Wanted: Seafarer 228 in SoCal

[Mustang65fbk]

Looks to be a clean boat with low hours, but I understand the frustration when you get a Ahole salesman.

It does look to be a clean boat and I'm sure it'll probably sell but it is a bit more than I want to spend. It's frustrating because I've seen similar boats sell in the past for less than $30k but unfortunately I didn't have the money at the time to purchase them. It's even more frustrating dealing with a rude salesman that cuts you off, gives your one to two word answers, tells you nothing about the boat and says everything is listed on the website. Then they aren't even open to taking offers which makes me feel like I'm talking to a brick wall. Had the salesman acted more professionally and been open to offers I would've been much more interested in possibly buying the boat... even if it was slightly more than I wanted to spend.

 

[Pighunter]

Ha! I thought it was $30,000 I just went back and saw the real price. Like you said, no electronics no kicker or any fishing equipment. Seems way to high to me. Good luck

 

[Greysailor]

With no engine maintenance records, the sales guy will not have any idea what the motor is like.
That vintage Yamaha F series four-strokes have a history of exhaust corrosion. Hmmm....why is the owner selling???

Yamaha F225 Corrosion Complaints

Owners of some Yamaha outboards are incensed at having to pay thousands to repair their relatively low-hour engines.

www.boatus.com

Yamaha 225hp Dry Exhaust Corrosion Issue - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum

The Boating Forum - Yamaha 225hp Dry Exhaust Corrosion Issue - Hi everyone. I just recently found out about the dry exhaust corrosion issue with the 2002-2005 four strokes. I've done a search on here and found lots of info, but most of the posts dealt with people who've had to deal with this...

www.thehulltruth.com

You can bet you would not get any help from this sales guy. He's waiting for the next uninformed buyer.
During my boat search earlier this year, I did talk with one forward-thinking boat broker.
When she gets any boat with these motors, she immediately sends them out to get the exhaust reworked. Great selling point.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Ha! I thought it was $30,000 I just went back and saw the real price. Like you said, no electronics no kicker or any fishing equipment. Seems way to high to me. Good luck

If the asking price was $30k, I'd probably have put an offer down on it by now, pending a favorable marine survey/inspection being done on it of course. That being said... at essentially $38k you're going to pay nearly 10% for taxes and licensing in the great old money hungry state of Washington, then you'll have to find a way to get it out here from Florida. I bought my previous boat, a 21' Arima in Maryland, in 2017, drove out there, bought the boat and then drove it back to the Seattle area. I figure I spent right around $1800 to do so but it was also a 7 day round trip. I called to get shipping costs and at the time, shipping the boat would've cost a minimum of $3500, if not more, with the highest shipping quote being over $7k, and that was back in 2017. Then you've got to buy electronics, GPS, downriggers and everything else. By the time you're "done", you'd be into the boat likely more than $50k and even with prices being more out here in the PNW, it would be difficult to break even on it with that much money invested. And that's not including insurance, tabs, fuel and so on. It's a shame because the boat looks to be pretty nice from the pictures but with the price and the lack of options/equipment, I simply can't justify it.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

With no engine maintenance records, the sales guy will not have any idea what the motor is like.
That vintage Yamaha F series four-strokes have a history of exhaust corrosion. Hmmm....why is the owner selling???

Yamaha F225 Corrosion Complaints

Owners of some Yamaha outboards are incensed at having to pay thousands to repair their relatively low-hour engines.

www.boatus.com

Yamaha 225hp Dry Exhaust Corrosion Issue - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum

The Boating Forum - Yamaha 225hp Dry Exhaust Corrosion Issue - Hi everyone. I just recently found out about the dry exhaust corrosion issue with the 2002-2005 four strokes. I've done a search on here and found lots of info, but most of the posts dealt with people who've had to deal with this...

www.thehulltruth.com

You can bet you would not get any help from this sales guy. He's waiting for the next uninformed buyer.
During my boat search earlier this year, I did talk with one forward-thinking boat broker.
When she gets any boat with these motors, she immediately sends them out to get the exhaust reworked. Great selling point.

