Seasonal boat prices

[Copper01]

I'm looking at buying a boat. I've had the fever since March and it's getting worse by the day. I've been lurking here to get a feel for buying boats and the problems I can expect.

I feel fairly confident on what to look for and what I want. Now the question becomes what do I want to pay. Which brings me to my concern. Since boating season is fully underway and I'm there are a lot of people out upgrading or buying their first boat, I would expect the prices to be high due to demand (not taking into account the current economic situation).

Could I expect to pay less for a boat in the off season? I would expect that at the end of summer the number of boats for sale would increase but does that equate price reductions? Does this carry over to the dealer prices for used boats also?

If your wondering, I'm looking at good overall condition 18'-22', bowrider or fish and ski with an I/O. Year and motor size not being an overall concern (except being used). I'm in Oklahoma so I could fish in a boat all year and have the summer weekends for the family.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

new boat look at the 205 Bayliner. there are a lot of boats on the market now, also will be more in the off season, due to gas, and the economy. 4.3L minimum for that size boat.
Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.

A 30 year old boat motor combo, may be in better condition, than a 3 year old

 

[Copper01]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

Thanks, for the reply Tashasdaddy. I would actually prefer a 4.3L, I know its not exactly the same but heck I've been working on them for 16 years. I wouldn't mind looking at new boats but I don't want that kind of commitment just yet. I want a fishing boat, the wife wants a boat to play in, so I'm looking for a boat to fit both. If the family decides that boating isn't up their alley, I want to be able to sell the utility boat and buy a fishing rig.

How about the price, do prices on average come down in the off season?

Thanks

 

[5150abf]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

This is far from a normal year, I would think you would have your pick of about any boat you could think of.

With the economy like it is and gas hitting $4.21 today(!!!) you should be able to find a killer deal just look around, graigs list ,local paper ect.

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

Hit and miss is usually the name of the game in the used market.

Seasonal price drops are more for dealers and new boats,
although some seasonal fluctuation may exist for used as well.

I have always looked fervently, and went for the boat I wanted.
Haven't gone wrong, yet, with the few I went for.
Good luck, and go for it!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

i haven't bought new since 1969.

 

[cordell]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

With the economy like it is and gas hitting $4.21 today(!!!) .

It is $4.59 here in Lodi California!

 

[Wvawitrado]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

From Fresno and yeah thats a bummer....Hey where are the spots to fish in CA? send me a private message or maybe start a thread

 

[jevery]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

I?ve always bought used boats, usually 1 year olds around October. I offer about 10 ? 15% less than asking price and usually settle at about 7 ? 10% less than asking price. Last fall I bought a 1 year old Ranger with 14 hours. Price new was $34,000, Buyer was asking $29,000, I offered $25,500, and settled on $27,000. Plus owner had bought extended coverage policies on motor and electronics that I was able to transfer, along with remaining Ranger warranty, (all for fees of course). Market was firmer then, though. Should be more motivated sellers now, but they'll be even more motivated in the Fall.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

As mentioned above, this isn't a normal cycle. There are a lot of boats on the market. Most notably in the bowrider segment.

I just brought home a great boat for $4000. Like new trailer, 1991 19' Cobia 198ES, new upholstry, rebuilt floors, Mercruiser 4.3lx with only 55 hours on it. The boat is in nearly new condition. I could argue that is in better than new condition based on the verified work that has been done on the boat.

I always buy used boats. I look for well cared for boats (I don't care how old they are) that people "don't have time for anymore".

With used runabouts, the most likely area of damage is the floor, transom and stringers. Runabouts built in the 80's and 90's are known for rotted wood components. Wood is a good core material, but it needs to be sealed properly. The factories didn't engineer longevity in these components because they simply didn't expect people to run them for very long.

Look around. You'll know when you spot a good one.

 

[enginesilo]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

FishingDan, Clean 1991!!!

What I have found is that there is definitely the seasonal peak, but during the off season instead of prices dropping around here, lots of boat choices simply go off the market. I experienced this when I was shopping for jet ski's a few years back and dead of winter there were nearly none listed in my area.

Rather than waste the days, I would say find a clean boat and buy and you can be enjoying it rather than shopping the season away. The economy definitely is taking a hit so I would say as long as you get a good and clean boat you will be ok.

It is no easy task to shop for a used boat so be prepared to ask many questions, and do your research and home work. Find a clean boat and don't trust any seller's word.

Good Luck in finding a nice ride.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

fishingdan, that is a rediculously nice boat for $4k.

Copper01, like enginesilo said, your problem in the off season is less selection. Right now is when the most boats will be on the market privately. People are realizing it's boating season and are coming to the realization they don't have time to use their boats/can't afford to run them/trading up/etc. However you may have to be prepared to act more quickly when you find a good deal now then in the off season but of course always take the time to thoroughly inspect your potential purchase. Good luck.

 

[jennis9]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

We were in the market for a used boat - and had no idea how both of us would use it together... we wanted fishing and fun. So we decided to find a clean boat, good price range, good gas mileage and reasonable docking (no room for it at home).

We couldn't pass up $2000 for a solid 20' bowrider. We are putting our toys on it and using it like crazy - but are not so into it that we couldn't sell it for what we paid (without the toys) if we needed something different. We bought in September because we thought prices would go up for summer like in the past. Then had to wait for the snow to melt to pick it up!

In a do-over -- I wouldn't wait.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

good luck

 

[Copper01]

Re: Seasonal boat prices

Thanks for all the replys, everyone. This has helped me understand the price cycles that I suspected were there. I don't plan on waiting if the right boat comes along. However, I've looked at several that were on the edge of what I wanted, those are the kind I would buy if the price were to drop in the fall.

I have learned to be quick on the draw when making a decision about a boat. A place, I drive by everyday, had a '90 Four Winns 220 for 6k. Called and made an appointment to look at it the day after it showed up on the lot. It was gone by the time I got there. A Sprint 289 showed up there yesterday, going to look at it today if the price is right (erm, or even close, lol).

I went to the local BPS and looked the boats on sale. Looked real hard at a 2008 Nitro 288 Sport. I just don't want that kind of payment until I'm sure how the family wants to use a boat.

If it was just for me, I found the perfect boat yesterday on criagslist. A '57 bluestar 16' aluminum with a 25hp Johnson. All I want is something to catch crappie and catfish in, on the smaller city lakes around here. When I showed it to the wife I just got the stinkeye... She wants something we can haul down to Texoma in the summertime and play on the lake.

Thanks, again.