Looking at buying first boat - 18' Parker w 150mercury

[boatfan]

I can't say that I am familiar with Parker boats, but I am looking at an 18' CC with a mercury 150. I have never owned a boat before but can't wait to dive in with this boat. The motor runs good and the hull, floor, transom all seem solid. The boats been sitting up for a couple of years and needs a little TLC, windshield, and new cooler type baitwell. My questions are:
1) what is a decent price for this boat?
2) how difficult is it to find parts for these boats (new windshield, baitwell parts, etc.)?
3) there are no switches for GPS, fishfinder, etc.. what do you guys do to fix your rig up with electronics and switches to run pumps etc..??
any input would be great..
thanks,

 

[Brent]

What is the model year? Does it have a trailer? What year is the motor and number of hours? Does the seller have a clear title and service records or the service center to contact?

I would post some pics

 

[boatfan]

forgot to mention boat is 1998, motor might be a little older like 1995 or so. Owner has clear title, but no service records. Boat is sitting on dual axle trailer in decent condition. I suspect I will be repacking wheel bearings real soon, steel wheels are rusty and I'm sure the tires will need replacing within a year. As far as the hours go, I'm told not that many on motor, but there is no real way to tell(no hour meter). thanks

 

[Brent]

Did you sea trial it?

 

[Brent]

Check JAXED for comps
http://boat.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/boat.cgi? ... ubmit=+GO+

 

[boatfan]

no, not yet, I am hoping to test ride it next week, I'll get some pics then as well. thanks for the link.

 

[Brent]

good luck

Start low and work up
Sometimes the seller takes your first offer

 

[rogerf]

Hey BF , If I were you I would attatch no value to the 15 year old outboard, and very little to the trailer.
The nadaguide.com site gives a range of about $4500 to $5000.
It would also be a good idea to have a marine surveyor check out the boat. They are tough boats but one that has been neglected could be a money pit. It would be money well spent to have the peace of mind that the surveyor can provide.
I dont know for sure but I would think the parts you need would still be available from Parker.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do,

Roger

 

[Megabyte]

I dont know for sure but I would think the parts you need would still be available from Parker.

Correct.
Replacement parts specific to the model are available from any Parker dealer.

The photos below are not of a Parker 18 (it's a Dusky 17), but the layout is similar and might give you some ideas for electronics placement.

Good luck!

 

[Brent]

m2cw
Is to take pictures, document all included equipment, motors, electronics, electrical , pumps, batteries, props, anchor and rode, windlass, guages, hull, deck and transom condition, fuel tank capacity, external fuel and water ex Racor, trailer, etc and next to each item, state the condition: good, bad, ugly, none existent. Take a flashlight and open everything you can and inspect. I would do these first before hiring a surveyor, and will help you to determine your overall expenses (boat + repairs and upgrades). The more informed you are, the wider the smile :lol: