Im looking at a 1998 187DC Elite w/ a 98 merc 150 opti. The boat has a newer Minnkota 80lb TM, Smart-craft system, RiteHite jack plate, Sea star hydraulic steering, 3 bank charger, all new batteries, and a few year old Garmin GPS. The boat is in very good shape but I don't know the amount of use that it has. The owner appears to have kept up on maintenance and took good care of the boat. He is firm at his $12000.00 asking price, is this a reasonable price for this boat?
How many hours on the opti. It is a little high for a 11 year old rig and 12K IMO. Also, check the transom over well. Most are good but some are not
Smart Craft System? I am curious about that..I had a '99 150 Opti on my '99 187, and it could not have the Monitor as they were not Smart Craft enabled back then. Have they somehow been able to upgrade?
Your Merc mechanic should be able to tell number of hours on the Opti by putting it on the computer ...He will also be able to do a compression test for you.
I sold my 187 back in late 04 for $15K. It was immaculate.
The transom should be fine as long as any drilled holes for motor mounting, etc, were sealed properly.
All depends on the condition of the boat. I've seen some 2005 198's and such I wouldn't give 12K for. I've seen some much older boats I would give 12K for. Just because its a good price doesn't mean its going to be a good boat. Price IMO is all relative to the boat condition and how it was cared for. They are ALL over priced, both new and used so when someone tells you "oh thats too much for a 98" better check the price of new ones because they are waaaay over priced as well. The only one who can tell you if the boat is over priced or not is you and the mechanic. For 12K the boat needs to be immaculate and have no issues. If thats the case then yeah, its worth 12K.
Looked it up on NADA comes in around 9K according to that site. Like champer196 says it is about a specific rig. Still, in this economy deals can be had. I personally would be uncomfortable with that old an optimax. When something breaks on them it is large dollars
Just remember NADA is just a guide. After 3 or 4 years old, I don't think the age matters much - its all about condition.
Bob
2019 Ranger Z520C DC / 250 Pro XS 4 Stroke
Thanks for the input guys it will help in my decision.
I would also like to know about that Smartcraft system......
25th Anniversary Champion 187 SCX Elite
Mercury 175 EFI
Perception Pescador Pro 120 Kayak
Aquos 10ft Pontoon Boat
I asked in the Merc forum. Here ya go....
http://www.bbcboards.net...51068
I bought this one in Nov for a good bit less than 12 and it is in excellent condition.
Welcome, joey!!!!
That is one beautiful boat! It came from Knightdale, NC. I got my 2nd Champ (also a 187) from R&K!!!!
2019 Ranger Z520C DC / 250 Pro XS 4 Stroke
Beautiful!!! What year is it?How's the 4 blade prop workin for ya?
25th Anniversary Champion 187 SCX Elite
Mercury 175 EFI
Perception Pescador Pro 120 Kayak
Aquos 10ft Pontoon Boat
It's an Elite. Built from 1998-2000. (The 187 went from Elite to Tournament series in 2001...same as current CX series)
From the trailer wheel design, my guess is 98 or 99. At some point in late 1999 or early 2000, the wheel design changed to allow easier access to the grease hub..
Cool that it is on tandem trailer!
Yeah, that trailer looks sharp. I thought it might be a 98 or 99. It doesn't have the XXV decal that would suggest 2000.
25th Anniversary Champion 187 SCX Elite
Mercury 175 EFI
Perception Pescador Pro 120 Kayak
Aquos 10ft Pontoon Boat
man thats a beautiful 187. I love those colors.
That's a sweet looking boat joeyd. I remember seeing that boat for sale somewhere and I was upset because it was so far away. I love those colors compared to my 186. Not to mention yours has a 175 on it.
It is a 98. It was for sale on another forum. I drove 9 hours to pick it up. Rode in it for 15 minutes, have cranked it some in the yard, but have not had a chance to put it back in the water. Getting ready to start the end of this month. The boat was located close to Savanah GA. It is the cleanest boat for its age I have ever seen. I got it up to 65 on my try out run. The guy said it topped out at 69.
Modified by joeyd at 11:50 AM 1/8/2009
My 186 is a 98' also. Exceptionally clean as well for its age. I have a 150 Merc on mine. Runs in the low 60's. I remember seeing yours for sale somewhere. The fact that it was in Georgia held me back from doing anything about it. Wasn't quite willing to make a 15 or 16 hour drive at the time. Again I think the colors on yours look good. I'm sure your gonna love it once you get more time spent in it.
What a find, that boat is beautiful. Great color scheme.
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