Boats seem to be selling at SIBS

[Nick_H]

Went today and was either told, or overheard, a fair few dealers talking about how strong their sales were. Fairline claimed to have taken deposits on three new 65's and it sounded like they were about to get another as we left. Princess said they're having a good show, and certainly we had to wait to get on a 78 as a new buyer was speccing one up. Also overheard a guy from Bates Wharf on the phone saying he couldn't believe how the market had swung, and then rattled off a whole host of boats he'd sold at the show.

I know dealers always try to talk up their sales, and it didn't seem that busy, but maybe the buyers are out there, although I think it's a different story for the Euro boats.

 

[bigmoose]

do people actually buy boats at a show????
i would think a boat being a substantial expense both capex as well as running ...is not decision one takes while walking around a show.
The deal in all probabilty is already done and maybe they just like inking it at a show.
a littel bit of drama..champagne etc..why not!!
i wouldnt buy or spec a boat at any show...that must be worst place to do it.

 

[epervier]

Went today and was either told, or overheard, a fair few dealers talking about how strong their sales were. Fairline claimed to have taken deposits on three new 65's and it sounded like they were about to get another as we left. Princess said they're having a good show, and certainly we had to wait to get on a 78 as a new buyer was speccing one up. Also overheard a guy from Bates Wharf on the phone saying he couldn't believe how the market had swung, and then rattled off a whole host of boats he'd sold at the show.

I know dealers always try to talk up their sales, and it didn't seem that busy, but maybe the buyers are out there, although I think it's a different story for the Euro boats.

Whilst walking away from the 130 SS and earwigging a conversation in front of me, one gentleman was relaying to his friend, he'd ordered his before the show and hoping to take delivery early in the new year!

12.something squillion, WhoTF has got that kind of coin to blow on a toy?

not even in my dreams. jealous? no, envious? maybe, what kind of a home does someone own when they can buy a plaything for that sort of money?

Looked at the specs today, just for interest, you understand, it holds 27,800 litres of fuel.

need I say more?

Pipedream comes to mind, as far as I'm concerned;-)

 

[Lozzer]

Whilst working for a well known boat company starting with the letter P a person walked onto my boat and walked off having put down a 10% deposit, straight cash buyer what joy...

Was talking to a mate today and he knows someone who ordered a SS30m at the show as well, it happens.

 

[rubberduck]

From what I've heard the bigger stuff seems to be selling but its still tough for small & mid sized stuff.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Went today and was either told, or overheard, a fair few dealers talking about how strong their sales were. Fairline claimed to have taken deposits on three new 65's and it sounded like they were about to get another as we left. Princess said they're having a good show, and certainly we had to wait to get on a 78 as a new buyer was speccing one up. Also overheard a guy from Bates Wharf on the phone saying he couldn't believe how the market had swung, and then rattled off a whole host of boats he'd sold at the show.

I know dealers always try to talk up their sales, and it didn't seem that busy, but maybe the buyers are out there, although I think it's a different story for the Euro boats.

Fairline have been notorious for bigging up sales figures from exhibitions in the past and if you added all their supposed sales figures from all their exhibitions in one year, I'm quite sure it would come to many times their actual turnover for that year. I'm also sure that the whole industry has made a special effort to talk themselves up this year
Having said that, there are factors which IMHO might be leading to increased sales for Brit builders recently. First, new boat sales are apparently quite well correlated to the stock market and, since the market has gone up recently, maybe some peeps are feeling a bit wealthier. Second, if you believe the stats, European economies are pulling out of recession faster than the UK and the £ is still very weak against the €. There may be European buyers out there who are feeling more confident and want to take advantage of buying a boat priced in a weak currency before that currency strengthens. Certainly if you look at the price of a Princess 54 against the price of an AZ53 or Ferretti 510, the P54 is £300k cheaper, and thats mainly because Sterling has depreciated so much in the last 18 months
But overall there's still a lot of economic gloom globally out there and, personally, I wouldnt believe a word of supposed sales figures until the year end results were published. IMHO, there are still few people about with either the wherewithal or the confidence to splash the cash on a new toy

 

[David of Essex]

How long before VAT is increased, possibly to 20%. Thats a good reason to by now if you have the money.
David

 

[bigmoose]

who pays VAT on the big stuff anyway?...dont think VAT is a maker or breaker...IMHO.