A blog about boats, fishing, water sports and having fun on the ocean
How much should a boat cost?
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While the cost varies significantly depending on the type of boat you want, the average cost of a new boat can be anywhere from $40,000 to $75,000. The average cost of a used boat is between $10,000 and $20,000. However, there is more to the cost of a boat than the initial price tag.
Buying at a boat dealership has a number of advantages: most dealers service what they sell, so you’ll establish a relationship with the business that will likely be taking care of your needs in the future and will want your repeat business; dealerships tend to be extremely familiar with the specific brands they sell
What’s the best state to buy a boat?
Considering Florida has the most inventory of new and used boats, the state is a good place to find a bargain on a boat.
And the Winner of Cheapest State to Buy a Boat is…
North Dakota – 8,809.
Maine – 8,397.
Michigan – 8,066.
New Hampshire – 7,077.
Alaska – 6,887.
Montana – 6,822.
Louisiana – 6,790.
Is it worth it to buy a used boat?
While you can certainly find expensive used boats, if you want a reasonable vessel that fits within a tight budget, you will likely choose a used option. Not only is the price lower, but like a used car, much of the value depreciation has already happened, so a used boat will hold its value better as well.
Boats that are more than a decade old are still great candidates for purchase; however, just like when buying a classic car, more investigation and review should be in order to ensure the background and viability of the hull, engine and drivetrain.
What is the best time to buy a boat?
FALL. Many people will argue that the fall is the best time for buying a boat. This is because most of the manufacturers start offering discounts around September and October. When demand begins to decline, dealers often provide incentives for buyers in the form of discounts and deep cuts in pricing.
Why are used boats so cheap?
Reasons some used sailboats are so cheap:
There are a lot of smaller used sailboats available, driving down the price. Boats that are not in use cost money and fall behind in maintenance. People buy boats impulsively and find out it’s not for them. People buy boats in a strong economy and find out they can’t afford it.
Do boats hold their value well?
In general, boats lose about 36% of their value after 10 years of ownership. Boats lose between 23% and 30% after 5 years and between 18% and 22% after only 1 year of ownership from a new current year purchase. This is considering the boat being properly maintained and kept in good overall condition.
Is it better to finance a new or used boat?
It’s no secret that used boats cost less than new ones. Because of this, financing a used boat often comes with more forgiving interest rates. The amount of money borrowed to buy a used boat is less than that of a new boat loan, which means shorter loan terms and lower interest rates.
If you are looking at a marine gasoline-powered boat to purchase that has reached 1500 hours, this is considered a lot. Unless it has been meticulously maintained, its dependability is very questionable. Properly maintained diesel engines give boaters 5000 or more hours of dependable service.
Do fiberglass boats rot?
Fiberglass is incredibly durable and generally speaking, it will not rot. It is a rare boat, however, that is pure fiberglass. Most boats still have a wood structure underlying the fiberglass and these “stringers” are vulnerable to water incursion and rot if the boat isn’t maintained.
Do I need to change my boat oil every year?
Most manufacturers recommend you change your boat’s oil every 50 to 100 hours of operation. Sometimes this is translated to once every year, whichever comes first.
What questions to ask when buying a used boat?
Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Boat
What year is the boat/ motor?
How many hours are on the motor?
When and where was the boat last serviced?
How long have you owned this boat?
Are you the first owner?
Has the boat been protected from water damage by a boat lift or any other means?
What to check on a boat before buying?
Used boat buying checklist
Check the condition of the transom. Make sure the wood where the outboard motor mounts on the boat is in good shape and isn’t rotten.
So try to go for a boat in the 15ft-25ft range. For inshore fishing, you can go for smaller boats that won’t cost a lot and will be easier to handle as well. These can be in the 15ft-20ft bracket.
Is it OK to buy an older boat?
Nevertheless, old boats can be very good boats, and that’s important if you own one or if you want another boat but can’t afford a new one. You must examine old boats closely and also consider whether the problems you find are relevant to how you want to use the boat. Here are some things to look for in old boats.
Should you test drive a boat before buying?
Shopping for a new boat should be a fun experience. If you’re prepared and have done your research, test driving the boat you want to buy should be a breeze. Both you and the dealer want the best experience possible. They are looking to form lifelong partnerships with those who buy from their dealership.
Can you negotiate the price of a new boat?
You can negotiate with a boat seller — whether it’s a dealership or a private seller — to improve both the price and terms of the sale. In the case of a new boat, terms are often less negotiable, but you can lower the price by avoiding extra features and add-ons.