Sale the boat with no motor - I think it will be easier to move that way than with an 8 yr old FICHT. Then go get yourself something new!

 

Sell with the blown motor. You never know what folks are looking for. Could have a Johnson motor looking for a boat or repower with a new motor of thier choice.
You never can tell what the next guy wants.
Then again, a new power head would make the rig turn key. Its a **** shoot some times.

 

I think I would find a good used motor and then take your time to sell the boat. Thay way you still have something to run and not have to take the first offer.

On a different note I had a 175 FICHT the first of 5000 built in 1998 and that motor made 9 years so I guess that might be there life spand. I treated that motor bad though.

 

what to do

Well, if you want a new boat that is in the 23 foot class, be ready to spend at least $35k to $45k. With around $10k-$13k, you can go to Capt. Kirks Marine and repower with an Optimax and be back on the water.

 

Thanks for the help guys, It is a hard decision for sure. I did consider rebuilding the motor, but I agree as did the shop, that the 8-9 year is probably the life span. I would hate to invest 4-5 thousand to fix and have some other problem happen!! Computer, injectors, lower unit, etc!! I just cant decided if I want to invest in an engine for this boat or sell the hull/trailer as is with no motor and get a smaller boat like I really want to. If I didnt have the itch to get something new I would definately re-power, since this boat is great conditon and performs very well. But, you know how it is when you want to get a new boat!!

I never have bought a new boat, so do most boat dealers take trade-ins? Or better to sell on my own?

 

Thanks for the help guys, It is a hard decision for sure. I did consider rebuilding the motor, but I agree as did the shop, that the 8-9 year is probably the life span. I would hate to invest 4-5 thousand to fix and have some other problem happen!! Computer, injectors, lower unit, etc!! I just cant decided if I want to invest in an engine for this boat or sell the hull/trailer as is with no motor and get a smaller boat like I really want to. If I didnt have the itch to get something new I would definately re-power, since this boat is great conditon and performs very well. But, you know how it is when you want to get a new boat!!

I never have bought a new boat, so do most boat dealers take trade-ins? Or better to sell on my own?

If you find someone to take a trade-in, they will not give you what it is worth. Put it on the classifieds here and craigslist and it will move quickly!

And I agree with parting the motor or selling it as is for parts, at least gets you something for it.

 

Take the motor off, sell the boat, and then part out the motor via Craiglist. Separate the gear case, powerhead, mid unit, and tilt/trim bracket and sell the pieces separately. That will get you the most $ return for about 3hrs of effort to take it apart.

 

I sold a 21 explorer without engine, and it was my first rig so it had a few learning experience type marks on it. I know timing is timing I sold mine spring '08, but it didn't take long and I had people contacting me way after it had sold. If a newboat is what you want sell without. Good Luck!