www.iFourWinns.com

I financed $65K for my 2000 328 Vista about 17 months ago and am now looking to trading into something newer. Other than minor, normal use issues the boat's been fine. It's just a little long in the tooth for my tastes, and a little more difficult to get parts. I've spoken/seen nine dealers in the New York/New Jersey/Delaware/Pennsylvania region, and not one of them will consider giving me more than $25K on my boat, not one. The two local dealers who've actually seen my boat said it's in good shape for a 2000, but (a) it's a 2000, and (b) it's the economy, man!

I'm actually kind of shocked. I thought I made an excellent deal when I purchased it, and was convinced it'd hold its value. Am I really going to have to take a $40K loss to get out of this boat?

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Insane Desire - My 2000 328 Vista...and my state of mind

Am I reading this right? Like a 328 - the one that is 25 feet long?

25k is an insult - even for a dealer. Tell 'em you'll take your business elsewhere (even when you are ready to buy).

Yes, the economy sucks. Is your boat worth more than 25k - absolutely.

What are the comparables going for?

Big cruisers are tough to sell right now - but they are selling. Dealers have enough inventory and because sales suck right now, most don't want to take anything on.

Fire up Craigslist, boat trader, and as many online ad places you can find... find a way to get it on boats.com and yacht trader.

Post pictures and the stats on the forum -- someone on here might know someone who may be looking.

If it's in great shape - it'll sell.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

$25,000 for a 2000 328? Sold!!! Don't let the dealer know you have a trade-in before you settle on a price for the new boat. Perhaps the reason they are "low balling" the value of your boat is because of the great deal they are making you on the new boat. However, what ever you do, don't become a two boat owner like your's truly was. Take the "paper loss" if the price is right on the new boat. Good luck.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Actually, cougarcruiser, with the swim platform, it's 35 feet, not 25.

Yep, the highest offer I've gotten is 25K. I almost did the PlasDeck teak in the cockpit last year after Brett did, which would have set me back another $8K, so I'm now glad I didn't. I went ahead and had it pulled and winterized, since it didn't look like I was going to be able to sell for a reasonable price. I think $25K is giving it away, but that's just me. I've seen 2004s go for $60K, so I know prices are down, but $25K for any year 328 Vista seems way low to me.

Oh well, looks like I may be in this boat for another year because I'm certainly not coming out of pocket with $35K cash just to get out of it.

Yep, 298VISTA2000, I did that with a few of the dealers. Didn't matter. Once they knew what I had, the offer was between $20K and $25K, no higher. Even my marina, which has a stockpile of boats for sale, a few of which I'm actually interested in, won't entertain a trade-in value over $25K and, as far as I know, they have no prospects for their inventory at this time. It's insane.

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Insane Desire - My 2000 328 Vista...and my state of mind

When a boat is 8-9 years old - price becomes more focused on what kind of shape the boat is in.

Just because a 2004 is available for 60k doesn't mean that it's a "like new" boat.

If you really want to sell... put the ads out there - i can't imagine it'd cost more than a couple hundred bucks to push out to multiple sights.

Have great pictures (lots of them) - and a well written ad that demonstrates that the boat is in pristine shape.

You may not ge 65k for it, but you can be dang sure you'll get more than 25k for it.

What are you looking to trade up to? New boat, or another used one? Dealerships have lots of options...

There's always eBay also.

Spring is upon us. the boating market will start to freshen up soon here. Spring fever.

35 feet is a sweet spot for people who got into smaller cruisers and want to make a big jump. the days of 2 foot itis are over. People are going to go to 5-10 foot itis now.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I took a good wack on the head when I traded my 2008 278V for for my just delivered 2009 288V, so I know how you feel. My dealer made things right though in other aspects of the deal, so I pulled the trigger.

You're at a point where your 328 is worth far more to you than it's worth. If it's in good shape, enjoy it!

PS. If you're willing to travel, there may be another dealer that you can talk to

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You can't have everything...where would you put it?
Crownline 285 SS
288 V -- sold
278 V -- sold
268 V -- sold
245 S -- sold
214 F -- sold
190 H -- sold

Can't recall where I read it but that's what happens at about 5 years. The boat value levels off and holds relatively steady. The variations from there are based on condition.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

What are you looking to trade-up to and what price did you negotiate without the trade-in? If the dealers don't think your boat is worth much, then I am curious what value they are putting on their boats these days.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Now is a very good time to be in the market for a new boat, but the worst time to be selling a boat.

I agree with posting your own adds everywhere with as many good photo as possible, someone out there will bite.
If you were really going to let it go for 25k, I would drive across the country to get it. It would make a great powell boat.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Powell,

Hell for 25K you'd have to fight me for it

It's worth a lot more than 25K that is a slap to the face! My dealer actually just got my sistership on trade (same everything, year, color, options, engine, hours etc) and they are starting atg 67K, I'm sure they will come down to 55-56K but that makes me feel great since that's what I paid for mine two seasons ago


In fact, last season he sold an immaculate 2000 238V for more than 25K! (Yes, it was show room quality, but still, that;s the smallest Vista they made, and he got more for it than what they are offering you).

Must be nice for them to offer 25K hope you take the deal then turn around and sell the boat for what? 80K? pretty decent profit there!

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Brett DiMichele