resale on runabouts

[john john]

Cobalt for example. Will it actually sell faster and bring more money back (percentage) at resale than a less expensive boat, if both were bought new?

 

[calvinator]

Re: resale on runabouts

I know the name brand boats get more attention when searching online. It may sell faster because buyers search/find it.

However, on a used boat, it is all about price and condition to maximize your sale price.

A few years back I sold my 1995 Wellcraft Eclipse in a few hours. The boat was pristine and well maintained. The guy who bought it wanted a Wellcraft (that is how he found me) and then he paid asking price because of the price and condition. At that time, that style runabout was going for $6500-$7000. I priced it at $6300. At that price there was no competition for that clean of a boat. Did I miss out on a few hundred ? Maybe, but I sold it in 3 hours !

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: resale on runabouts

Well...... boats are just like any other "depreciating asset"........ look at cars for an example (There are MORE brands of boats available then cars but many have gone out of business)...... a 2000 Ford Escort will probably sell for less then the 2000 Chevrolet Corvette.... Cobalt boats are higher quality and sell better ........ only if they were properly maintained.

A good boat can go to hell in under 5 years if neglected .......... it's all about initial build quality and maintenance.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: resale on runabouts

Cobalt for example. Will it actually sell faster and bring more money back (percentage) at resale than a less expensive boat, if both were bought new?

At least in my experience, it is the OPPOSITE! The cheaper the boat initially, the quicker it well sell. As you move up the scale, you are also shrinking the # of potential buyers down. The boats I've sold the quickest and for the least depreciation were 30 year old 16 foot glass boats. I sold them for equal or more than I bought them for.

As a boat ages, the name on the plate becomes less and less important. Condition and maintenance take over as the primary factors. In the used market, people are more concerned about a) does it float, and b) does it run, than the brand name. A cobalt or a bayliner can meet (or not meet) either of those equally well!