FIGURING AN OFFER FOR A NEWPORTER

[Clyde A. Phillips]

That boat you are thinking about buying may not be as stout as she looks. There are many places that can be hiding some monstrously serious problems for you. So, a good marine surveyor's fee, though not necessary, can be money well spent. If possible, follow him all over that boat and see what he sees, ask him questions as you go, and look at the boat as an object of study, not yet as the object of your love.  Remember, love is blind; or better said, love blinds you, so be very objective during this decision making process.

 If the boat has some fault, get some kind of estimate to have it repaired. Get a pro to do this because even if you are thinking of doing the repairs yourself, which many do--and do well, you need the highest figure you can get for working out this formula. Once you have this estimate, double it (doubling it provides funds for repairing the things you can only find when repairing what has been found). Now, you must decide how much you would pay to buy a Newporter that is in really good condition. If not, a web search can be helpful (see below). Now add the doubled repair estimate to the cost of the boat of interest and subtract the total cost from the price of a good boat. The remainder is the indicator of how good of a deal you can make.

Now for the price of a good Newporter.  The web search will show what is being asked for the boats available for sale.  It seems to be an American tradition to make whatever is for sale to appear better than it really is, so take some (if not all) of the asking prices with a grain of salt.  Remember that a used boat that is in good condition means that everything aboard is "as good as new."  So that boat would be worth the price of a new similar boat.  The real value to you of any boat is the amount you would spend for one.  So the value you set for any "like new" boat is what you think is a good price.  Use this value and forget the websearch.

In applying the formula to find your deal there is only one place where you have a good opportunity to change its outcome: the value you set for the boat that's for sale.  The repairs needed will be the same, so lower your offer for the boat.  That will lower the total amount spent for the boat (boat price plus repair costs).  Raising the amount you are willing to spend for the boat will also cause the formula results to look good, but you will have to pay for that change.

Good luck to all of you who are in the market for a Newporter that will suit your needs and abilities. 

The wordy bit above is an exerpted and edited note found on one of my two Newporter sites.  http://newporter.ning.com/ is the link to the site that contains the first revised edition of these words of wisdom.  The other site may be of interest.  Find that through http://mysite.verizon.net/vzer3v5t/  Have fun wherever you go.

[Clyde A. Phillips]

I appreciate your kind words.  I would now suggest when you re-read the formula that you go to my site (Newporter.ning.com) and read the re-edited version.  I tried to make it less wordy and it turned out longer, but it may be easier read.

[michael soto]

Dear Mr Phillips, 
I feel fortunate that you take interest and the time to write to me with your excellent insight. You give me valuable tools to make a wise decision. I have read it through once and will do so again. There is a lot there to consider and I want to take my time because I am finding great wisdom in the process. You and Bob have done a great service to me and others I am sure and I thank you. I imagine the formula you acquainted me with can be used in other applications too.

Thank you again and I will be sure to let you know the process and the outcome.

Sincerely

m