Guys I am considering purchasing either a 1998 Triton Tr-17 with 115 evinrude for $8795 or a 1994 Skeeter zx175 with 150 mercury for $9995. Both are in good to better than good shape. What would you consider a good price for both the seller and me on each rig? Both prices are considerably higher than NADA. NADA for the Triton is $7370-$8880. NADA for the Skeeter is $5050-7120. Thanks.

i would say the skeeter, but if they are both above the NADA price, i dont think either.

I'm with Nick. Depending on the condition I would prefer the Skeeter but would be talking around $6000 purchase price. There are lots of boats for sale and much of the country is now into the fall/winter non boating season. I'm not sure if this is at a dealership but in my opinion asking 9 grand for a what is now a 12 year old Skeeter is a case of wishful thinking. See if he'll bite lower or keep shopping.  

Wow I just reread your original post. Correction... he is asking 10 grand for a 12 year old Skeeter. Geesh

I would ask to be taken out on the lake in a used boat before I seriously considered buying it.

I may be a little biased ( I own a Triton Tr-186 with a 150 Johnson) IMO, the Skeeter will be faster, but the Triton will ride better.

Both are good boats but I agree with the others, the prices seem a little high.  

I paid 7600. for a 1995 Nitro Fish n Ski with a 115 Merc on it last Spring. I bought it from a neighbor, so I knew the boat and the service on it pretty well. The interior needs complete reupholstery, but since I can do it myself, it didn't bother me. I was more concerned with the soundness of the hull and the motor. It also had a brand new power trim unit, and a newer 67 lb. trolling motor.

I shopped hard for a year before buying this one, and I found that the NADA values are consistently low up here in New England, where there are always plenty of boats on the market. I bought when I did because while I was sure I could eventually find a better deal, time was going by, and I knew this boat's history.

That said, have you pointed out the NADA value to the seller? I'd insist on having a survey done on the boat by a qualified shop, preferably one different from where he gets his serviced. Good luck.