Interesting Craigs List finds

Here's my contribution:

Ski-tastic

By faded paint, I'm 'assuming' gelcoat, but maybe it's been painted. Hard to tell. Looks like it just needs a good clean up, and some general 'updating', but trailer and all...

It's just down the road from me.

Ultra...

Has anyone seen this Excel in Wilmington IL or know anything about it? It's been on the market for about 18 months on onlyinboards, priced very reasonably from what I can tell... Seems odd no one would have picked it up from now.

This is 12 hours from me in NC, but as I'll be in Chicago this week with some free time, I was thinking about taking the drive down to look at it. Would prefer not to waste my time if it's a known dud.

InboardsOnly Excel

I mean, they didn't write an essay about it but there's enough info to pique curiosity, and same with photos.

It looks nice in the pictures, an indication of a well cared for boat. I'd recommend you contact him to ask why the rebuild was needed at such low hours, and who did the rebuild. To me that would be the main issue along with stringers.

As to why it's there, I'm not as familiar with pricing on the Excels but it's not exactly a low price for a 27 year old boat.

You guys are missing the galvanized trailer,fresh water cooled engine and the Pennsylvania registration......

Gary S wrote: You guys are missing the galvanized trailer,fresh water cooled engine and the Pennsylvania registration......

I get the potential of salt being in the mix, but not sure what the significance of PA registration is?

Rod, I stand corrected on price.

GARY S wrote: You guys are missing the galvanized trailer,fresh water cooled engine and the Pennsylvania registration......

What about those things makes this problematic?

velde99 wrote: I have owned 7 of these boats. Have two currently. Price is great. There are two others currently for sale that are $12k. The rebuild was most likely due to improper winterizing. The stringers on this boat I would bet are just fine. I bought an excel 3 years ago that was left outside- uncovered for 14 years and the stringers were solid on that! The hull/ stingers on these boats are nothing like a stand nautique.

That's what I was thinking... $8400 seems like a steal, and I'd have to think they'd negotiate on a boat that's been sitting on their lot for 18 months.

You have to ask yourself these questions and answer them with your head not your heart. You could end up with a deal if you do your homework. Illinois leads the nation with people moving out- how did it get here from Pennsylvania? If such a good deal why has it sat for so long? Unless your tired of rusty trailers no one buys a galvanized one unless it's used in salt or brackish water,Pennsylvania has that. And no one buys a closed cooling system unless for the same reasons. If your in the area it would be worth a look if that's what you want. To make a trip that far most likely wasting your time. Buying a saltwater boat is not a bad thing. But it takes an extraordinary amount of work to keep them looking nice,most people don't even bother on a fresh water one IMHO.

Does Edelbrock make spark arrestors? Did anyone else notice that air cleaner?

Appreciate the suggestions! I'll take a look at it while I'm in the area if I have time, and post back my findings.

Well let’s not go out of our way to take some pictures. Maybe 45’ away would’ve been better instead of 100’ with the boat 22’ in the air. Rare 451 W too.

Orlando76 wrote: Well let’s not go out of our way to take some pictures. Maybe 45’ away would’ve been better instead of 100’ with the boat 22’ in the air. Rare 451 W too.

Agreed, numerous faux pas.

Makes me think this is an owner who doesn't really know what the boat's worth, has had a marina just kinda 'take care of it' for a while, and hence could either be a ridiculous deal or a major trainwreck.

63 Skier wrote: That's my new all-time favorite Craigslist picture!    Makes you just want to run over with a check for $5,500.

Hahaha, but c'mon, $5500 gets you an entire rack of boats, AND a forklift! And one of the boats is [probably] a 2001?! Screaming deal!

Didn't a member previously own that 85 - 2001 ? Tower looks familiar.

new custom interior....Oh MY!