Has the tide turned?

[seasick]

After several years of above average increasing demand, inventory challenges, and inflated pricing, I think I am now seeing changes in the boat market. I usually judge by the amount of asking price decreases and those seem to be increasing.
There are a few shows coming up over the next several months and I am curious in how the new models are being priced and if there are attractive discounts. Yes it wasn't that long ago when there were no discounts and the used market was insane.
Do you have the same thoughts?

 

[McBobKC]

Yup

 

[Mustang65fbk]

It's all about supply and demand. I remember a few years ago back in 2020 when "normal" items went up like crazy in price because everything else was shut down. Anything outdoors especially... from bicycles to kayaks, canoes, workout gear, weights and weightlifting equipment, etc. The same thing was/is true for boats, cars, RV's/trailers and so forth. I built a small home gym in one of my spare bedrooms because my gym had closed down almost the entire second half of the 2020 year. Before, you could buy weights/plates for around $.50/lb and then it went up to over $2-$3/lb for certain items. I bought 520 lbs worth of weights and paid $1.50/lb for them when a few months to a year before that, they would've been half the price, maybe even less. All in all, a little bit frustrating that I built a small home gym when everyone else wanted to do the same thing and paid a premium for the weights. That being said, I was spending over $30 a month for my gym membership, which I haven't had now for over 4 years now, so I'm definitely money ahead. It was also very much worth the money to help keep my sanity, or what little is left of it, and to be able to stay healthy/relieve stress in a healthy manner.

 

[PointedRose]

What I am seeing is that there are more boats listed, priced still higher than I would expect, but they are not selling when listed high and no adjustment to pricing. As soon as the price drops a bit closer to reality, the posting is gone. When something is priced reasonably there are still buyers out there. What this tells me is that people are trying to recoup what they paid during expensive times.

I think the best deal to be had is a late 2010s or newer model. Not that many people can afford $30k $40k $50k etc boats, so I think the ones that bought a few years ago, and have sat without much use, are coming back to market.

I was just looking at a posting for an early 2000s regulator with a brand new engine 50 hours. It seems too good to be true, maybe so.

I’m padding the boat fund and hoping stock market keeps running up, and boat prices drop. Expanding family may delay my plan. Will be interesting to see how the next 6-12 months go for the boating market. I’m finding better availability in SoCal than Bay Area in the west - got my eye on one for a potential road trip if the stars align and if it doesn’t sell for a while. I keep an eye on the northeast as well, especially this time of year.

 

[Punchline Cap]

Here is a very informative video from one of my fishing channels on YouTube that I follow. It is about boat prices from 2020 to now in 2024 and the rate of inflation. Sorry though, Grady White boats are not in the video.

 

[seasick]

I went to a boat show in CT, in yesterday to look at a few boats, Gradys, Whalers, and Pursuits in particular, both new and used. My goals were to look at build, storage, serviceability, access, features and to a lesser extent, price. Since I am in the market for a dual console, I only looked at that style and in the 25 to 29 ft range. Why I am looking for at dual consoles is another story for another time.
I wasn't able to spend a lot of time at the show so most of my impressions were initial thoughts as I approached, boarded and did a less that a detailed walkthrough.
I looked at Freedom 255 and 275. I wanted to look at a 285 but there weren't any but based on my observations the 285 would have to be a lot different than the 275 ti impress me. I understand why there are posts about access to bilge equipment and batteries. The access is quite limited. There are no in floor fish boxes. If I wanted to take the family boating, did light fishing and didn't do my own maintenance, The Freedom 275 would a very nice boat.
I saw a Pursuit 266 DC as well as a used DC 295 ( a boat I would be interested in). There is a big difference between the two models especially with the beam. The 295 is a foot or more wider,. Note that the DC 295 has been replaced by the DC 307 which is longer and wider Access to bilge equipment is very good. Helm position is also good with good visibility. The windshield on the 295 runs all the way to the hard top. That means that a front curtain isn't required for protection.
Finally, It replaced the 270 model about two years ago. The initial impression of the Whaler is good. Visibility at the helm is good as is storage for a bow rider. The boat I saw had a few upgrades that add significantly to the cost, namely joy stick control, summer kitchen and a sun shade. That said the show price was a few bucks under 400kThe pursuit wasn't far behind. The Grady I think was the least expensive of the three.
The heads on all the boats were small. The Pursuit 295 had the better head layout primarily due to the longer boat length but storage was a lot larger since the head is on the starboard ide and there is decent storage space on the port side helm.
If I had to choose a new boat and cost wasn't an issue, I think I would opt for the Whaler.

