TrAwLeR WANTED!
Gin,
That is a nice looking boat if he is doing an even swap. Questions:
1) What does the engine room look like?
2) Hours on engines and generator?
3) Does she have a holding tank for the head?
4) What kind of condition are the fuel tanks in?
My previous boat was a 38' sedan that weighed 27k lbs and had twin 8.1 crusaders. That boat at hull speed around 7 knots burned around 5-7 GPH total with both engines running. If I was up on plane we burned around 20-24 GPH. WOT was 65GPH. I would guess that 38' egg with 454's and old technology would burn around 7-8GPH at hull speed but don't quote me on that.
The biggest issue for you to address is the condition of the engines, generator, and fuel tanks. Replacing that equipment would well exceed the value of the boat. Make sure there are not hidden problems in the engine room as that's where you'll spend a bunch of money. If your boat you are trading is in good mechanical and cosmetic shape you would be better off keeping it then trading for a bigger/larger/older boat with big mechanical issues. The point of what I am saying is that sometimes even if a boat is given to you for free it is still not a good deal so just do your homework.
As far as sellability, again, depends on the relative condition of your current boat and this 38. I will tell you this though- there is no harder boat to sell than a larger boat with gas engines with old technology. The threat of E10 and perhaps E15 on these old engines cannot be understated. I personally would have no interest in owning a large gas powered boat again. Fuel prices are too high and the E10/E15, particularly E15, will destroy these old engines and associated equipment. For me, diesel is the only way to go for a multitude of reasons and with that, I mean a low hp, naturally aspirated diesel that is stupid simple.
I am not saying the trade isn't a great deal- just saying make sure all issues are investigated and the actual condition of the boat is known. You would not want to trade a good working boat that you know for an older boat if it is mechanically on it's last leg. You blow out one or both engines and that deal suddenly isn't so good. If those engines have over 1,100 to 1,200 hours on them I would consider them on borrowed time before they need to be replaced/rebuilt.
Good luck- hopefully she is a gem and it's a sweet deal!
-- Edited by Woodsong on Monday 7th of March 2011 09:26:48 PM