Well, I found a 1989 champion on craigslist right here in Lubbock.

http://lubbock.craigslist.org/boa/2432048146.html

I have a few questions for the more educated guys on here. First off. The boat has been used regularly except for the last six months. The gelcoat is peeling just a little bit but it is hardly noticeable. How big of a deal is the gelcoat anyway? The boat was owned by a mechanic. Which gives me hope that the motor is in really good condition. I will, of course, have someone test the compression in the cylinders and all of the above. Motor is also a 1989. The boat does NOT have a fishfinder or a trolling motor. While it was sitting these past 6 months they were both stolen. He is asking $3900 for it. I checked out book values and even talked to a marine dealership mechanic here in lubbock who said that the value of it should be $3900 if its in great condition and about $3200 in good condition but that should include the trolling motor and graphs. What do you guys think is a fair price for it? Transom is solid and I didn't find any soft spots in it so the hull is in great shape, except the gelcoat is not in great condition. What say all of you?

Test-drive it! You cannot trust a car mechanic with an outboard! Have it looked at professionally if at all possible.

Definitely will have it looked at by a professional. Will run it as well. I'm just wondering if it's worth what he is asking because it doesn't have a trolling motor or fishfinder.

If it all checks out I would buy it in a second! I paid 3500 for mine with a blown big motor but it had a new 71lb thrust trolling motor and 2 Color graphs with GPS. Graphs and trolling motor are easy to remedy and install!

That's kind of what I'm iffy about. 2 new graphs and a new trolling motor will cost me about $1500. Add that to his asking price and it becomes $5400.

Remember the graphs would be old and out dated so there would be a large possibilty that you would be replacing them anyhow. The Troller back then they were usually under powered so it may have been on your list to replace also. I would offer 800 less than asking price.

That is true. I wouldn't expect him to drop the price that much for it. I do feel though that many times guys place to much sentimental value in their boats. For example, the book value on the boat is $3200 and that includes trolling motor and graphs. That is for a boat that is in good running condition. He is asking $3900, the hull is in good shape but, the gelcoat is fading due to sitting out in the sun for 6 months, the trolling motor/graphs are stolen, and yet he asks for $700 over the book value. It seems very common. I have been actively looking for a boat since December and it seems like every guy who is selling his boat asks for almost $1000 over book value. At the end of the day the seller needs to realize its 22 years old and not in perfect condition. Is that fair of me to think that way? Is there something I am overlooking?

I wouldn't give him any more than 3k for it but that's me. I paid 1k for mine in good runnin shape except a few soft spots in the floor. They arnt too bad an I have been using it for 2 years now without any trouble. It came with all the extras but like stated they were all 20+ years old an I have updated with bigger an better.
One day I will fix the floor or I might just take the motor off an burn it an look for a nicer boat with no motor. Idk but for now it works for me an I'm only out 1k so..
Looks like a decent boat. My main concern would be the shape the motor is in because that's where u will spend lots of $$$
I found a decent fish finder gps and a 1 year old 24v trollin motor for $400 so u don't have to spend a ton on this things if u don't want too.

You got this model for 1K??? Where?!? lol I want a deal like that. The only good deals I have found anywhere are guys who have had their boat sitting for 5 years and who knows what is all wrong with the boat. And even then they want 2K for it without having a decent motor on it and no electronics/fishfinders. Maybe I just need to keep looking?

No-no mine is not a champion its an 83 model fish an ski. Can't even remember the make.
I understand why u want the champion. I also think that people on Craigslist like to over price there stuff in hopes somebody will make an ill informed decision an buy it. From my experience most people will come down quite a bit when offered cash money on the spot. If he won't wait a week or two an call him back. If not keep lookin.
Either way good luck on your search.

Thanks. Ya it has been tough trying to find something affordable and also worth it. It seems like with most boats you get what you pay for but it still seems as though they are overpriced.

is this the same boat your asking about trying to get titles for on another thread? If it is and the trolling motor and all graphs are missing from it then I would probably run away from it. Thats alot of stuff that would send red flags up for me personally. Not having the titles is going to be a TON of work on your part. My advice, don't ever buy anything that the titles are up to date on and in hand when you go to look at it. Good luck on your decision but I think that boat is overpriced at $3900 or even $3000. If the guy could come up with the titles and they check out then I would think in the $2500 range would be appropriate, especially if you say it books out at $3200 in excellent condition. Don't forget to check the trailer out very well!

Found one with a little better price tag for u. Dunno about the motor. But u could have it checked out.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/boa/2430357160.html

No this isn't the same boat. This guy said he doesn't have the titles but his parents have them. He is asking to much so I decided I wasn't going to get this one. I guess I will continue on looking.