New vs Used

[Forbin]

I have been on here lately asking about different boats. I am confused What to do. I have a certain price range on what I can spend. There are lots of nice used boats out there but it is always nice to have something new. My dilema I can buy a good quality used boat or a cheaper quality new boat for the same price.

Example: 2007 Stingray 185lx or 2011 Bayliner 175

I could compare all day. I am also loking at a 1996 Four Winns mint condition with a 4.3L 190hp Merc.

It is had to decide wether to go new or used and if I go used when is a boat to old. If I am buying old year boats 80's and 90's am I asking for more problems?

Thanks

 

[Walcott]

Re: New vs Used

my personal opinion? Used. if the used boat is better than the new one you can afford, who cares if some other guy towed a tube before you? no one is gonna say, "hey man, nice boat, to bad you are the second owner", I promise.

 

[mrchev]

Re: New vs Used

i guess it depends, if you like to tinker on stuff then a not so new boat might be better, you don't feel so bad to make changes or drill holes for things. If you don't like to tinker then new is better. me personally i like a little older for one you can get a better quality boat and two the gratification i get from keeping it look near new, plus the comments i hear. I would also consider the hull type for the type of water you are in, new might not be any good if you can't stand the ride quality. I just sold my 89 doral 24ft aft cabin that was a single owner boat that was kept in like new condition, man it was in immaculate shape,because it didn't handle the rougher water the way i had hoped.For me in your scenario i might lean to the four winns depending on if the layout works and the size, I really liked that 4.3lx that was in the doral. and imagine it would haul that boat quite well.

 

[NYBo]

Re: New vs Used

To expand a bit on Mrchev's advice: If you aren't skilled (or willing and able to learn) at doing repairs, a new boat with a warranty may buy you enough peace of mind to make the depreciation hit worthwhile. If you also plan on keeping the boat for many years, that would be an additional factor in favor of buying new since you will be amortizing depreciation over a longer period. Of course, it's hard to predict whether a given boat will satisfy your needs for the long haul. "Two-footitis" is a serious problem, especially for owners of boats in the size range you're considering.

 

[62 ROYAL SCOTT]

Re: New vs Used

HELL-O Here's what i think, sure a new boat it's like HEY TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF , DONT TOUCH THAT,WATCH OUT YOUR GOING TO HIT IT WITH THE SKI, I AM NOT GOING UP IN THERE WITH MY NEW BOAT,I GOT TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE TECH, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO WORK ON THESE THING , WILL THEY FIXED IT . IT COST 947.50 BUT IT SOUNDS FUNNY . HEY what i am saying is get a CLASSIC BOAT WITH ALL YOUR NEEDS .PLUS YOU LEARN HOW TO WORK AND MAINTAIN IT.THEY DON'T BUILD THEM LIKE THEY USED TOO THE NEW BOATS ARE DESIGNED TO TAKE THEM BACK TO THE TECH. I might catch a littie h--- for these words but that's the way I FEEL--NEXT

 

[mpdive]

Re: New vs Used

HELL-O Here's what i think, sure a new boat it's like HEY TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF , DONT TOUCH THAT,WATCH OUT YOUR GOING TO HIT IT WITH THE SKI, I AM NOT GOING UP IN THERE WITH MY NEW BOAT,I GOT TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE TECH, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO WORK ON THESE THING , WILL THEY FIXED IT . IT COST 947.50 BUT IT SOUNDS FUNNY . HEY what i am saying is get a CLASSIC BOAT WITH ALL YOUR NEEDS .PLUS YOU LEARN HOW TO WORK AND MAINTAIN IT.THEY DON'T BUILD THEM LIKE THEY USED TOO THE NEW BOATS ARE DESIGNED TO TAKE THEM BACK TO THE TECH. I might catch a littie h--- for these words but that's the way I FEEL--NEXT

Totally agree. Unless you possess scan tools and a working knowlege of computer controlled systems, dig out your pocketbook.

