help gauge price on a 94 champ 190....

[Rmartinez2453]

hello guys i have been lurking on this champ section for a few days now. i concedering purchasing my first champ and I need help deciding on what a reasonable price for this rig would be. i went to see it and it looked a little rough. the pictures were taken when the boat was wet and there is considerable oxidation and fading to the top cap. behind the passenger side cleat the rail has a sizable piece of fiberglass missing from an impact with a dock. There is a soft spot in the floor between the consoles in from od the middle seat. the tm looks like it wouldn't even unlatch due to a bent frame. the seller stated it runs fine and would crank right up but there are no batteries in the boat. He said if I bring the batteries he would put it on a hose an run it. I know this is almost a 20 year old boat and will come with its fair share of problems, i just need some honestest opinions on weather this champ is worth the effort.

http://s213.photobucket.com/al...champ/

[jp71291]

I don't really know a fair price on this boat. I did notice a couple of things. If the time stamp on the pictures were correct then they were taken almost 4 years ago. Also, I would never buy a boat without running it. Just because the motor cranks on a water hose doesn't mean it's going to run right. Not only the motor, but there may be something wrong with the boat. The only way you will know if you want to fool with the boat or not is running it. Check the gauges while running it and test everything out on the boat. This is my 2 cents and may not be worth much.

[ToledoBendChamp]

There is no way in hell I would pay 5k for a boat that someone advertises full of leaves

And I would check the HIN, because that looks more like a 91 than a 94.

[jbabin76]

I wouldn't give two nickels for that boat...

[bled1]

Me either!!!

[rid 05 198]

Could be a diamond in the rough! Get the motor checked out without him!
If ok, make a real low offer! You want a new trolling motor anyway! Deduct for all repairs! I'll bet it will shine up like a new penny!

[H2O_Fowl]

I would pass on that boat without a doubt. Sitting without a cover probably = rotten floor, who knows what the transom is like but most likely rotten. For 5K you can get one hell of alot more boat than that!

Do yourself a favor and keep looking.

[RudeBuoy]

I'm with you on that - Motor looks identical to mine - and it's a '91.

[Rmartinez2453]

thanks guys for the input. guess i'll keep lookin........

[Marooned]

I think you made a very wise decision.

Be patient and you'll find a great deal on a good Champ. Since you're in Texas, you might keep an eye on the Texas Fishing Forum classifieds. There are some Champs that pop up on there from time to time. Also, for whatever reason, I've found that there seem to be better deals (and more selection) in the DFW area. Don't rule out driving some to get a good deal. And absolutely DO NOT buy anything without test driving it! Good luck. If I see any deals I'll send you a note.