Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

[RCSConstruction]

Hi all!
I have been watching boat prices for the last month or so and was just starting to get a good idea of what to buy and now the boat prices are climbing over night. A v8 bowrider could be had in good shape, serviced etc.. for 12-13,000 and now those same boats are 15,16,000.... How does the "boat bubble" go? Prices dip in mid-season or am I stuck with these high prices till end of summer?
I refuse to pay top dollar for a used boat. It may be worth it but I have a hard time buying anything without feeling like I made out like a bandit..
Is there a typical trend in boat buying/selling?
Thanks for any thoughts on this matter.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

A good deal is a good deal, regardless of the time of year. Supply and demand however, is a real factor in a capitalist society; if more people want to buy a boat, the cost of said boat rises.

That being said, you can find a deal just about any-time, but sellers are typically more motivated when they can't be out on the water catching some rays and some dinner!8)

 

[tommays]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

If you get past spring fever I think the prices will come down to reflect the BIG supply of used boats


Tommays

 

[trouttamer]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

RCS,i would suggest going to your area boat shows. i bought an alumacraft 175 cs 3 years ago at a show in alexandria bay Ny. it was loaded with upgraded hp from 90 to 115, sticker said 18900, dealer said 17500, my wife said 15300, dealer said SOLD. boat, motor, trailer, package.

good luck
fishns' great in NY upstate

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

Don't overlook non-current (new but last year or the year before models). Boat prices also depend on the area of the country you are in. Here in the midwest in April you should be looking for snowmobiles as that season has just ended. You look for boats in Sept, Oct., Nov. (just before the snow flies) and people need to think about renting storage space. If you are looking for new, the Dec, January, Feb boat shows are a good time.

 

[RCSConstruction]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

Thanks for the advice everyone.
You all will be the first to know when I find one d

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

If you're looking for used boats I think you can definitely get better "deals" in the off season but there is like 1/4 the selection (at least if we're talking about private sellers, ebay, etc.). So after the spring fever ends my guess would be mid summer for the best selection vs. price. With new boats I have no clue and there is slim to no chance of me ever needing to know

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

keep watching. i'm wanting a second pressure tank for my motor, there's about 20 on ebay right now, one went for over $100. last month there were only 4 available.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

I think boat Prices are the Highest in April thru July 4th.....
They flatten til Labor Day, then fall slightly til October.....
Columbus Day thru Thanksgiving is Rock Bottom Prices,.....
Fire Sale Prices take effect til Christmas,...........
After That,... The Storage is Paid,+ they sit til Spring......

Around Here Anyways.................8)

 

[QC]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

Also, you do find the occasional newer boater who decides to sell, but has no idea what it's worth. They assume that boats depreciate as rapidly as cars which is not really true. While most guys think their boats are worth what they paid for them, you will find the guys I described above once in a blue moon.

BTW, I looked at that Four Winns on Monday. What a flippin' pile-o-stinkin' carp . . . :'( Lots of important stuff missing like oh, uh, the crankshaft . . . huge list after that. The interior was shameful, sun and salt damage everywhere. It would take you all summer to get that thing close to right. The only thing good was the trailer, and even it had issues as the brakes (4 wheel disc) didn't work . . .

 

[RCSConstruction]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

BTW, I looked at that Four Winns on Monday. What a flippin' pile-o-stinkin' carp . . . :'( Lots of important stuff missing like oh, uh, the crankshaft . . . huge list after that. The interior was shameful, sun and salt damage everywhere. It would take you all summer to get that thing close to right. The only thing good was the trailer, and even it had issues as the brakes (4 wheel disc) didn't work . . .

Thank god I didn't take the hour drive. I figured when he emailed me back Monday asking if I was still interested it was a P.O.S.
Thanks for the heads up and if you see a 20-22' v-8 open bow shoot me a message.
Much appreciated.

 

[mike176]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

i tell ya i saw a few 06 models at the boat dealer last week and they where just about givin them away. Ofcorse we are talkin about your no frills basic package, the ones they could not move when every1 buyin new wanted them fully loaded,

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

If buying new, go to a big boat show with check in hand. Many large dealers get incentives for selling so many boats and they almost always throw in a free coast guard package...I bought my 18' SeaPro at the Chesapeake Bay Boat show for $500 over what the dealer paid....He showed me the slip and sacrificed profit from me for more buying power from the manufacturer

If buying used, wait 2 weeks after your boating season starts (looks like you live in Canada, so might have to wait) and get a good deal on a trade-in. Also, check iboats and craigslist.com.

 

[RCSConstruction]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

I have seen quite a few dealers blowing boats out.
There have been quite a few 2006 boats for 12,13g's but all single axle trailer and 3.0 merc's.

I refresh craigslist every 30 minutes..lol I check every city within 200 miles including arizona. Have favorite saved searches on boat trader, ebay as well. Local ads,pennysaver, gargae sale ads. I don't think I have missed a boat for sale in the last month. I swear the same boat last week for 12 is at 15g's today...
I have started to lower my year. I figure it's my first "real" boat and maybe not finding my dream boat right off the bat may be a good thing. I have my eyeball on a 1996 four winns 5.7l. Beautifull boat in every respect. 8500.00 Also a 1997 Reniell with a 5.7, very nice with a new engine and rebuilt outdrive with all receipts.
I am going to look at them tomorrow. I will not be able to wait. I day dream about being on the water. I figure I can get my money back out of either of these boats if I take care of them.
I will look for "the boat" but by the sound of it I may not find it till much later this year.
Who knows, maybe it will post tomorrow but I am not waiting.o
Thanks for all your thoughts everyone.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Boat season=High prices. When to buy?

In this area prices are not too bad at this time of year. Go up drastically mid May and stay there till September. Great deals can be had early to mid October when it is not too late to test the boat out and the seller does not want the bother of winterising and winter storage.