Boating Bubble?

Not sure if related but it sure seemed as though tow boats and the coast guard were plenty busy this weekend in CT
 
Port Jefferson was busier this weekend than I’ve seen it in a few years. LOTS of big boats too.
 
We were on my mothers pontoon today and rafted up with the owners of their marina hanging on their 37' Regal. While we were on it they got a call from a stranded boater wanting help. She asked if they were members of their marina and they said they were not and trailer their boat. They said they thought they were out of fuel so she told them to track down another boater to help them. They were a few miles from us. We left a little later and saw the fire dept rescue boat flying down river with lights flashing. About 15 minutes later they came back up side by side with another boat on plane so guessing they took fuel to them?
 
I was planning to sell my 23’ Cobalt in a few weeks after I painted the bottom and took care of a few other items, to be able to get the most I could. But then I began reading and hearing about how fast boats were selling and decided to list it while I was doing the work. I sold it, as is, in 12 hours and had tons of interest.

I don’t know What’s going on but it worked out for me.
Shawn
 
Geez. 2 $20k vacations a year? Most people around here don't even make $40k/year. Granted those people don't have big boats but typical vacation for me and my wife might be $3000 max. Our last vacation was about $3000 and we wouldn't be doing 2 a year. Heck the last major vacation we did was a cruise in 2012...lol.
We are part of a little different crowd with no kids but in the past 15 years I don't remember taking a vacation that did not cost under 20 grand for a week plus. These were once a year and usually involved international travel of some sort and the wife don't fly in coach for vacation so there is half of the cost right there:eek:
 
Boats and backyard stuff are hot sellers this year. Vacations are cancelled and lots of people working from home.
They’re looking for things to do for recreation.
 
Interestingly, I've noticed a flood(pardon the pun) of boats for sale by owner starting to show up yesterday on all the Sea Ray groups. Facebook in particular is quite busy. My friend who is a broker said his phone started ringing first thing yesterday morning with boats to list. I'm sure some are folks fishing to see what the market is like now that they've gotten their July 4th boating fix.
Strange times.
 
I bought my 1997 330DA that was listed on Yachtworld. My wife found the owner’s listing on Facebook marketplace for $6k less. We made a deal and I couldn’t be happier. Needs some work and maintenance items that were neglected, but very happy with the boat and price.

I could sell it for $12-15k more already and I’ve only invested $5k so far.
 
Don’t get caught up believing boats are an investment. Flipping boats is about as profitable as flipping old VCR’s.

I agree completely. Just adding my recent experience here. Deals are still out there to be made.

I’m not planning on selling anytime soon. Going to enjoy the hell out of her this summer and beyond.
 
Every day I lean more towards buying new in the Fall. That is unless some newbie decided he doesn’t like boating and puts his 2020 vintage up for sale at 20-30% depreciation. :D
 
Every day I lean more towards buying new in the Fall. That is unless some newbie decided he doesn’t like boating and puts his 2020 vintage up for sale at 20-30% depreciation. :D
It happens. My FIL’s friend got a new Sea Ray for his son. They decided they didn’t like boating and got rid of it after a season.
 
We bought our Crownline in 2018 for a good price. Seller was motivated. I have put about $5000 in with new canvas, AC pump, new anchor, and misc things. Pretty sure I could sell it for about $5000 more than I have in it but it wasn't an investment in the first place so it is what it is
 
Well I’m searching every day and not liking the inflated prices so I’ll be patient. Right before people have to winterize. Then I’ll get my revenge and start the lowball avalanche. :D
 
Don’t get caught up believing boats are an investment. Flipping boats is about as profitable as flipping old VCR’s.
I disagree.... there is a depreciation curve that you need to figure out that flat lines for 4 or 5 years.... if you can buy below that price you will not lose and potentially make a few bucks... I have been doing this for 30 years and never lost a dime on a boat
 
It all depends right? Too many variables to cast a blanket statement whether a boat can ever be an “investment”. Someone in particular that buys used boats and sells them for a profit doesn’t deem boat trading a profitable venture.

I used to broker medical equipment when I was younger and didn’t mind feast or famine. I learned two things during those times. First, if i could pay my mortgage lump sums year in advance do it, and it’s not what you sell it for, it’s what you buy it for.

https://priceonomics.com/boats-price-guide/
 
Here's an example of inflated pricing on old SR's.
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/d/fox-lake-searay-225-bow-rider/7155181775.html

The Nada even regionalized is $8k +/-. I know nada isnt the pricing bible but $15k for a 1991 is out of reality.
Lots of things are priced out of reality. But they sit. Buyers aren't stupid crazy just yet. They jump hard on reasonably priced boats though. Last boat I was interested in had 3 prospective buyers, all of us where at +/- $1000 of the same price.
 
Yup. We’re selling our house and soon as it was pre-listed as “coming soon” we had people wanting to schedule viewing.

Photographers here now taking 3D videos and pics and still getting requests.

Crazy! But I’ll take a quick buyer any day.
 
lots of boats hitting the market in last few weeks.

One of the boats on our extremely short list has had an average of one or two in the market at a time over the last two years I have been looking at them, and only one on market for the last 9 months. In the last two weeks three more have hit the market some priced well some priced high and the one on the market for 9 month just had a huge price drop and is much more inline with what I feel they are worth.
 

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