new vs used

[johndoe]

The decision to buy new or used is bouncing around in my head. Like a bad, never ending ping pong game. I can defend and then justify both options. <br /><br />A new (quality) boat costs more up front. You immediately loose equity, and contiue to lose it every day you own it. To a point. (hopefully)<br /><br />General maintenance is easier on something that is new. If you keep ahead of it, it can be a lot easier than repair, replacement and upkeep on a used boat. <br /><br />A used boat that was well maintained and cared for, could cost less, and save you lots, but you never ever really know what's been done... or hasn't been done.<br /><br />Finding a two to three year old boat can be a beter purchase than a brand new one...<br />and replacement and repair gives you confidence and pride in your boat... The extra cash savings could be used to upgrade certain items...<br /><br />The reliability factor of a new boat in ever changing sea conditions in the pacific northwest has me thinking this is a smarter choice... something new should have less problems and if well maintained perform flawlessly... (that's my goal)<br /><br /><br />it just goes back and forth like that all day!<br /><br />I grew up around the industry and know how to keep a boat fit and finish in all areas... I am alow voltage electrician and understand most systems on a boat...<br /><br />I never thought I would be in a postion to buy this kind of boat until I was 60... figured I'd have my perfect boat picked out by then...<br /><br />Oh, wait I do... it's the Nordic Tug. just outta my price range today. I have funds today for a Cruiser. (baby steps)<br /><br />Any advice is helpful<br />Help?

 

[magster65]

Re: new vs used

Buy used and save the money for your next 'step'. That initial depreciation of a new boat is a tough one to swallow. I wouldn't mind having a Nordic tug too but I seem to be a bit shy in the ca$h department!

 

[stevens]

Re: new vs used

I'd go for well-maintained used. Here's why:<br />It'll look just like new and be more boat for the money. The initial depreciation is done with, the initial bugs are worked out, all the extra little accessories have been added, the engine is run in and has proven itself, and you won't be terrified of that first scratch in the gelcoat.<br /><br />Plus, you'll have it surveyed and there will be no unexpected surprises - which probably could happen even on a new boat.<br /><br />I bought new and I am still spending money to add accessories and upgrades, and on servicing and maintenance. If I sell it now in order to buy a bigger boat, the next owner will make a bargain. I should have bought that larger boat used to begin with...

 

[QC]

Re: new vs used

I'm with mags and Stevens, even when you can afford the Nordic Tug . . .

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: new vs used

A classic debate - cars, boats, smowmobiles, and damn near everything else - provide just this dilemma.<br /><br />When you buy new you're buying a clean slate. You know where it's been and how it's been cared for. You have a warranty to rely on if there's a problem. You get to pick the features and options you want. You'll usually find much greater reliability too. If all goes well you KNOW what you're going to spend and what you're going to get. <br /><br />Buying used means that you don't get any of these benefits (maybe some warranty depending on how "used"). If you go this route but have to put the money you saved into the boat to add the options and features you want or into making repairs you really haven't found a bargain. <br /><br />Buying new doesn't require the knowledge that buying used does regardless of what you're buying. Unless you're very familiar with what you're buying you're mostly guessing as to it's condition when you look at it. You can work around this by getting some help from someone who knows the ins and outs, but in the end it's still a gamble. <br /><br />The key here is that buying used accomplishes something that makes it worth the risk otherwise buying new is the way to go. <br /><br />For many, buying new just isn't an option, myself included. I'm fortunate in that I have the space, equipment, and mechanical abilities to make my own repairs. How'd I get them? The same way most did - I couldn't afford new so I bought used, usually junk, and learned to fix it. Over time you learn how things work and you accumulate the tools and the mindset necessary to do this. You also develop the ability to evaluate the relative value of future used purchases, making the whole process less risky.<br /><br />It's an all or nothing prosepct really. If you just want to put gas in one end and the key in the other you really have to buy new. If you know what you're doing buying used is THE BEST way to go. If you can't afford to buy new you have to be willing to accept the risks in buying used. Be prepared to learn that a bargain is often anything but when all is said and done. <br /><br />"You pays your money and you takes your chances".

 

[AJ168]

Re: new vs used

I would say buy new. You never do know what the guy before you did, and in almost every used boat I've bought so far, the guy beat the crap out of them. But of course you won't find this until you get it home. By buying new, you'll save yourself alot of frustration, and just get to immediatley start having fun with it. I wish I were able to afford a new boat.

