Im looking for a used boat and i have had boat salesman tell me u cant go by the guide because the prices it gives are for to low . Is that salesman nonsence or is this true. Should i stick with what the guide say or are they useless ?
A lot depends on the age of the boat. They are useless for small boats more than 10 years old. Way too many variables, primarily with condition, affect price at that age and you can't say "good" or "fair" condition, you need specifics.
Boat prices are greatly affected by the region, much more so than cars, and the guides don't reflect that.
I agree. Around here and Mn, boats sell for more than what NADA values them at. A lot of times by thousands depending on the boat. There are exceptions.....
Still, everyone pads the price for dickering unless they're in a hurry to sell.....
The true market value of preowned boats is low in some places at some times and high in some places at some times. There may be a place and season where NADA is very close for some boat, but I don't know where or when or what boat that is.
Some premium quality classic boats in Bristol fashion are truly worth a lot more that they sold for new. A good example is classic Boston Whalers from the 70s and 80s.
Some boats have been so badly neglected and abused that they aren't worth anything close to NADA.
Bottom line? NADA prices are not much use in determining a fair price for a boat at your location and in this season.
In So Cal, I find that NADA is lower than asking prices on older boats, say boats from the late 90's where people are asking $10K and NADA says $6K (18-19' bowriders). On the other hand, it was on target with newer boats from the early to mid-2000 where people are asking $12-14K and NADA confirmed those values. It's like KBB, sometimes people ask more, sometimes it's on target, but a good indicator and clearly condition is #1 factor in a car or boat's value.
