Looking at a Nautica 14 ft. RIB - need price check

pdgrafelman · 07 February 2009, 14:46

For sale in my area, 1997 14 foot Nautica with 95 hp Merc jet drive and trailer. I have not yet seen the boat in person, but wondering if $3950 is a fair price assuming it is in good shape. Not many similar found on Google, I did find one identical listed for $6000.

Considering replacing my old (broken) metzeler with this for lake diving and family fun.

Paul Grafelman

pdgrafelman · 08 February 2009, 13:09

Lots of view, but no replies, so here is some additional info.

1997 Nautica Jet 14 RIB. Mercury (Force) Sport Jet 90 motor.

I plan to go view it this evening. I also hope to have an inspection done before purchase.

NADA on this boat is $8000 to $10000, so $4000 seems really odd.

Anyone have experience with Nautica boats or Mercury Sport Jet engines?

Tomas · 08 February 2009, 14:52

Here's what I know:

Most of the Nauticas around here are sold as tenders. I would say that they are mass produced and average to good quality. In the photo the boat looks sound but how long ago was the picture taken?

Assuming the tubes are in good shape, the hull in one piece and nothing striking falling off or apart, $3,900 isn't a bad price at all.

Proof however is in the pudding. Taking a look and taking a drive are two different "takes". $3,900 is not a good price if you've got a wounded 90hp jet drive. Let me just forward to guess that there is no such thing as liquid water in your area, in February

You could crank it to see what it sounds like but........

pdgrafelman · 08 February 2009, 15:29

Thomas - you are correct - no liquid water available for a test drive. There is a PWC dealer nearby that hopefully I can have do an inspection, I'm assuming that they would be able to run the engine in their shop, but I don't know if they would know how to inspect the tubes (I sure don't). I plan to bring a bottle of soapy water to at least check for any leaks.

pdgrafelman · 12 February 2009, 12:18

In case anyone was wondering, I passed on the boat. It was very close to a 'basket case'. Engine started, but barely. Guages were all non-working, and the biggest issue was that one of the tubes is worn to the fabric in the rear.

Paul