Used Boat Market

[WVU-SCPA]

What is everyone seeing in their local markets for price and supply?

 

I've been patiently waiting to for the right 17'5"+ aluminum boat to pop up for a electric build since 50% of lakes a fish are electric only and are a grind on the trolling motor.  Been holding off due to prices and what is available.

 

In the last 30 days that has seemed like its starting to change and there has been more boats up for sale.

[Jigfishn10]

Right now up here, there's still more demand than supply, but that's slowly changing. Dealerships up here are showing more inventory and, my opinion only, are still selling at inflated prices.

[Bassun]

So here - you cannot find a used boat at a decent price.  You cannot find late models at dealers, heck - you cannot find much of any inventory at dealers.  A few conversations have drilled in the idea that they are following car dealership leads and do not plan on carrying a big inventory going forward.  Kiss those last year model and off-season discounts goodbye.  Those I've gotten to talk about it basically said they spend less, and make more by not keeping much in the marina.  Less overhead, less taxes, and they don't have to drop prices to move inventory.  People are getting used to the new approach so they do not seem pressured to change back to the "old way".  They've, rightly, been able to "blame" it on Corona - but now that we have accepted that as ok it seems they are not looking to change back.  I don't blame them... it's a business and they are there to make money.  Maybe over time it will change back, but I don't see it anytime soon.  Just IMO...

[slonezp]

Give it another year or two. Going to be some major adjustments to the market. 

[gim]

I’m considering placing an order for a new 2022 boat and the dealer I want to buy through says they are about 6 months out. So if I want 2022 pricing, I need to place my order before the 4th of July.

 

I feel pretty good about being able to sell my current boat at a high resale value too this fall.

[The Baron]

On 5/28/2022 at 9:17 PM, slonezp said:

Give it another year or two. Going to be some major adjustments to the market. 

I sure hope so.   I was "almost" ready to buy a boat pre-COVID, then pricing on used boats went through the roof and moved the goal posts two fields away.  I think they're starting to creep back down, as I've seen a few at prices I could stomach.  I'm hoping to be in a position to buy something in the $15k-ish range for next season - ideally something like a Bass Tracker 19', but I'd settle for a 17 if that's what my budget gets me.

[DaubsNU1]

I think we will see more boats hitting the market this fall...with inflation and fuel prices high, people are going to start unloading those luxury items like boats, RV's, ATV's, etc.

[gim]

20 minutes ago, DaubsNU1 said:

I think we will see more boats hitting the market this fall...with inflation and fuel prices high, people are going to start unloading those luxury items like boats, RV's, ATV's, etc.

 

The RV dealers I drive past nowadays have a lot more stock than they did last year or the year before.  That alone should indicate there's less demand.

 

Automobile dealers, not so much.  Those lots are still pretty scant on inventory right now.  But then again, you need a car to go anywhere.  An RV (or a boat) is more of a dispensable recreational item.

[volzfan59]

On 5/28/2022 at 8:17 PM, slonezp said:

Give it another year or two. Going to be some major adjustments to the market. 

What he said. It will all come tumbling down.

[slonezp]

4 hours ago, gimruis said:

 

The RV dealers I drive past nowadays have a lot more stock than they did last year or the year before.  That alone should indicate there's less demand.

 

Automobile dealers, not so much.  Those lots are still pretty scant on inventory right now.  But then again, you need a car to go anywhere.  An RV (or a boat) is more of a dispensable recreational item.

I drove thru Indiana last month, the capital of RV manufacturing. Acres of inventory in their lots.