Need some advise on a 540f Signature

[automan]

What do you think is a good price on a 2000 model
Extras listed below, its in Excellent condition Im looking at buying
It is listed at $34,000 I think thats a bit steep

Looking for some good advise

SIGNATURE 540F 2000 model

- MACKAY MULTI-ROLLER TRAILER

- 115HPV4 YAMAHA 2 STROKE (82 HOURS)

- GME FM RADIO

- 2 SWIM PLATFORMS (1 WITH LADDER)

- BERLEY POT (REMOVABLE)

- SANT BAIT BOARD (REMOVABLE)

- 2X SANT ROD HOLDERS

- BIMINI WITH ROD RACKS

- ALL SAFETY GEAR

[krazyfisher]

have you compared the price too new I dont think there would be much differance if you look around

[GBC]

My guess about $7k overpriced

[drevil]

Also should that sized boat be on a dual axel trailer?

[Argle]

Agree about $7k overpriced but the 540F is ok on a single axle its the 542F that needs the dual axle

Cheers

[Dave]

Hi Auto,
I paid that price for my 542F. I dont know about down there but a good friend of mine bought the same boat as mine except a 2001 model and he paid 35k. As for the trailer I checked it before I paid and the trailer should have a GCM plate. For my trailer it is 1500Kg. I went over the weighbridge and it went 1480Kg with a full tank of fuel.The 542F is a bit heavier than the 540 so it should be ok on the single axle trailer. So the price is fair if it is in good condition as mine was. It is a good looking boat. I think you would be happy with it.

Dave

[Jusel]

IMHO $34k is too much! Engine may have low hours but is now 5 years old and corrosion is very much age related not hour related.

[3Vs]

Saw one very similar at Springwood, minus rocket launcher, for 31k.

[cooky]

I'm thinking $27,000 to $32,000 depending on condition.

You'll always get cheaper (eventually), however how long will you have to wait. Boating is expensive, so if it's reasonable fair - who cares. just get it.

YOu'll always get good resale on Haines and that model (size) so think more about what you'll be able to sell it for in a few years keeping in good nick. I think if you got it for $30 to low $30's you'd be doing reasonably okay.

[automan]

Dave,
I was looking at the 542f however the towing weight put me off.
You say that yours weighed 1480 in the haines brochure it says that it weighs 1690k.
Have you got your 542f on a single axle trailer? Would that make a differance to the towing weight?

I would prefer the 542f

[linkman]

A friend of mine bought a 540F 3 months ago with a 90HP Yamaha. Trailer in fair condition and boat had a few dings. He paid $32,000. He'd been looking at 542F new for about $44,000 (above his budget). Have been out with him a few times and believe the 115HP would be a better option. Single axle trailer and it tows fine. He looked at several before buying and they were all single axle. If its in really good condition and it sounds like its got alot of extras being a Haines it will hold its value.

[Big_Kev]

My opinion for what it is worth would be 30-32.
Good boat.
Good motor (low Hours)
Trailer is just enough to do the job.
The Rocket launchers fitted do not look up to the task.(I would not like to put to many rods up there when offshore.)
But the launchers look good on the trailer.

It is a Haines and therer4 it will sell no worries about that.
It does look nice to.

Go hard Kev.

[Dave]

Hi auto,
I dont know for sure but it could be that the brochure you are looking at is for a brand new rig. The weights have changed as they add a few more things on each new model. I checked my trailer before I purchased the boat as I had some reserves about the weight as the boats that I had looked at in the boat yards(new boats) were on tandem trailers. My trailer has GCM of 1500Kg and a Tare of 340Kg. I took the boat and car over a weighbridge then went outside and disconnected the boat and went over again in the car. This gave me the tow weight of the boat. It was 1480Kg. This was just under the GCM so it was legal on that trailer. The tow weight that they specifiy could be for heavier motors. Can only be 30 or 40Kg difference between brands but this all adds up in the end. Mine is a single axle trailer. Obviously a single axle trailer will be lighter than a tandem so will effect the tow weight. Hope this helps.

Dave

[Dave]

Definately agree with Reel Hard. I bought mine about 12 months ago for the same price. The Haines Signature hold their price fairly well as with Cruise Craft and Seafarer. Just have to do homework on it to make sure it is what you want if not keep looking. I think around the 32k Mark for the 540F. I know that I am happy with mine. I am mabey looking a selling mine to go into a partnership in a bigger boat with my regular deckie. Not to sure as yet, but if mine sells it could always be a deposit for my own bigger boat if it does not work out ;D

[automan]

Hi Everyone,

Just like to say thanks for all your help and advise, I bought the 540f today, It was the best second hand boat I have seen.
IMMACULATE is the only way to descibe it SHOWROOM CONDITION!!
Anyway thanks again for all the help, I'll look foward to letting you know how she goes.

Chris

[Dave]

Hi Auto, Good stuff. Did you get a better deal on it or happy with the asking price.

Dave

[automan]

Dave,
I paid $31k, didn't mind though the condition was fantastic and Im not buying it to resell in the ner future so If i end up loosing who cares.

Chris

[automan]

more photos, from a happy punter

[cooky]

i reckon that's pretty good buying - congratulations and enjoy her

[automan]

Thanks Cookie
I'm sure I will its been a long time between boats!!

Chris

[Dave]

Well done Auto, Looks to be a very well looked after boat. Hope to see plenty of reports soon ;D

Dave