 

[boat1010]

Re: New vs Used

I would give used my vote. Unless money is no object. The amount that you lose as soon as you hook it to your truck is a lot. There are LOTS of "used" boats that are in pristine shape. Ya just have to look a little. The money you save is HUGE..

 

[southkogs]

Re: New vs Used

One concern that I personally would have right now about buying new ... the boat manufacturers are hurting, and cutting costs BIG TIME. There is a reasonable risk in term of quality in many of (what I'll call) the consumer level boats (Bayliner, or SeaRay for example). Some boats are manufactured more particularly (Chris Craft, MasterCraft for example) and there may not be as much of a risk there ... but 'yer payin' for it BIG.

If you've got a big budget and can afford to spend a bunch - First, I'm totally envious & second, please take me for a ride on whatever you buy

Otherwise, I think new vs. used is almost purely a math problem. You can have good and bad experiences both ways. My advice - set your budget (and make it easy on yourself), decide what you want (features/styles/amount of maintenance, etc) ... wait for your pitch.

 

[mommicked]

Re: New vs Used

I waited 3 yrs. for my pitch! but I got the used boat I wanted, w the engine I wanted and It was worth the wait IMO.

 

[Lakes84]

Re: New vs Used

USED! Took me 25 years to figure out how foolish I had been buying new cars or trucks. I'd drive them home knowing the car was now used and worth much less than I had just paid for it. Man the money I could have saved! Hindsight is ALWAYS 20/20. With that being said, the same holds true in the boating world. Now is the best time of the year to buy a used boat. I aughta know I just bought one two thousand miles away and couldn't be happier.

I will say, these boats for sale just don't plop down on your lap and say here I am! I spent "hours" scouring the internet, looking comparing researching, but it was worth it to me, as I found what I wanted.

If you do end up buying older, you'll get more boat and motor for the money, but there are risks involved. If you do go older, make sure you get a survey done. At the very least have a reputable mechanic go through the motor and report back to you. That's what I did with my boat...cost me 90 bucks before I even bought or saw it in person, but it was a good indicator of how the rest of the boat would rate out. Good luck in your search and let us know what you end up with!

See you on the lake

Joe

 

[duped]

Re: New vs Used

I would go used. You get a lot more for your money. Just be sure its been taken care of, and that's usually easy to tell at a glance.

 

[high'n'dry]

Re: New vs Used

New, if you plan to keep it unless there is some favorite special boat you want that is no longer made. You get to break it in, you get to not do STUPID things to it that will later have to be fixed, if fixable at all. New boats have a warranty. New boats use less fuel, require less maintenance, run better, last longer and have modern features and materials. New boats can be purchased now with steep discounts and financing at low rates for those who do not operate on a cash basis.

But, I would not buy a Bayliner or any similar BSO (Boat Shaped Object).

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: New vs Used

New, if you plan to keep it unless there is some favorite special boat you want that is no longer made. You get to break it in, you get to not do STUPID things to it that will later have to be fixed, if fixable at all. New boats have a warranty. New boats use less fuel, require less maintenance, run better, last longer and have modern features and materials. New boats can be purchased now with steep discounts and financing at low rates for those who do not operate on a cash basis.

But, I would not buy a Bayliner or any similar BSO (Boat Shaped Object).

warrantys have proved useless to me in my situations when i had one on a vehicle, it always broke right after the warranty was up....less fuel and less maintenance? depends on what you are comparing yes a 4.3 mpi is more efficient than a 4.3 lx but the time it will take to make up the 10-20k extra you spent? not worth it to me....run better? also debatable. last longer? how can you tell, the boat is only a year old. lets see it in 20 years. i guess it depends on your current situation.

