I found a 17.5 Bell Canoe gel coat bought in 2000 always stored in a garage and covered in near mint condition for $2000. This is for a friend and I want to make sure they’re getting a fair price.

Is this a fair price?

It is if you and the seller are happy with the transaction. Canoe pricing is all over the board right now, and has been for a few years. Some sellers are looking at post-covid data and pricing accordingly. Some sellers are basing their price points on used prices in 2017.

*I* would be unlikely to pay $2k for a 25 year-old canoe, regardless of condition. But, it's certainly not the worst I've seen.

For instance here is a similar boat, 6 years newer and $600 less.

Northwind 17

I would say the price is in the ballpark. Think more in terms of a range between 1800 and 2000. Does the canoe have wood gunwales or any other special features? Does it have tumblehome for instance. The earlier Bell canoes did but the newer northstar northwind 17s do not have tumblehome. I think tumblehome is an advantage. Last year I sold a 20 year old pakcanoe for near the price I purchased in very good condition. Also, consider that new Northstar (formerly Bell) canoes with these features are north of $3,000. As prices go up for new canoes I think this will cause the price of good used canoes to also rise. Its simple economics.

Not all Bell models carry the same value. What model is it? Does it have wood gunnels?

$2,000 is at the high end in my opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/637228415688268/?referralSurface=messenger_banner&referralCode=2

this is the canoe. What are your thoughts?

The Bell Northstar was Ted Bell's favorite tandem. It's a hull that is highly desirable. The same hull is sold today as the Northstar Polaris.

The boat looks like it's in good shape and being a 2000 it was made by Bell vs ORC, so that's a plus. ORC bought Bell in 2006 - quality wasn't great in the 2006+ boats. I love the Almond colored gel coats as they hide scratches well.

I think it's a priced a little high, if it were 1,600 it would likely be gone already. I don't think i'd be upset about a few hundred bucks If I were looking for a tandem boat - this is a great hull. I'd try and talk him down a bit, but there's pretty much zero chance your friend won't love paddling this boat.

What Speckled said!

I looked at the trim in the facebook pictures. Canoe is in good condition but lacks wood trim. This would reduce the price a few hundred dollars. I agree $1600 is more realistic for this canoe.

Moonpath: "I looked at the trim in the facebook pictures. Canoe is in good condition but lacks wood trim. This would reduce the price a few hundred dollars. I agree $1600 is more realistic for this canoe."

And sentimental value often increases the true market price. I bet that canoe was not 2k new back in 2000. Not sure though.

Canoes generally do not hold value. That said, it’s peak buying season so the market is right for sellers. You have room to negotiate. Bring cash.
Tom

I agree with that being a bit high, but it might be a good starting place, It is that time of year, and I have seen some cruddy old canoes bring 2400 when people are desperate for a used canoe.

CanoeViking... try editing your post with the link and use the Add a Link to This Message function. You'll find it right below the white text box when you're posting.