Hardtop vs Non-Hardtop Value Difference

[copb8tx]

I'm looking at 2004-2005 390 Sundancers. I really prefer the hardtop model but there's a non-hardtop boat that fits the bill very well.

I realize that only 'I' can determine how much the hardtop's worth to me but I'm looking for some practical input regarding original cost of the hardtop option and what impact there will be later down the road regarding resale.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[rwvw415]

When we moved up to our 2004 390 I was looking at a model without a hardtop because of the lower price and lower weight. My wife really forced me to either buy the hardtop or not to buy one at all. Well that will get your attention!

I must say in this case she was right. The boat is much cooler in the hot sun, it takes less maintenance and less cleaning than the canvas. And I think it looks much better as well. It is like other things you get used to the hardtop models have become standard on most all boats which means that as the boat gets older the hardtop version will be more in style and more valuable for resale.

I would go with the hardtop.

 

[skolbe]

I think for resale the hardtop will sell much better. Do you boat with the bimini up all the time? If so get the hardtop, maybe if the non-hardtop was a awesome deal or you boat without a bimini a lot.

 

[copb8tx]

Thanks all. I much prefer the hardtop for the reasons you all have listed.

Now, if it's a $20K swing I'll have to decide just how much I like it. Do you think a hardtop will make a $20K difference at resale?

 

[shinsr]

Just purchased my first hardtop and I can tell you I (hope) to never own a bimini top boat again. It is cooler, quiter, keeps the cockpit cleaner as it does not leak, less canvas and, in my opinion, much better looking. I would tend to guess the reason there is a 20k price difference right now is for the very reason that it has no hard top??

 

[rwvw415]

I think it will cost you that much or more in loss of value if you do not go with the hardtop.

 

[Alex F]

I think that another important benefit with the hard top is that you get cockpit a/c option. From what I know it's not common for regular canvas top models since it doesn't hold the heat away so much. When we're talking about the next boat we want hard top with cockpit a/c-heat as well.

 

[Sum Escape]

I think that another important benefit with the hard top is that you get cockpit a/c option. From what I know it's not common for regular canvas top models since it doesn't hold the heat away so much. When we're talking about the next boat we want hard time with cockpit a/c-heat as well.

You will love the cockpit a/c. Running in the rain with the a/c on is so much more comfortable on a warm humid day. Get the hardtop and the cockpit air option!

 

[Alex F]

You've got an awesome boat.

 

[dpmulvey]

Saint Max has a custom hardtop put on by the original owner. Friends with the same style 330 with canvas remark how much cooler it is on my boat than on theirs.

I WISH I had cockpit air. I don't know if it could be done on my boat though.

 

[Glen S]

I think you also have to consider the cavas replacement cost. The canvas is only going to last so many years (dependant on your location and sun exposure). In our area of short boating seasons they figure about 10 years max and certainly some re-stiching in there. If you are looking at a 2004 model you are already 6 years into the canvas life so the hardtop should offer some savings in the future on top of all the other benefits already listed.

 

[Alex F]

Glen, that's a good point. But, I think 10yrs is too optimistic for a canvas to last.

 

[Aerobaticflyer]

When I was shopping for my 390 I had two requirements that I would not budge on at any price..........

1. Diesels
2. Hard Top

If I had it to do over would I change my mind on either? Nope.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Being located in Seattle it's not a huge deal but on occasion we do see the sun and on the days you wouldn't believe the amount of heat the transmits thru the black canvas soft top.....So, i guess I'm saying a hard top wouldn't be a bad thing....

 

[copb8tx]

Thanks for all the input. I'm going to try and stay with a hardtop unless a really smoking deal on a non-hardtop tests my resolve.