Why the big discrepency between NADA and used OB prices?

[Mark42]

How come every used outboard I look at is priced $1000 or more above the NADA "average retail" used price. I'm looking at 3 to 10 year old 70-90 hp Johnson and Yamaha outboards. Especially now that the boating season is over, you would think prices would be at least normal. I can understand high prices at the start and height of the boating season, but fall is coming, and with it, a huge drop off in boating.

Its very frustrating.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Why the big discrepency between NADA and used OB prices?

NADA prices for outboards are always too low. I don't know why, but I only use that site to find out the weight of a particular outboard.

Maybe somewhere in the country you can get outboards at the NADA price, but certainly not anywhere near where I live.

 

[d.boat]

Re: Why the big discrepency between NADA and used OB prices?

NADA prices for outboards are always too low. I don't know why, but I only use that site to find out the weight of a particular outboard.

Maybe somewhere in the country you can get outboards at the NADA price, but certainly not anywhere near where I live.

Same here. My theory is that - compared to cars - the used outboard market is so miniscule that the data to determine some sort of national pricing averages is just not there. Plus there's not the insurance, and other markets that require an accurate nation-wide pricing structure. There are no usage stats (like mileage in a car) to adjust the "blue book" average. Finally, there is so much local variation in the type of outboard that is sought after, and the use they're put to, that there are no nation-wide generalities. Just one example: how can there be any similarity in the price of a 5 year old outboard run in Florida, 12 months a year, salt water - compared to the same engine run 4 months per year in fresh water in Wisconsin?

Don't get disturbed about the discrepancy between what you're looking for and NADA - just compare the price to local alternatives (other used engines and new engines) and also what you could get one shipped to you for from one of the many used outboard dealers that ship.