1966 Pearson Coaster

whwilson · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2001

Hello,
Please help me make a decision. I''m looking at an old Pearson (1966) Coaster. It''s clean but showing it''s age a little but appears solid. Motor (owner claims this) just developed a problem with the starter. Otherwise, boat is ok. Two questions: One is he''s asking $7,500, is this fair? He is desperate to sell (laid off work and behind in obligations)so he would probably take even less (my guess is $6000). My second question is can a tiller boat be outfitted with a wheel? I don''t like tillers and prefer a wheel. I''m thinking of offering him $5,000 cash without a survey and maybe inching up to $6,000. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I''m buying the name here as I believe the Pearson line in this year was very well made. Am I being a fool or is this smart. Gee! Wish my IQ was higher...
Bill Wilson

mattfarrell · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2001

Hey Bill,
look at bucnet.com to get a rough idea or retail rates. Pearson is a good name, particularly older ones. I would also look at Cal''s from that era. Do NOT offer anything without a survey. No matter how long you have been around boats, you easily could miss something. Get a surveyor. Have him go all over the deck with a moisture meter. If it is delaminating, he will tell you to walk away. Also, it will be inexpensive to insure, but every company will require a survey anyhow. Good luck. I would offer him the 5K cash with a survey, and you may likely get it.

whwilson · #3 (**permalink**) 02-04-2001

Like they say, "If you snooze, you lose..." The boat sold for full price yesterday with no survey. I think I missed a good deal even at the asking price. BUCNET said it was worth twice what it sold for. Bummer! I''ll keep looking and I thin that eventually, I''ll get there but for now, call me Pearson-less.