Im going to use an example, i bought a 2002 dodge ram in mint condition a few years ago for 11,500 dollars, it had 49k on it, the truck was just broken in!
my cousin goes out and buys a 2010 silverado for 38k, drives it for a year, now its worth only 28k, and he owes 31k and he cant get out from underneath his 500 dollar a month payment, he has a kid coming, and cannot afford the rig anymore, things have changed for him in the last year.

i guess what im saying is for a quarter of the money i got just as capable of a truck, thats still worth close to what i paid for it, and the 290 a month aint hurting me one bit for another year........his rig has a warranty....cost him an arm and a leg, i could leave the truck if need be and not take a bath, where as my cousin is negative badly. and at no point has him nor i had a use for the ever so sought after, warranty thats worth ten k.

 

[kemer1]

Re: New vs Used

Forbin....I'm in the same situation as you. I actually had a 06 Bayliner 175 back when it was new, and it was my first boat. I was glad to have something like that as a first boat because it was a worry free deal. I knew it wasn't rotten, and the power train was in perfect condition. But I will tell you, that was a totally bare bones boat. It floated, motored, and steered and that was it. No frills and just a few thrills. The new 2011 175 is basically the same boat as my 06 with the exception of a new windshield and different emissions equipment.

Now I'm looking for another boat, and I can tell you I'm not looking for a new boat, nor am I looking for a Bayliner. The boats I'm looking at are 94-95 vintage, but are really good boats. I can get something in a 22-24 foot range with a 454 V8 in it for what I paid for my 175 new 5 years ago. For me it's a no brainer...going used all the way with this.

 

[Beefer]

Re: New vs Used

And another vote for used, and for tons of reasons.

Depreciation - a no brainer

Warranty (Part 1) - although Bayliner wouldn't fall into this category, many warrantys don't cover everything, and there isn't a boat in the world that won't require maintenance and repair.

Warranty (Part 2) - With the way the economy has hit the new boat manufacturers in reduced sales, they are hurting for cash. Warranty work is expensive, and in many cases are not honored due to clauses

Bayliner - 'nuff said

Bigger Boat - 'nuff said (and I think you could get even bigger then 18', and you'll want it)

Bigger Motor - and you'll want it

Used boats come pre-scratched/scuffed - You won't feel miserable after tapping the dock just a wee bit too hard

Accessories - Loaded Cadillac for the same price as a base Civic

Equipment - Many used boat sellers are getting out of boating, and will include things like; life preservers, electronics (VHF, DF/FF, GPS), saftey equipment (flares, etc), anchors, dock lines, and the like. Worth quite a bit.

The cost between used and new buys a lot of fuel - you can justify it as boating for free, and your wife will think you're a financial genius!

And when you get the two-foot-itis, and you will, you can cure it because you won't be upside-down, or have to take a massive hit (see 'depreciation' above).

I'm one of those rare guys that actually talked his wife into buying a less expensive, older used boat, over a new shiny one. Yes, I have to make repairs, and maintain it, but I could repower this thing 10 times before I get close to the cost of a similar new boat. And if you don't enjoy the maintaining and repairing of a boat, then boating is not the recreational sport for you.

As a side note, I have a friend/acquaintance who insisted on getting a new boat. In 4 years, he's put 28 hours on it. He can't afford the payment, and the insurance, and the fuel. But, he has a very nice $35,000 lawn ornament.:facepalm:

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: New vs Used

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ your friend sounds like the right guy to buy a used boat from! he took the depreciation hit now ill get it with 28 hours for half the cost! thanks friend! lol

 

[Hydra-sport_Road-kill]

Re: New vs Used

The answer here is I'd go used as well. The cost of a new boat just seems silly when your own new boat becomes "used" in no time at all. So maybe you get to be the one to put the first scratch in the gelcoat. It's only new for a very short time. Now about an 80's boat. Big saving but yeah, your going to deal with some issues. That's just the way of it. Now if she was owned by the little old lady from Pasadena who only drove it to church on Sunday. Well, yeah, you know how that goes.