prices

Think of depreciation also. No, owning a boat is not an investment, at least in the usual sense. I bought a 78 American Skier that is still in the restoration stage for 650. Barring any major engine work, I'll have about 1500-1800 into it when it's done. If I use it for 3 years and sell it for what I have into it, I'm out gas money. Buy a 7000 classic and sell it 3 years later for 5000, and you're out 2K + gas. Buy a 50K ski boat, use it for 3 years and you'll realistically sell it for 38K or so. Figure that 12K ding into the cost of boating, and a well taken care of or restored older boat is a bargain. Some won't see it that way, but you don't have to sell it to them.

Dixielegger: Can't e-mail you. Compu crash while we were in TN and lost all my addresses. Yours is not listed in your profile but mine is. So e-mail me so I'll have yours and we can talk.......jbear

some of the guests on this correct craft fan forum in the genaral discussion section are just ridiculously out of touch with reality

Well there are nautiques

then you have a bunch of other crap that want be as good as a nautique.

I had to PAY for my 80. I had to drive 18 hours round trip to get it. The owner came down $1000 because it wasnt running right, and I had to immediatly dump $600 into it. It is in AVERAGE condition, solid as a rock but has dings and dents, couple tears in the 25 year old interior, crappy carpet and a grimy engine. BUT I am happy. I think that when all is said and done, I will haave more into it than its worth, and that troubles me a little bit. I can live with it though. In my other hobby off road 3 wheelers (remember them?) I have 10 of them, some restored, some original unrestored nice ones. Sometimes you get lucky and have less in them than they are worth, and other times not. Its a hobby and hobbies and activities cost money, thats the way it is.

I think we all are assuming asking price is a starting point...however,asking prices are up and they are selling at higher prices as well! I have been watching the market for about 4 years...nation wide searches and ebay...there has been a change upwards.Still the values are there...I think there is becomming more and more interest in the older boats. Again...like the 60's and 70's muscle cars...seems to be following that type of trend.

Randall-
can't help but notice that your boat is registered in Alabama....you must get a lot of heat from all those Tide fans who hate the 'big orange'....as for myself I think that boat should be a member of the Vol Navy!!

-82'tique
Univeristy of Tennessee
Alumni

There you go...a picture worth 9000 words! 4 people who would pay the price! Demand!!!
Who would not want a boat with that kind of charactorRetro funky 70's style!

BTW...that thing would for sure look nice docked next to my green and yellow 72 stang!

People ask my buddy (who owns an air nautique)..." what's the morgage on that thing ? "

I get asked...What's in that thing?...where did you find that?...what year? Are those colors orininal?

Demand...you can't by a new one like Randall's 73.

And condition plays a major roll... a lot of people will tend to pay quite a bit more for pristine condition!!!

John...I'll give you $950 for it!!

Just kidding! Lucky dog!

Dixielegger...you have touched on a very good point!The learning experience gained from the labor you put into in the rebuilding process is invaluable!!! The main reason we bought the classic was to "learn"...myself and my sons!We have completly removed engine and parts and are learning how everything works!Hands on !!! And it's fun turning a wrench!

Moparstang
72 mustang for $900.00...way to go man!!!I have a 72 also...It is a ball to run!!!

WOW! What a good subject to get folks talkin (almost as good as discussing current gas prices)! I have to agree with Stang to some degree. By the way, my signature says '80 Nautique but as of January it's now a '97 Nautique (which I bought local, less than 300 hrs, and paid well below book value). The '80 was a great experience rebuilding from the ground up, and although I only broke even money wise (which by the way to the originator of this topic, I sold the boat on this site, at higher than book value, in a matter of a couple of weeks), I gained a vast knowledge of the inner workings of the speedos, guages, prop shaft/seals, structure, etc. that cannot be found in some book and still used on the newer Correct Crafts. That experience has helped me understand how to properly maintain and repair my '97. I really did'nt receive the satisfaction of the work I put into the '80 project until it appeared as the featured boat (June?) on this website along with the comment "the boat took 1st place in it's class at the Sea World reunion" earlier this year. Man, did I feel like a proud papa. It was at that point that all monetary value went out the window. I miss all that hard work!

BKH...that is often the case...might lose $ on the project...If I want to make money, I invest in realestate!Your right...it is all in the enjoyment of the whole process!

However,there are some project boats out there that if a person does the labor and not hire it out ...you can flip and make some cash!A 78 Nautique(needing stinger work and floor) went for under $1800.00 a few weeks ago! Ebay.

An example of a good project deal...Last year we purchased a 1962 classic with cc trailer on ebay for under $700.00.People don't want to drive too far to take a chance.I know some of the members saw that one!

Turned out , that the boat was in exc. condition with the exception of the engine siezed on the lake...broken rod connector.We are almost finished with the rebuild and will have about $2500.00 into it incuding the purchase of the boat and trailer ...There is a1962 classic for sale now (on this website)for 6900.00.I think we gained some equity!

Projects may be the best deals out there!And you learn so much!

Whoops...type-o. Prices are not going to head down!

Wow did I miss something? You mean I was doing this as a "investment"?? Man, and all this time (and money) I was doing it for fun. LOL
I really enjoy these 40+ y/o boats. I expect mine can make another 40 years. If anybody thinks it's not a good value, take a look at ALL the boats being built today, 40 years form now you think there will be a "baylinerboatfan.com" forum?
While I am sure I have too much loot in my CC, it was some of the best money I have spent. I don't think many here are doing this for a living or for profit. I don't think anybody here got upset because tg is concerned that the market is where it is today, but all of us know what these old tubs are worth to each of us and its different for everbody. While I'll say mine is'nt for sale, I would just have to replace it with another! and I am someone who if wanted could go out and get a new one, but the one I have is cool with me...... just my .02 cents

I don't have an issue with the cost since I've already spent the money. My point is most have no clue what it realy takes and cost to restore the boat to like new condition. And in many cases mine include it is actually better now than the day it left the factory,

unless you think a 315hp engine is worst than a 240hp factory power plant.