I'm sure you guys probably get tired of hearing basically the same question from noobs like me, but I need a little guidance here.

I was planning on buying my first bass boat and have been looking at different used rigs for the last few months and I have found what I think may be what I'm looking for.

The boat is a 1996 409 Javelin single console with a 1996 Johnson Venom 225.

The boat needs the carpet and seats replaced badly and has the usual stress cracks. It also has no electronics or trolling motor. It has Seastar Hydraulic steering that was added last year and it sits on a tandem axle trailer with brakes and decent tires, but no spare. For its age the trailer seems to be in very good shape. It also has a 6" manual jackplate.

The motor is really in surprising shape for its age. The oil injection has been removed so its running pre-mix, and the tilt and trim seem to work just fine. I did not write the numbers down, but compression on all cylinders was between 110 and 115 lbs. From what I gather that is pretty good and a bit on the high side for these motors. The prop is s three blade stainless that is like new.

The boat is at a small dealer who happens to be an acquaintance of my Uncle and he's asking $5600 for it. I don't mind doing carpet and seats and having to add a trolling motor and electronics doesn't bother me too much either since it allows me to get what I want to start with.

My question to you guys is this, whats a fair price? I was thinking if I could get it out the door for 5K I'd be good to go.


Modified by marshmandan at 8:32 AM 4/6/2010