Exactly... the exhaust issues also had me nervous about the boat before I even called on it. That being said, wouldn't this vintage Yamaha have an ECU port to plug into and get all of the maintenance records that way, if there were any?

 

[Ettatouffée]

What really sketches me out about that website and “Atlantic pro” is they tow all their boats to the exact same strip of hwy/service road and take the pictures. I have no idea why, but that just raises a flag for me. Then all of the websites are not secure, but they advertise financing available. So they expect someone to enter their personal information on a non secure website. Hard pass.

The motor does appear to have been run properly and the boat/motor is the cleanest I’ve seen of that era since I began my search. I would be comfortable making an offer if someone could get eyes on it/survey checked out. I doubt they would allow for a survey though.

 

[PointedRose]

If the asking price was $30k, I'd probably have put an offer down on it by now, pending a favorable marine survey/inspection being done on it of course. That being said... at essentially $38k you're going to pay nearly 10% for taxes and licensing in the great old money hungry state of Washington, then you'll have to find a way to get it out here from Florida. I bought my previous boat, a 21' Arima in Maryland, in 2017, drove out there, bought the boat and then drove it back to the Seattle area. I figure I spent right around $1800 to do so but it was also a 7 day round trip. I called to get shipping costs and at the time, shipping the boat would've cost a minimum of $3500, if not more, with the highest shipping quote being over $7k, and that was back in 2017. Then you've got to buy electronics, GPS, downriggers and everything else. By the time you're "done", you'd be into the boat likely more than $50k and even with prices being more out here in the PNW, it would be difficult to break even on it with that much money invested. And that's not including insurance, tabs, fuel and so on. It's a shame because the boat looks to be pretty nice from the pictures but with the price and the lack of options/equipment, I simply can't justify it.

Once you buy it, not all the upgrades need to be done at once, but all its problems are no one else’s but your own. With this one I think you’re absolutely right - you’d be $50k in, without being able to recover. A position many boaters have been in. Have patience and you’ll find one. Honestly if I were you, I’d go more local. Literally ask everyone you see at the marinas to keep an eye out for you if someone wants to sell something quality. I’ve noticed in CA there are sometimes listing popping up for good quality at reasonable pricing but they go very fast - like within a few hours - but not for top dollar because the seller isn’t as concerned about recovering top dollar.

Are you fishing as a profession or is this just a hobby? How long do you want to keep the boat you’re looking to buy?

 

[Pighunter]

If the asking price was $30k, I'd probably have put an offer down on it by now, pending a favorable marine survey/inspection being done on it of course. That being said... at essentially $38k you're going to pay nearly 10% for taxes and licensing in the great old money hungry state of Washington, then you'll have to find a way to get it out here from Florida. I bought my previous boat, a 21' Arima in Maryland, in 2017, drove out there, bought the boat and then drove it back to the Seattle area. I figure I spent right around $1800 to do so but it was also a 7 day round trip. I called to get shipping costs and at the time, shipping the boat would've cost a minimum of $3500, if not more, with the highest shipping quote being over $7k, and that was back in 2017. Then you've got to buy electronics, GPS, downriggers and everything else. By the time you're "done", you'd be into the boat likely more than $50k and even with prices being more out here in the PNW, it would be difficult to break even on it with that much money invested. And that's not including insurance, tabs, fuel and so on. It's a shame because the boat looks to be pretty nice from the pictures but with the price and the lack of options/equipment, I simply can't justify

One year ago I used U=ship to bring my 228 from North Carolina to Ca. $3000

 

[Mustang65fbk]

What really sketches me out about that website and “Atlantic pro” is they tow all their boats to the exact same strip of hwy/service road and take the pictures. I have no idea why, but that just raises a flag for me. Then all of the websites are not secure, but they advertise financing available. So they expect someone to enter their personal information on a non secure website. Hard pass.

The motor does appear to have been run properly and the boat/motor is the cleanest I’ve seen of that era since I began my search. I would be comfortable making an offer if someone could get eyes on it/survey checked out. I doubt they would allow for a survey though.

I agree about the pictures and the location. And have seen a few craigslist scams for other Grady White's being sold previously where they took the pictures at what looks like the same location and with the same boat. There were more than a couple red flags for me and it's definitely a hard pass. Too bad the boat isn't a little bit less and with a sales manager that's willing to negotiate some and be a decent person. Oh well, the search continues on....