One funny thing to mention. When I stepped onto the 2024/2025 Pursuit 266, I walked on the bilge access lid. It is quite large and the lid made a loud squeak. I pressed my foot on the corner of the lid and it squeaked each time. The sales rep heard it and said " It's new and that is why it squeaks". OK I kind of accepted that but later in the day when I climbed onto the 7 year old Pursuit 295, the bilge lid also made the same squeak

 

[Fishtales]

Prices still crazy, but I too believe discounts will be better. If things start to tighten up or should global issues arise, I think everything slows fast. Be greedy when others are fearful says Buffet.

 

[PointedRose]

I just went to the Sausalito boat show. Mostly massive yachts and large sailboats. GW sent the 218 which apparently is the first new boat in the Bay with their new dealer in Richmond. 218 felt pretty roomy for its size, nice features. Out the door boat show price was $160k. I asked about the 180 pricing and that was a much more reasonable $75k. (Both prices loaded, trailer, etc). Cabin on the 218 was roomier and a better layout than my old overnighter (no surprise there but better than I expected, although I’d probably still never use it). The Pursuits were all massive w trip 450 yams, I wouldn’t mind going for a ride, but those are not the boats for my enjoyment. Rivas, Chris crafts, axopars, etc all looked sweet with big price tags. Also the GW sales person Gwen (she traveled in from NC) was the friendliest salesperson I talked to among the boat brands.

 

[Peter A]

I went to a boat show in CT, in yesterday to look at a few boats, Gradys, Whalers, and Pursuits in particular, both new and used. My goals were to look at build, storage, serviceability, access, features and to a lesser extent, price. Since I am in the market for a dual console, I only looked at that style and in the 25 to 29 ft range. Why I am looking for at dual consoles is another story for another time.
I wasn't able to spend a lot of time at the show so most of my impressions were initial thoughts as I approached, boarded and did a less that a detailed walkthrough.
I looked at Freedom 255 and 275. I wanted to look at a 285 but there weren't any but based on my observations the 285 would have to be a lot different than the 275 ti impress me. I understand why there are posts about access to bilge equipment and batteries. The access is quite limited. There are no in floor fish boxes. If I wanted to take the family boating, did light fishing and didn't do my own maintenance, The Freedom 275 would a very nice boat.
I saw a Pursuit 266 DC as well as a used DC 295 ( a boat I would be interested in). There is a big difference between the two models especially with the beam. The 295 is a foot or more wider,. Note that the DC 295 has been replaced by the DC 307 which is longer and wider Access to bilge equipment is very good. Helm position is also good with good visibility. The windshield on the 295 runs all the way to the hard top. That means that a front curtain isn't required for protection.
Finally, It replaced the 270 model about two years ago. The initial impression of the Whaler is good. Visibility at the helm is good as is storage for a bow rider. The boat I saw had a few upgrades that add significantly to the cost, namely joy stick control, summer kitchen and a sun shade. That said the show price was a few bucks under 400kThe pursuit wasn't far behind. The Grady I think was the least expensive of the three.
The heads on all the boats were small. The Pursuit 295 had the better head layout primarily due to the longer boat length but storage was a lot larger since the head is on the starboard ide and there is decent storage space on the port side helm.
If I had to choose a new boat and cost wasn't an issue, I think I would opt for the Whaler.

One funny thing to mention. When I stepped onto the 2024/2025 Pursuit 266, I walked on the bilge access lid. It is quite large and the lid made a loud squeak. I pressed my foot on the corner of the lid and it squeaked each time. The sales rep heard it and said " It's new and that is why it squeaks". OK I kind of accepted that but later in the day when I climbed onto the 7 year old Pursuit 295, the bilge lid also made the same squeak

A couple of quick comments. Friend of mine just traded his Pursuit DC295 for the DC307. Lots of improvements that make it a much better boat in his opinion for both cruising and fishing.

Regarding the 275/285, at the dock the 285 feels and is much larger based on a brief time on board at the Grady dealer. And quite a bit more expensive.

I would be thrilled with a 275.