Boat buying gone mad

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Brentwales

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Is this time of year usually boat buying season? I've been looking at Apollo Duck, BoatShed and Yachtworld daily over the last few weeks and the Moody's, Contessa, Saddlers and Westerlys are being snapped up. Everything under sub 25k seems to be hot potatoes. Ones I've queried are already under offer.

Any other site worth checking? I've had a look at the Facebook yachts for sale group, but doesn't seem to be as much on offer.
 
I've overheard a few comments from the staff in my marina (Windermere) about a rush of boat buyers recently. Also seen a lot of people viewing boats.

Speculative comments for the reason for this all relate to the impact of the pandemic - E.g. People reflecting on what's important in their life, being able to work remotely, reluctance to go on holiday overseas, etc...
 
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Not just time of year, lots of people spending their holiday money on a ready to use boat as they're not going to their Spanish, and other, destinations. Those that already own a boat appear to be sat in Newtown Creek already judging by AIS returns.



edit: missed the crucial word "not" on the first go
 
In reality there are not that many of most of these boats, and maybe a handful come on the market each year.
Buying a boat always takes a while.
July and August are usually quiet as people are using their boats, but this year there was a lot of delayed trade from the Spring.
Time to buy IMHO, or a least to get properly serious about looking, is mid September and October. That's when boats come on the market after the season. If you don't find what you want then, it's a rush to get possession by xmas and hit the ground running (bad choice of cliche) in the new season.
If you have a clear idea of what you want , talk to lots of brokers.
If you are keen on a particular make or class, look at the owners' association.
Post a wanted ad.
Facebook market place is sometimes worth a look.
 
Thanks for the tips, I've narrowed down my choice to Moody, Contessa, Sadler or Westerly Fulmar/Storm. There were quite a few Moody's for sale over the latest few weeks in the 29-34 range, but pretty much all gone. I do quite like the aesthetics of the Sigma, but they mostly seem to have been raced hard and look a bit worse for wear
 
Maxi and Colvic are on my secondary list if a decent one comes up, I like Legends too, but a bit out of my price bracket.
 
TernVI said:
Buying a boat always takes a while.
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I’m not sure it has to take a while. I saw a Dehler at a rally on a Saturday evening, decided that one would suit me in retirement on the Sunday, viewed one locally on the Friday, and another 200 miles away on the next Saturday and had an offer accepted by noon. The survey was done within a week and, after work was done, the boat was mine a week later. Three weeks from deciding to change my vessel to owning two. It then took 5 months to sell my old one, so my experience is that to not buying that takes time, it’s selling!
 
Catalina36 said:
Catalinas are a lesser-known brand over here simply because they're US-built and there aren't many over here. The US market is such that they're one of the biggest brands worldwide.
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Wasn’t a well known British yacht marketed as a Catalina in the States? Something similar to a Contessa 32?

Or vice versa.....:unsure:
 
Join the respective owners forums as people will advertise there; and you can always place a wanted add. Speak to as many brokers as possible; they may not have what you are looking for today, but they can add you to their list for when they do (if they can be bothered to do any work!!!!!!!!)

I think there is a large pent up demand in the market due to Covid lock down and in the price bracket you are talking is affordable for a large number of people.

I think what hasn't hit yet is we have Covid Mark 2 this winter and we also have Brexit to get through, also this winter!!!! I wold not be surprised if the market looks somewhat different this time next year!
 
Brentwales said:
Thanks for the tips, I've narrowed down my choice to Moody, Contessa, Sadler or Westerly Fulmar/Storm. There were quite a few Moody's for sale over the latest few weeks in the 29-34 range, but pretty much all gone. I do quite like the aesthetics of the Sigma, but they mostly seem to have been raced hard and look a bit worse for wear
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If you are looking for a Westerly Fulmar, I am a WOA BoatLine member for the Fulmar as I own one which I have been renovating. You may find this PowerPoint presentaion interesting. https://wiki.westerly-owners.co.uk/images/3/3f/Concerto.pdf So you can PM any questions you might have.

Details on all Westerly boats are available here. Westerly Classes - Westerly-Wiki

Once you have decided on which manufacturer is your prefered choice, I would strongly recommend joining the class association as you will then get access to information only available to members.
 
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