Thinking of Moving UP - how's the market

J

Jcat2010

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 4, 2022
Messages
246
Fluid Motion Model
R-27 (Outboard)
Vessel Name
Barchetta
We're thinking of moving up, but have heard horror stories about the boat market collapsing. Anyone have any recent real world experience? I know a used tug will not bring what it did a few years ago, but I've also noticed that there is an awful lot of inventory out there, and it doesn't seem to be moving ? Might be time to re-think this, or maybe it is an opportunity.
 
I've heard from friends that it's a great time to 'steal' a boat...one guy I know just bought one and his wife was screaming at him to pay more???

That said, if you're moving up, then, you can get a great deal on the larger boat...maybe sell yours later or make more on the bigger boat than the loss of the current one.
 
I have been watching the market for the last year here in California for a fishing boat (yes my wife approved having two boats), and the prices are definitely coming down. But I have yet to see any bargains on anything that looks like a desirable boat. It seems like the COVID prices are disappearing across the board but the older boats (<2000) are getting hit the most. It makes sense though a 1995 boat is over 30 years old, which totally blows my mind.
 
I'm not sure you'll see the prices advertised low. My buddy made a 2/3 of price offer that was rejected but he left his number, then, the guy called back...
 
With gas $ climbing... the used diesel/single screws will be attractive.
 
I got a great deal on my 2025 R29 CB because the first owners had it for a summer and then wanted to "move up" . It had TONS of upgrades, options and gear already onboard which was a massive cost savings. Things everyone wants but are factory options. The used boat market has some real steals right now if you're willing to look. Good hunting!
 
The fishing boat market is almost a whole different market. I sold my 2020 robalo CC for less than I wanted, but the competition was much more - competition from every brand and size. Took the best offer.

Hopefully the tug market is more "this tug vs that tug"
 
We're also looking to move up a bit. I've had my 2020 C28 listed for quite a while now, just on Facebook and a handful of weeks on BoatTrader, with very little interest. The price is based on a broker rec so should be market-reasonable and she's in great shape, so I've been a little surprised at the lack of interest.
 
Last edited:
Bless those folks who leave us their well taken care of boats for a reasonable price. I recently moved down from a 40' cruiser to a 2019 R23 and couldn't be happier... with a few more $$$ in the pocket and less work
 
It4llc, sorry to hear there hasn't been much interest in your cutwater. I have a dealer friend who taught me, several boats ago, that if you are not getting contacts, you're not priced right. The brokers mostly follow past history and current listings, which is really confusing over the last five years. Covid effect, boats were scarce and lots of people looking, at prices were high. Now, there's more boats than buyers, and prices are swinging the other way. But not everyone wants to face the facts, boats depreciate. Sometimes faster than a loan payoff. There are boats currently listed where people are asking almost, or more, than original cost - for a 5 yr old boat. But, when you look at "sold boats"data, they sit for 6 mo to a year, or more, and sell closer to the reality- a five year boat will depreciate- somewhere between 40-50%.
 
Jcat2010 said:
It4llc, sorry to hear there hasn't been much interest in your cutwater. I have a dealer friend who taught me, several boats ago, that if you are not getting contacts, you're not priced right. The brokers mostly follow past history and current listings, which is really confusing over the last five years. Covid effect, boats were scarce and lots of people looking, at prices were high. Now, there's more boats than buyers, and prices are swinging the other way. But not everyone wants to face the facts, boats depreciate. Sometimes faster than a loan payoff. There are boats currently listed where people are asking almost, or more, than original cost - for a 5 yr old boat. But, when you look at "sold boats"data, they sit for 6 mo to a year, or more, and sell closer to the reality- a five year boat will depreciate- somewhere between 40-50%.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that. The broker's advice somewhat lined up with that, ie that if I wanted to sell relatively quickly, the price he mentioned would be about 40% below what I paid. Fortunately I'm not in a rush to sell and am happy with the boat if we don't end up trading up, or not trading up as quickly.
 
Jcat2010 said:
We're thinking of moving up, but have heard horror stories about the boat market collapsing. Anyone have any recent real world experience? I know a used tug will not bring what it did a few years ago, but I've also noticed that there is an awful lot of inventory out there, and it doesn't seem to be moving ? Might be time to re-think this, or maybe it is an opportunity.
Click to expand...
We are thinking of downsizing so we can easily trailer without a wide load permit. We currently have a 2021 R29-S. If interested email me: sanderson3884@gmail.com
 
it4llc said:
Thanks for that. The broker's advice somewhat lined up with that, ie that if I wanted to sell relatively quickly, the price he mentioned would be about 40% below what I paid. Fortunately I'm not in a rush to sell and am happy with the boat if we don't end up trading up, or not trading up as quickly.
Click to expand...
is it listed with a broker? I sold my 2017 C28 last summer. Listed it without a broker. Sold it for somewhat less than I wanted but it was a quick easy transaction and without having to pay a broker 10% in the end the amount of cash I got from the deal really helped. Was then able to buy my new boat at a great deal which I would not have been able to jump on if i still had my Cutwater for sale.
 
I have talked to a few brokers and was close to listing with one, but as of now have not listed it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top