Advice on Selling my CP19/2

[neosoul]

The hard reality I'm facing now is that I need to sell Macushla, my 1985 Com-Pac 19/2 (HIN: ABV00282K485). I'm really struggling with coming up with a fair price and welcome your input to help me out. Here's the facts: I purchased the boat and trailer in May 2014 for $3,500. Since that time I did much to freshen her up. I replaced her lifelines and drop-boards $326 (purchased directly from Gerry at Hutchinson). I replaced the outboard last season with a 2004 Merc ML 5HP ($400). I rewired most of the boat, updated the switch panel and added a buss bar and always had her shrink-wrapped and cleaned at the end of the season. I also had the bottom painted at the beginning of each season. Generally, I did all that I could to maintain her and keep her in the best shape possible.
The boat also came with Bimini Canvas Top, a Sink that I removed and stored, and an auto helm that I never used. I also have an additional wooden tiller, two rudders (the original and a fiberglass one). The trailer has two tires bought in 2014 and since my boat has always been launched by crane the trailer has never been in the water since I've own it. One drawback, I do not have a title for the trailer.
Again, I'm struggling with what would be a fair price because I feel it's hard for me to be objective. Any thoughts on where I should set my asking price and what would be my bottom-line price?
Thanks!

[captronr]

I'll take a stab at an answer.  Most of this I'm sure you already know:

The boat is only worth what someone will pay you for it.  I have a Macgregor for sale now, and I've priced it fairly high--and haven't had a call on it.  Of course, it's winter here still..............  But to sell mine, the price will go lower as time goes on..............

How badly do you want to sell it?  Other than novelty, what you spent on your boat is not that important in setting your price.   Your buyer will offer what the boat is worth to HIM/HER.

My suggestion is to do like a competitive market analysis for similar boats.  Check ads here, boat trader, craig list, Sailing Texas, google, etc...............  Compare similar boats, prices, maintenance, upgrades to get a good guess to what similar boats are being LISTED for.  Doesn't mean that's what they sell for, but it's a start.

Also, not too many people want to buy a project boat, so fix what you can, and CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. 

Are you in or near a sail club?  Advertise it there.   Our club started a fleet program, and have purchased some former member's boats, but they will want a bargain price typically. 

Hope this helps some.

Note:  Be ready for scam replies and bottom feeders.   I've gotten two calls where the buyer says "I'll cut to the chase--I'll offer you $XXX (which was HALF my asking price)".   And several system generated emails saying "do you still have the item for sale?"  Asks general questions, not one of which referred to a boat.  Delete.


Ron

[rbh1515]

If you want top dollar, make sure everything is in great shape, and that there are no projects.  Make sure the boat is clean and waxed and the wood freshly varnished.  How about the sails....I presume they are original.  I am on my fourth boat in 18 years, and each one sold within a month or less.  I always kept them spotless clean.  Two years ago I put my Catalina 28 up for sale for $70k, which my dealer thought was too high.  I was planning on buying a specific boat.  After doing more research on the model of boat I was going to buy, I decided it wasn't what I wanted.  In the meantime (3 weeks after I put my Catalina up for sale), I got a full price offer.  My dealer said he had never had this happen before.  I ended up turning down the offer since I had no idea what I was going to buy, and sailed the Catalina one more season.  Glad I did, since I discovered the Horizon Day Cat, which was a new model.  I put the Catalina up again, and sold it right away.
What are you thinking of selling your boat for?  How fast do you need to sell it?  Personally, I would get the trailer titled before you sell the boat...could cause problems with the sale of your boat.
Rob

[Jackrabbit]

One thing to consider in your calculus is that there are certain makes of boats on the market that fetch top dollar because of the quality of construction, reputation and provenance/type, regardless of age or cosmetic issues.  For example, while many open boats of modern design go for a song (high tech racing machines excepted), you'll rarely see anyone "giving away" a Seapearl 21 or Drascombe Lugger.  Boats with classic good looks always seem to be in demand.   And while these types of boats are not for everyone, those with more discerning tastes will pay good money to acquire one.  Such folks will even overlook idiosyncracies such as small performance flaws, etc..  After all, most classic boats will not really perform as well generally as modern racing sloops of the Euro-wedge style, but those who appreciate that aesthetic just won't settle for anything else.  There are many "contemporary" designs that can offer lots more cabin space and headroom, cooking amenities and so on, than classic boats, but these tend to look ungainly, and to some, just "not quite right".

     It is my impression that the Compac 19 is one of the types for which there is a very dedicated following (and consistent demand), and if you are patient you will find a buyer who will pay a fair price.  The classifieds section on this site will give you a good baseline.  I think you'll find that a range from $6-10 K is fairly typical for these boats.  In my opinion price is more a matter of age and overall condition, and not so much how many doo-dads the boat comes with.  After all, no one will pay more for a house just because it has nice landscaping and shed (though such features may induce a buyer to favor your house over another, all other factors being equal).

Burton

[Potcake boy]

Neo,

First off, if you are by chance in Florida or if the boat came from Florida then the trailer (weighing less than 3000lbs.) will not have a title. It would only have registration and the registration card is all that is needed to transfer ownership. This may be the case in other states as well. Or you could get a new title as a home built trailer. Or you could track down the original owner and get the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin and get a new title. Somewhere along the line either it was never titled or possession changed without proper legal transfer.

I owned a 19 for about 5 years, and have to say that it is in a league of it's own. It's a 19 foot yacht as the company name implies. There are not many 19 footers with a shallow draft fixed keel. It incorporates proven design principles and sails decent - no oh shit events. As stated before, if it's clean and everything is as it should be you will fetch a decent price within a short time. Again, don't get disturbed by the low ballers, they probably aren't really buyers anyway. They're probably looking to tell their friends what a great bargainer they are.

Good luck with that,
Ron
GladRags
23 pilot house

[carry-on]

Well, I see you listed on Craigs for $4000. The '85 is a fine model with the sprit, stainless pulpit and a nice amount of wood in the cabin.Believe you are $800 to $1200 low based on the condition described, a new main, what looks like a good cockpit grating and foiled?? rudder. If the trailer is road worthy, your asking seems more than fair. Suggest, hold the line! 

[neosoul]

Folks, I appreciate your sound advice! Based on what I've heard I tweaked a craiglist posting - http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/5488557249.html. I want to sell it at a fair price but I also want a quick sale that's why, based on what I am hearing, I'm at this price. (I really need to sell her by June). You're also correct about ridiculous offers- I have already received four LOW-BALL offers since I've posted on CL,
All invoices for every item purchased and work done on the boat have been saved and I will look into having my boat trailer titled too.
The boat will also be listed on this website's classified section.
I'll tell you this much: I know I'll be back as a Com-Pac owner again someday.
Thanks!

[Jon898]

Also remember there are a multitude of scammers out there who want your money.  I had some gear up for sale and got several "I want to buy your boat" emails which were likely the (automated) beginnings of scams.

Good read about this here: http://www.goodoldboat.com/resources_for_sailors/sailing_classifieds/scammers.php