Advice for buying a 2010 242

[johnehr]

I live in the Seattle area and am interested in upgrading my 1990 Condurre 243. I’ve found a 2010 242 with the big block 8.1L engine (and various other upgrades) with only 70 hrs on it. The owner mentioned that the fuel pump had to be replaced (under Volvo warranty in 2019). I’m a little worried about how low the hours are, the explanation for why the seller is selling, and recent engine issues.

I’m going to pull service records (first 4 years were done at the dealer and then he hired another mobile mechanic) and do a survey (either my mobile mechanic that usually works on big yachts or the local cobalt dealer).

Does anyone know how much risk there would be in issues that aren’t easily found? Anything specific I should look for? Risks associated with lower quality maintenance for a few years but with such low hours? I’ve dumped too much money and time into the 1990 243 and want a much lower hassle going forward.

It doesn’t have a trailer, which is ok for me (I’ll keep it on a lift), but wondering if folks think nada average retail for the boat would be reasonable in the current market.

[kas232ca]

Hello...

Welcome!

What is the asking price? Was it used in salt water? The fuel pump issue is common, so I would not worry about that. At least you know it was serviced as recently as 2019.

If the mechanic gives a preliminary OK and you are going to buy it, I would have the oil changed, impeller changed, check gimbal/u-joints and outdrive gear lube changed so you are starting fresh.

Others will be here soon asking for photos...

[wss48126]

I just bought a 2010 242 with 80 hours on it about 2 months ago. It was a Mercruiser and not a Volvo, but some of the things that surprised me were several of the trim pump hoses rube casing had dried out. Impeller had been changed last year, but the low hours did worry me some. It has performed rock solid all summer, but the normal things like the speakers will surely need to be changed out. The Sony cones in mine were completely disintegrated. I don't know the typical things for the Volvo, but the boat itself did not seem to have any issues with the low hours.

It took me a while to sort out all the small little neglected items even on a low hour boat.

[johnehr]

Thanks for the advice and damn. I think I missed a good deal. The seller moved with another buyer for a higher price. He agreed to sell it at $58k after I showed him that NADA had it priced closer to $53k than his list of $68k. Since its seattle, it was only used in the lakes around here (no salt water). The boat market in Seattle seems inflated 20-30% above NADA prices, so I'm getting a little shy of buying a boat until next spring (see what happens to the economy and boat market).

Also, thanks for the pointers on other small issues on what ages on older boats, even with low hours and good care.

[Big Block Power]

Thanks for the advice and damn. I think I missed a good deal. The seller moved with another buyer for a higher price. He agreed to sell it at $58k after I showed him that NADA had it priced closer to $53k than his list of $68k. Since its seattle, it was only used in the lakes around here (no salt water). The boat market in Seattle seems inflated 20-30% above NADA prices, so I'm getting a little shy of buying a boat until next spring (see what happens to the economy and boat market).

Also, thanks for the pointers on other small issues on what ages on older boats, even with low hours and good care.

I have a 220 for 50?

[johnehr]

Draft on the 220 is too deep. I have a shallow slip so need to keep it at 20-21”. Also, the wife wants the 24’ with the head for the kiddos. Watched three of them today totally pee on my inner tube while hanging on the side rather than swim…. TMI…

[CobaltDeadHead]

It's certainly interesting how much more expensive used boats are to buy in the Seattle area. I've noticed that while browsing the market for certain Cobalt models I'm interested in for the future. You probably could find a similar boat elsewhere and have it shipped for the same total cost as what you would pay locally.

[johnehr]

What sites do you watch? Boattrader???

[bruceb58]

It's certainly interesting how much more expensive used boats are to buy in the Seattle area. I've noticed that while browsing the market for certain Cobalt models I'm interested in for the future. You probably could find a similar boat elsewhere and have it shipped for the same total cost as what you would pay locally.

It definitely is weird. More demand and a lot more wealthy people live there now. Many years ago, it was worth it for me to drive to Seattle to buy a boat since they were definitely cheaper there than where I live.

[bruceb58]

What sites do you watch? Boattrader???

I watch Boattrader and Facebook Marketplace. I bought my 2017 R5 for $85K off Marketplace in the beginning of 2021.