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Once you buy it, not all the upgrades need to be done at once, but all its problems are no one else’s but your own. With this one I think you’re absolutely right - you’d be $50k in, without being able to recover. A position many boaters have been in. Have patience and you’ll find one. Honestly if I were you, I’d go more local. Literally ask everyone you see at the marinas to keep an eye out for you if someone wants to sell something quality. I’ve noticed in CA there are sometimes listing popping up for good quality at reasonable pricing but they go very fast - like within a few hours - but not for top dollar because the seller isn’t as concerned about recovering top dollar.

Are you fishing as a profession or is this just a hobby? How long do you want to keep the boat you’re looking to buy?

I'd need a lot of the upgrades to be done at once as I don't have any other the above listed items and would need at least a basic GPS/fishfinder and downriggers around here for fishing. I don't do it professionally, just for fun, but downriggers and GPS are pretty much a necessity around here when trolling for salmon. If the boat suited me well, I'd love to keep it for at least 10-15 or maybe even 20 years or more. I hear that people love their GW's, and especially their 228's. Just got to find one that fits all of my needs, my budget and one that checks out mechanically as I don't want to be upside down on higher dollar purchase. The problem with GW's here in the PNW is that everyone wants top dollar for them, as well as just about anything else - cars, homes, gasoline, alcohol, taxes and really about anything else. That's why I've always looked on the east coast for boats, because you can generally find them for quite a bit less than what they sell for out here. My 21' Arima that I bought in Maryland back in 2017 I purchased for $16,500 and a similar boat was listed and sold out here on Craigslist ad the time for over $30k. I sold my boat last fall for just under $30k and almost doubled my money and had next to nothing invested into the boat in terms of maintenance or other costs. That being said, it handled like crap when in 1-2' chop and was a total back breaker being that it's a modified vee and with how light of a boat it is as well as all of the weight being in the stern. I don't mind spending a bit more money on a boat if it's something I'll potentially have for 10-15 years or more, but I also don't want to be considerably upside down on it either.

 

[PointedRose]

I'd need a lot of the upgrades to be done at once as I don't have any other the above listed items and would need at least a basic GPS/fishfinder and downriggers around here for fishing. I don't do it professionally, just for fun, but downriggers and GPS are pretty much a necessity around here when trolling for salmon. If the boat suited me well, I'd love to keep it for at least 10-15 or maybe even 20 years or more. I hear that people love their GW's, and especially their 228's. Just got to find one that fits all of my needs, my budget and one that checks out mechanically as I don't want to be upside down on higher dollar purchase. The problem with GW's here in the PNW is that everyone wants top dollar for them, as well as just about anything else - cars, homes, gasoline, alcohol, taxes and really about anything else. That's why I've always looked on the east coast for boats, because you can generally find them for quite a bit less than what they sell for out here. My 21' Arima that I bought in Maryland back in 2017 I purchased for $16,500 and a similar boat was listed and sold out here on Craigslist ad the time for over $30k. I sold my boat last fall for just under $30k and almost doubled my money and had next to nothing invested into the boat in terms of maintenance or other costs. That being said, it handled like crap when in 1-2' chop and was a total back breaker being that it's a modified vee and with how light of a boat it is as well as all of the weight being in the stern. I don't mind spending a bit more money on a boat if it's something I'll potentially have for 10-15 years or more, but I also don't want to be considerably upside down on it either.

I hear you. You might want to think about financing through a dealer for a more expensive rig up front. If it’s newer maybe you’d keep a bit longer but also would hold resale better for you. The annual cost probably averages out considering resale.
I bought my old overnighter about 6 mos ago and I’d like to sell it before anything goes sideways with it, but similar to you, I’m pretty confident I’d get a decent price to get out of it, then upgrade sometime later on, but good enough for the time being.

 

[Blaugrana]

Is this the same Craigslist boat you are referring to???

