleanest 28 year old bilge I've ever seen.

[madcityskier]

Depending on the hours, that boat in that condition doesn't seem steep at all to me.
I'd check the platform brackets, they've been changed out. The interior fabric is old, if it is getting brittle you may not be far from replacing, could cost a bit. Stars aren't too bad, get a laser level. Electronic ignition can be great if it's done right, otherwise a curse. Run it a fair while, watch the temp. Should lock in around 140 or 160, when it's good and warm shut down and start back up. Shouldn't need throttle. Check tires for weather/age checking. Eye up owner's tow vehicle. If it's trashed, the boat has likely not been cared for day to day, but detailed to sell. If it's as clean as the boat, you're good. You don't buy the boat, you buy the owner's live of the boat, the time and effort they put into it.

[mikeg205]

Also give the backing -plates a quick look on the trailer to make sure the seals are good shape for the ride home if you pull trigger. $6500 fir an 85 seems about right IMO. How many hours for me too and ask if seller has log book for service. Also look at how to buy used boat in FAQ in this forum.

[mikeg205]

oh btw - nice nick name - is your long lost brother Speed Racer?

[Sotipnomon]

Looks and sounds good to me? I paid 5,200 for my 76 and have put around 1,000 into it to get it where I wanted it to be and couldn't be happier. The value of these older boats seems hard to nail down from a book or any other source. The look on people's faces as they are asking about mine and the sound of that v8 gurgling through the water are priceless. I'd say request a test ride and if everything seems solid and sounds good you won't be disappointed.

Good luck!

[RacerX]

Thanks very much for all the replies, very helpful! I have not spoken to the seller yet, may try to call him tonite or tomorrow. This boat should be all FG construction right, no wood stringers? I see a lot of very nice early 80's, late 70's boats but right now I need as little to worry about as possible. I can do any mechanical maintenance but don't want to mess with structural stuff.

I'm not sure of the hours, that's definitely the first question. I will definitely check the "how to buy" section here.

Thanks again, I will keep y'all posted.

Cheers.

Jack

PS - RacerX....spent too much time/money racing cars for the last 12 years. ; )

[RacerX]

Spoke to the owner, seems like an nice guy. I've done many long distance/hand shake deals over the last decade so I've come to be a pretty good judge of first impression. Anyway, boat has ~700 hours, they're the original owners (bought new) and they've used it every year even if only a little. Selling because too many grand kids, bought pontoon. : )

He says they have records and history so thats good too. Says the interior is fabulous (original) but it's always been covered/stored properly so great shape/like new. I am planning to go look at it tomorrow as he is keeping it at the shop where he works which is closer to me than the listed location. He said of course I can take it for a test drive if we get to that point, it's ready to go.

All in all sounds pretty decent so we'll see tomorrow and go from there. Once again, thanks for the help.

Oh, checked the FAQ, I must be doing it wrong, don't see any "how to buy a used boat" results. Any help? Thanks again.

Jack

[madcityskier]

No glass. Where's the boat? I grew up in Brooklyn. Great area, never been somewhere with so many lakes. If it's near there and you need help I may no someone well ng to take a look with you.

[RacerX]

Boat is listed in Oxford but he says they use it up north at their cabin. I didn't ask what lake. It's located in Waterford right now and I'm in Brighton. My wife's parents live in Jerome so I know that area out there a bit.

Sorry, what do you mean "no glass?"

Thanks.

Jack

[Bouyhead]

Spoke to the owner, seems like an nice guy. I've done many long distance/hand shake deals over the last decade so I've come to be a pretty good judge of first impression. Anyway, boat has ~700 hours, they're the original owners (bought new) and they've used it every year even if only a little. Selling because too many grand kids, bought pontoon. : )

He says they have records and history so thats good too. Says the interior is fabulous (original) but it's always been covered/stored properly so great shape/like new. I am planning to go look at it tomorrow as he is keeping it at the shop where he works which is closer to me than the listed location. He said of course I can take it for a test drive if we get to that point, it's ready to go.

All in all sounds pretty decent so we'll see tomorrow and go from there. Once again, thanks for the help.

Oh, checked the FAQ, I must be doing it wrong, don't see any "how to buy a used boat" results. Any help? Thanks again.

Jack

Try this




http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showpost.php?p=257514&postcount=47

[RacerX]

Try this




http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showpost.php?p=257514&postcount=47

Thanks, very helpful!

Cheers.

Jack