Quick Take
In the boats personal watercraft market, buying from a private owner means weighing the listed price against size, condition, and the way you'll actually use it. These four boats for sale by owner span a broad price range, from a 1976 project hull to a 32-foot twin-engine cruiser, so the useful first step is deciding which listing fits your budget, your skill level, and your intended waters. One is a large fresh-water cruiser with a trailer; another is an inexpensive fiberglass project that has been sitting; a third is an updated 17-foot family rig; and the fourth is a Sea Ray bowrider set up for saltwater use.
Listed-Price Comparison
The table below shows the listed price for each boat and the relative position of that price using the same bar scale.
| Boat | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Baja Caliber 32 (used boats for sale by owner) | USD 24,900.00 | |
| 1976 Lyman (used boats for sale by owner) | USD 750.00 | |
| 2000 Aquasport 175 Osprey (boat for sale by owner) | USD 16,000.00 | |
| 1999 Sea Ray Bowrider (used cruiser boats for sale) | USD 5,500.00 |
The absolute spread between the highest and lowest listed prices is $24,150.
Decision Matrix
The decision matrix below summarizes each boat's best use case.
| Boat | Best For | Consider It If |
|---|---|---|
| Baja Caliber 32 | Larger fresh-water trips | You have room for a 32-foot boat |
| 1976 Lyman | DIY project | You don't mind restoration work |
| Aquasport 175 Osprey | Ready-to-go family outings | You want a smaller 17-foot hull |
| Sea Ray Bowrider | Short cruiser trips | You prefer a bowrider layout |
What to Weigh
No single boat is right for everyone in this group. The highest-priced listing offers the most size and range; the lowest-priced listing asks for the most sweat equity. The two middle options split the difference: one leans toward a complete, updated rig, and the other toward a simpler, smaller cruiser.
Product Notes
Baja Caliber 32 (used boats for sale by owner)
This 32-foot Baja Caliber is the largest and highest-priced listing at USD 24,900. It has twin Mercury inboard/outboard engines, a fiberglass hull, and a fuel capacity of 151-200 gallons, which suits longer fresh-water trips. The description also mentions an Ace trailer, so it comes with a way to move it. The main limitation is scale: with a beam of 8 feet and twin I/O engines, this is a big boat to tow, store, and maintain. Reported hours are around 600, so you are buying a substantial used cruiser rather than a compact starter boat.
1976 Lyman (used boats for sale by owner)
The 1976 Lyman is the lowest-priced listing at USD 750. The seller notes a rebuilt motor that runs great, a fiberglass hull, and a single inboard/outboard engine that runs on gas. The trade-off is condition: the listing says the boat has been sitting a while and needs TLC, so it is a project. No trailer is included, which is another cost to factor in. For someone comfortable with DIY work, this is by far the least expensive way into this group, but it will take time and money to bring it back to usable shape.
2000 Aquasport 175 Osprey (boat for sale by owner)
At USD 16,000, this 2000 Aquasport 175 Osprey is described as a complete 17-foot family rig. It has a Mercury 115 PRO XS outboard, a 33-gallon built-in fuel tank, a GPS/sonar combo, new SeaStar hydraulic steering, new upholstery, a full cover, and an aluminum float-on trailer. That combination makes it a strong ready-to-use option for someone who wants to spend time on the water rather than in the garage. The single outboard engine and 31-40 gallon fuel capacity keep it modest in range, and the price sits well above the two lowest listings.
1999 Sea Ray Bowrider (used cruiser boats for sale)
This 1999 Sea Ray Bowrider is listed at USD 5,500, making it the second-lowest price in this set. It has a single inboard/outboard engine, a fiberglass hull, runs on gas, and is described as designed for saltwater use. The fuel capacity of 11-20 gallons is the smallest of the four, so it fits local cruises and shorter outings better than long-distance trips. It also comes from a private seller with no additional equipment mentioned. If a bowrider layout and saltwater capability matter to you, this is the moderate-priced option to compare against the Aquasport.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
Think about these use cases:
- For the largest boat in this set, choose the Baja Caliber 32: twin Mercury I/O engines, 151-200 gallons of fuel capacity, and a trailer make it the top-priced option for serious cruising.
- For the lowest upfront cost, the 1976 Lyman is the project boat for a hands-on owner who doesn't mind TLC and can supply a trailer.
- For an updated, easy-to-tow family day boat, the Aquasport 175 Osprey comes closest to ready-to-use with new upholstery, hydraulic steering, a full cover, and a float-on trailer.
- For saltwater bowrider use, the Sea Ray Bowrider is the moderate-priced choice, though its 11-20 gallon tank points to shorter local runs.
