Over at THT I have seen insane prices on used boats, but typically it is for highly sought after models known to stand the test of time. Grady's typically fit the last description, but the models I'm interested in definitely aren't highly sought after. In the past 3 weeks I have seen 2 twenty year old Grady's in good condition get listed for slightly less than what they sold for new. A listing today topped them all. 19 year old boat listed for more than what it cost new! I'm starting to think Corona virus leads to delusional boat values too! What say you?
It took a while, but it finally happened.
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Fishtales
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It's been good in the boat business for a while. It will be interesting to see what happens when the economy coasts down to a crawl and if things with this virus stick around for a while. Kinda the worst timing with spring just around the corner. Like cars, why buy a boat now and either lighten your cash or get stuck with a big payment that isn't going away for a while. Things just may turn for the boat folks and then we will see how deep manufacturers pockets really are.
wrxhoon
Well-Known Member
Give it a year or so and you will find big discounts everywhere, same as with GFC. Back then it lasted several years reminds to be seen what happens this time but it doesn't look good for world economies. I hope it blows away quick but it doesn't look good.
I will be surprised if any mid and high tier boat manufacturers lower prices. 12 years ago prices went up because they needed better margins on the few they sold to survive. Thanks to 20 year payments, the prices didnt go down. I dont think dropping prices on new boats will sell many more when investments are in the toilet.
I didnt think the recent trend of insane prices would hit old WA Gradys, especially after what has happened in the past 2 weeks, but it has. I'd love to know what is going through the minds of a seller who lists for 200-250% over market value.
I didnt think the recent trend of insane prices would hit old WA Gradys, especially after what has happened in the past 2 weeks, but it has. I'd love to know what is going through the minds of a seller who lists for 200-250% over market value.
Salmondogs
Well-Known Member
You should see prices in the Pacific Northwest, they've been out of control for a long time. My father-in-law was looking for an early 90s 228 Seafarer back around 2005. He couldn't touch one locally for anything less than $30k. After month of searching locally he ended up buying a well maintained 1992 228 out of New Jersey with a 2002 200hp HPDI, and electronics that were less than 3 years old. Even after transport fees and paying the original boat yard for new bottom paint and a trailer inspection, we figured at the time he could have re-sold the boat out here and made something like $10-15K!
I know Marlins are a more sought after model but for reference I lucked out and got a screaming (for our area) deal on a 2003 Marlin last month. Before this one popped up I was looking spending $95k + for an early 2000's boat with 800-1500 hour engines. On top of that all the boats that I did look at were absolutely HAMMERED. The one well kept pre-2005 Marlin that I did find was a 2003 but the owner wanted $125k, it had 700hrs on 225's.
I know Marlins are a more sought after model but for reference I lucked out and got a screaming (for our area) deal on a 2003 Marlin last month. Before this one popped up I was looking spending $95k + for an early 2000's boat with 800-1500 hour engines. On top of that all the boats that I did look at were absolutely HAMMERED. The one well kept pre-2005 Marlin that I did find was a 2003 but the owner wanted $125k, it had 700hrs on 225's.
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I came to the conclusion a long time ago that if I'm going to get the boat I want, I'll have to travel far. Pricing and travel have ruled out the west coast for me.
As others have said, prices will have to come down or people simply won't sell.
As others have said, prices will have to come down or people simply won't sell.
Parthery
GreatGrady Captain
Back in about '02 or '03, I priced a new 209 with a 200 HPDI. $44K out the door.
In about '06, you could buy a 225 Tourney with an F225 for $50K out the door.
It will be interesting to see what the market does once we come out on the other side.
You all must have competition in GA to get prices down!
In the mid 90's 20' WA with trailer listed at $45k at local dealer.