I have an American Clipper I inherited from my grandpa. I want to sell it. I've used it for a couple of years, then it has sat for a couple of years. It needs a little TLC. The roof is leaking somewhere back near the bathroom - I think around one of the vents so I have a tarp over it. My husband is replacing the ceiling tomorrow. It needs a tuneup. I drove it 200 miles yesterday to get it home so it does drive, but it backfired anytime I got under 50 mph. The fridge, stove, pump, toilet all work. I'm not sure about the Air/Heat. It has a nice generator but it won't turn over now after sitting so long. I called the generator place and they'll charge between $150 and $200 to fix it. I feel like slapping Black Jack on the roof but don't want to ruin it for the new owner.
When it leaked, the overcab bed got wet. I took off the cover and kept it for a pattern. The foam is ok. It dried and does not smell, so it can be recovered. The kitchen bench seat has original fabric, but it needs replacing. The original carpet is there, but I'd replace it too.
It's a 21 foot Clipper. I love it but I just don't have the time/energy to keep it up like it needs. My kids have flown the coop and I have other projects. I live in Portland, Oregon in a condo with no place to store it out of the weather.
I guess my question is this: Should I sell it "as is" and let the new folks fix her up? Or should I fix it myself and charge more money.
Suggestions?
Sell it like it is - in my opinion there is a 98% probability that you will not get the money back that you will spend to "fix it up".
The only exception being this:
If you are a master craftsman (craftswoman?) AND a Master Mechanic, and you are willing to work for $6/hour - then maybe you could fix it up, sell it, and make more money than selling it as is.
Barring that scenario, again in my opinion, the best thing you can do is this:
Fix the little easy things you can do quickly, clean it up well.
Then make a list, much as you did in your post, of all the things you know it needs to be relatively safe and reliable, as well as an estimated cost to get that all done.
Now you have a starting point on which to base you asking price, as well has a cheat sheet for a prospective buyer, somethig he or she will really appreciate, and it may help make the sale.
Good luck
I agree with Horst you won't get your money back if you take care of everything. Just clean it up, make it sparkle inside and out. If you are handy it wouldn't hurt to recover the cushions/bed. would make a better first impression. Make an honest list of known problems and sell "as is". Seems most of the owners are "shade tree mechanics" who enjoy working on their rigs. Why deny the new owner the "pleasure" :roll:
Good luck
Well, if I cleaned up the outside and inside really nice, can someone give me a ballpark idea of a fair asking price? She is actually very pretty when she's cleaned up and I'll recover the bed and bench seats and replace the ceiling in the bathroom and probably polyeurathane the wood. What would be a good price to list her and is this a good place or should I list her in the newspaper? Or both?
Lastly, I'll read through the posts, but is there something good to bring back the shine on the outside body? The fiberglass part?
Thanks for your opinions and help. If anyone wants to call me to talk about ideas for fixing her up, I'd be happy to hear from you. My cell phone number is 503-997-5330. I'm in Portland, Oregon.
Deborah
Pretty much impossible to give you a "fair" asking price - simply do not have enough information. It could range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Look at the classifieds here to get a feel for what they are going for. You can get a pretty good Clipper for around $5,000. You can get a REALLY good Clipper for a few thousand more. You can get a "project" Clipper for a few thousand less.
Fiberglass
Depends on just how oxidized (sp?) you shell is - but basically get a good qualily marine grade fiberglass polish/wax (or a mild compound first if needed) and scrub and polish - it will take a while. Obvioulsy wash it real good first - use Soft Scrub on any stubborn bits.
I wax 2 to 3 times a year, and in between waxing I use 303 monthly - works good for me.
i just bought this clipper and i was able to fix
A/C- frig-gen-hot water tank-
thats all i have done so far -- but she is a pretty sound clipper and i hope to be towing my boat with her soon
james
Deb, Mine was 5,000$. 6 good tires, everything worked, interior in excellent shape, cushions very nice. A "cream puff" as the salesman would say. It needed some engine work. Body in great shape, good glass, fiberglass needs waxed, just a couple surface cracks in the rear cap.
i was able to buy the cloipper foe 3,000 - she was listed at 6,700 and the lady droped her down ,, this clipper was a steal at 3-ooo and i can fix just about anything -- what year did you say yours was