Grady White 228 - Seafarer - boats - by owner - marine sale

Excellent condition with many upgrades. Yearly service just completed in March; service records available. Washed after every use and trailer kept under full cover. Electronics: Garmin 7607XSV /...

charleston.craigslist.org

 

[PointedRose]

Spendy

Grady-White 228 Seafarer - boats - by owner - marine sale

2003 Grady-White 228 Seafarer! This boat is in great condition most of its life has been stored indoors. Yamaha 225 (750 hrs) recently serviced. Since 1980 Grady-White has offered solid, safe, and...

sfbay.craigslist.org

 

[PointedRose]

Not affiliated

2009 Grady White Seafarer - boats - by owner - marine sale

2009 Grady White Seafarers 2009 250hp Yamaha only 240 hours 2021 Yamaha 9.9 High Thrust Kicker 2021 aluminum tandem trailer New Garmin 9” XS and 2 years old 7” Garmin GPS Radio Radar Sonar Live...

sfbay.craigslist.org

 

[Mark-C]

Not affiliated

2009 Grady White Seafarer - boats - by owner - marine sale

2009 Grady White Seafarers 2009 250hp Yamaha only 240 hours 2021 Yamaha 9.9 High Thrust Kicker 2021 aluminum tandem trailer New Garmin 9” XS and 2 years old 7” Garmin GPS Radio Radar Sonar Live...

sfbay.craigslist.org

Just an observation. The ad says its near San Jose, CA yet one of the photos of the gps shows coordinates near Seattle, WA.

 

[PointedRose]

Just an observation. The ad says its near San Jose, CA yet one of the photos of the gps shows coordinates near Seattle, WA.

Good eye. I was curious about the location as well. There isn’t a marina in bayview, sf. It’s possible though that someone in SF might also frequent PNW

 

[Pighunter]

SCAM!

 

[Mustang65fbk]

One of the biggest things I look at is the numbers on the side of the boat and if they match the location they claim the boat is being sold at. This boat is being listed in California so it should say “CF” on the side but, and it’s kind of hard to tell on an iPhone, it looks like it says “WA” instead.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I tried calling back today on the 2003 GW 228 Seafarer in Florida and played a little Devil's advocate as I got the same sales manager that I talked to last time... He answered the phone "Dylan..." in which I told him I was potentially interested in the boat and I asked him about the condition, maintenance and so on and I got the exact same story that I did the time before. "Pretty much everything is listed on our website" and that they did take a readout off the motor but it didn't have maintenance records on it for some reason? He again seemed very abrasive and put off that I should dare ask any questions about the boat and/or bother him/waste his time. It's funny because I asked him how long they'd had the boat for and he said "10 days" which I asked him what about their Craigslist ad from 3 weeks ago? He changed up his story very quickly and said "we had a buyer and it was under contract for 7 days and that fell through so it's been re-listed as of last night but have only had the boat for sale for 10 days." I again asked if they were interested in taking offers as the boat has been posted for sale for 3 weeks now and hasn't sold and he said no. Again, it's like talking to a brick wall and I'm fairly certain that there wasn't a pending offer on the boat as I saw a "pending offer" notice on one website and then that notice had been deleted a day or two later. Seems like a very sketchy company to do business in case anyone is interested in the boat and possibly looking at purchasing it. I don't know how they have so many positive reviews... I know those can be made up and whatnot but from what I've seen up to this point is that Dylan is very arrogant and abrasive, tried cutting me off a couple different times or was talking to me like I didn't know what I was talking about and honestly just seemed annoyed as hell that I took up literally 3 minutes of his time. If he'd been friendly, non-confrontational and said they were open to offers, I probably would've made a fair offer and maybe even countered once or twice. Good luck and buyer beware!

 

[efx]

When buying a boat in Florida, there really is only one way. You have to find as many listing as possible and then go there and stay until you find one. Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Orlando, the keys, everywhere. It takes time and most will be trashed and junk. Hurricane boats are everywhere. Sunk at dock boats are everywhere. Completely sun bleached boats are out there. Once an a while you will find one that isn’t destroyed and not at a dealer. Get the cash and buy it. Replace the tires, bearings and lights and watch it it be shipped away to SoCal. It’s a ton of work, takes weeks and is a gamble no matter what. Use all the sites on the internet and eventually it will be found.