 

[rosco_59]

Re: new vs used

Save the money, buy used. With the money you save, you can fix anything IF anything happens.

 

[Belchy]

Re: new vs used

If you are seriously looking hard at a used one, then go for a marine survey....may be a bit pricey, but worth it in the long run.<br /><br />Belchy

 

[johndoe]

Re: new vs used

Both sides can be justified... I am leaning towards used and doing the work as I am knowledgeable... but then there is the idea that keeping a new boat in perfect order by maintaining it... bla bla bla... same thing could be said for a used... I do like the idea of buying something that has the accessories added and the bugs worked out... a survey is a must, of course with used, and some new. <br /><br />Comfort and style and ease of use are my criteria.. I like to cruise, anchor, cruise some more in the SJ Islands... a little fishin, crabbin etc... pulling a crab pot up the side of a new boat makes me shudder, but it can be done without scratching...<br /><br />more, give me more!

 

[Tom Coleridge]

Re: new vs used

Sometimes people think that what they have is worth what a new one would cost too. Financing is easier on a new one but then you are financing more money too. Just some thoughts, I usually go used myself but I'm having a hard time finding a good condition used Sea Ark that is close to home (500mi) and the dealers act like they are made of gold used or new.
Find me a nice used Sea Ark and I'll go get it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: new vs used

boy you pulled this one out of the back of the closet. 3 years old.

 

[kandil]

Re: new vs used

You should give him the credit for using the search button I wonder what did he buy?

 

[mphy98]

Re: new vs used

looks like a good post run up place to me

 

[JoLin]

Re: new vs used

If it's the boat you plan to keep for 10 or 20 years, go new. But, it sounds like this poster is buying a stopgap boat that he'll trade up from when he can.

Also sounds like he has a few bucks to spend, so my advice would be to look at a 5-year-old boat. The owner will have taken the worst of the depreciation hit, and will have shaken out any issues it had when it left the factory. Have it surveyed, then have a major service done on the motor and outdrive (if so equipped). It'll be about due for it anyway. Now you'll have established a maintenance "baseline" and can use it worry-free for several years, and still at far less cost than new.

My opinion

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: new vs used

i bought my only new boat 40 years ago. the rest have been used, sure takes a little work. but new boats are never 100% like you want them.

 

[torcano]

Re: new vs used

As long as you get a complete marine survey including sea trial and engine diagnostics, you are way ahead by buying used. Most boats 4-5 years old will have less than 200 hours and if poperly cared for will look almost new. Boats of this vintage have taken a huge depreciation hit, at least 50% of the original price. A 150K new boat if bought for 75K gives you enough savings to change water pumps, risers, batteries, fan belts, plugs, canvas, carpets, etc., leaving you with a boat that aesthetically and mechanically essentially new at a fraction of the original cost. I did this with my recent boat and most people who come on board do not believe my boat is not "new".

 

[mthieme]

Re: new vs used

I have no clue how many boats I've been through in my lifetime (so far).
Nary a one was new.
Nary a one was bought with the criterion of equity or value in mind.
If I liked 'em they stuck around for a while and paid for themselves many times over with the enjoyment provided.
If I didn't like 'em, they went back down the road and never at a loss - including the ones that got cut up after scavenging.
Being able to maintain and repair a boat yuorself goes a long way too.

 

[Expidia]

Re: new vs used

This post is so old and after last years gas prices at the marinas this guy is probably out of boating already

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: new vs used

I think he bought a boat, because he had a more recent post answer about
launching a boat. Only no mention of the boat.

The question of new versus used has some merit to it, all the same. When you
consider that a boat can have a life span of 30+ years to it if not neglected,
then a boat a few years old can still be "like new", if well maintained. And that
is the key - "not neglected", although stored in a garage can also be even
better as long as the fuel system is not clugged up.

I have experienced the same in ownership and enjoyment from my used boats,
as I have from the new boat I bought. The new boat is a jon boat, but still a
boat to be thought of in the terms of overall enjoyment in the same terms of
a pleasure boat. Somewhat different purposes.

I would still buy a new boat, if I could afford it, and I think affordability and
the individual wants are what counts there. Since the affordability does not
exist for me, I will not let that detract from the enjoyment of what I have.

 

[Tom Coleridge]

Re: new vs used

All great responses, thanks. The problem I have I think is that I have the wants now and that is hard to get away from. I suppose I will have to get over them and wait on the right boat to come along. I have only ever bought one new boat and probably ten used, most of the used needed something but nothing that added up to the cost of the new one. Thanks again, Tom