TawandaMcBeth
New Member
Hi, I have a 1964 Sunfish in good condition with sail and trailer, but I don't know much about it other than it has a patched hole in the hull. How do I determine a fair sale price?
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Shorefun: I live in NJ and have been searching for awhile now without luck for a reasonably priced sunfish that has a title. Do you have any tips to help me? Thanks!Too many conditions to consider.
Where are you located? I am here in the NE and no one is thinking water till the spring so no hope of getting decent money till then.
Condition is everything. How heavy is it, what does the hole patch look like, what condition is the sail and rigging?
Does the trailer have proper paperwork for your state? Do you know how to properly do the paperwork?
Does the hull have a title or proper paperwork for registration as some areas that can be important.
Has the rudder by changed over to the new style?
For NJ a sunfish of the older ages do not sell in the above $500 range. Or should I say those ads seem to say online for months. A trailer really does not ad as much to the value unless it has proper paperwork (NJ is a registration only for those trailers).
A repaired older hull with an old sail and rigging should not be above $500 and really under $300. My reasoning is that a sail and rigging are going to cost you a few hundred. When you are done you have a boat that sells for less then $500. Personally I wont touch an early Sunfish.
That is my take on it all. Keep in mind the most I have spent on a Sunfish (I have 3) is $300 and that was for a 1996 with a cart (the cart is worth more then the trailer it seems). That one needs a couple of small holes repair and 2 minor tears in the sail. So that is what is out there.
Good luck on finding one with a title. Most are long lost or no one cared to be bothered based on my experience. I did happen to pick up one with a title local to me for $300 with the cart.Shorefun: I live in NJ and have been searching for awhile now without luck for a reasonably priced sunfish that has a title. Do you have any tips to help me? Thanks!
New Hampshire boat dealers will also sell you a Sunfish certificate with an official hull number and hull decal for about $45. Bring a Bill of Sale with you.If you want a title go to NY and buy one. NY does not require a title so, check with the state, you are likely to just need a bill of sale. Might need it notarized, but I do not know, check with the state title division.
What do you consider reasonably priced? What work are you willing to do? How fast can you react with cash and do you have a way to get it home if it does not have a trailer?
I bought 2 just by watching facebook marketplace. The first one was $50 and I just got FB suggesting it as something I am interested in because I had been searching. It was just posted 5 minutes before. The second one was $200 and I found the post 10 mins after posting. Both were just pure luck, but I was not in a hurry and they just fell in my lap. Of course no title. The only ones I have noticed with titles were newer and over $1000.
The best way to find a deal is to check FB and craigslist often during the day. Be ready to go quickly and get them home. Know that if you buy one with a trailer that the trailer will not have a title. You will need a registration paper and they must notarize a bill of sale to transfer the ownership of the trailer for NJ. I know this because of my Hunter 170.
Cash is king so be sure to keep enough on hand to move quick. When I sell stuff I want cash in hand or the first person with it gets it.
For NJ right now is a very bad time to be looking for a deal. A soon as we approach spring the listings start ramping up, but right now there are only some overpriced boats that have been online forever.
Thanks for the input Shorefun and L&VW! From what I can tell from the NJ DMV, it appear that a bill of sale from NJ or another state won't work. I have been trying to stick to a boat priced under $1,000 but it seems that is unrealistic for a boat with a title. I can move fast if something comes up...I have cash and a pickup with a bed extender to transport. I am willing to do some basic repairs. I will try to be patient for now and increase my search frequency on Craigslist. Thanks again!New Hampshire boat dealers will also sell you a Sunfish certificate with an official hull number and hull decal for about $45. Bring a Bill of Sale with you.
Check with New Jersey if reciprocity with New Hampshire is acceptable. (I'd expect it would be OK).
In New Hampshire, the length of 12-feet requires no registration, and there are no other fees.Many states dont require titles for un-powered boats....or under 16ft...or either/both etc.
Michigan does not require non-motored boats under 14' to be registered.Many states dont require titles for un-powered boats....or under 16ft...or either/both etc.
I thought you did have to register a Sunfish in Michigan . My sons has MC numbers and registration.Michigan does not require non-motored boats under 14' to be registered.