Do you think people are selling their boats?

Something else to consider - unlike cars GRP boats last for decades. Unless the number of new owners keeps pace with production then surely the inevitable outcome is a surplus of used boats?
 
So who\'s buying then?

I'm not so sure about this SIBS full order book report from builders.

Certainly if you look at the price you can expect to pay for a 1/2 yr old example against the new builders price you would be nuts to buy new. A couple of years ago when i ordered my current boat the differential between used and new made buying new a "no brainer". That said at SIBS I was quoted 2007 for a new boat delv. (50ft) and strangely one or two build slots have since become available in early 2006! Cancelled orders.............I think there are some porkies being told somewhere.
 
Yup, absolutely right. I'm sure that the number of old boats being scrapped or sunk is less than the number of new boats coming into the market which means one of two things. Either the total number of boat owners is increasing or the total number of un-owned boats ie in dealers stock is increasing
Anyone know what happens to old grp boats? Is there any scrap value, are the hulls crushed etc??
 
[ QUOTE ]
Anyone know what happens to old grp boats? Is there any scrap value, are the hulls crushed etc??

[/ QUOTE ]

Many older GRP boats end up at Club Moorings (North of the M25) that cost £250/£300 a year.
Old 1960's Freemans are still going strong.
Many only see fresh water use and should last another 20 years or so.

These clubs are becoming saturated with long waiting lists, the problem is many members are replacing their 23 ft Freeman with a late 70's/80's 40ft Fly bridge so there are even fewer spaces.

Lets hope MDL and Premier get planning permission for loads of new marinas or berthing costs will continue to rise.
 
The market has been growing and absorbing the boats - witness the new marinas etc. However this growing market is what keeps the wheels turning for new boat sales and I think it is all beginning to change.

Porkies are being told at SIBs because the industry does not want the buying public to change their mode or feel out of place.

I know of folks being offered all sorts of cancelled boats - for example a new Fairline 66 which was supposed to be a long wait has suddenly become available.
In fact almost any make I can think of, I hear of cancelled orders enabling great deals with quick delivery.

I red goes it will, I think, greatly damage the UK motor cruising boat market at all levels up to 60 feet. in particular it will damage the planing boats.
 
The River Ouse between York and Naburn is lined with them. Some of them (in truth most of them) look a bit neglected and sad but at least they are allowing people to enjoy boating on a limited budget (hope that doesn't sound patronising its not meant to be).

My view is that so many boats are for sale because people have unrealistic expectation of what their boats are worth. That bubble has got to burst and the thing that could cause that (for the sub 36' market anyway) is the Red Diesel issue.
 
Assuming that red diesel goes, my biggest cost by far will still be Marina fees. So, if lots of people pull out of motor cruising, some will keep going, some will convert to sail (not many, I think) and some will give up. So the pressure on marina berths decreases, and the marina fees go down to match the adjusted demand, hence overall cost of boating remains much the same ?

Mind you, I'm talking about a 28ft boat with not-enormous engines...

dv.
 
and of course its so intertwined with the second hand market. After all, you re not going to pay up for a new boat if the marinas are full of nearly new at massive amounts lower. So its in the dealers interests to suggest unrealistic prices via brokerage; tough on you if it doesnt sell, but not so tough on them. Someones losing alot of money, but then its the same with luxury cars...
 
Having had a chat with my broker (am looking at buying), they are having a good time, although on new boats sales are down. Their reason is the boat show is round the corner.

Boats on brokerage up to 3yrs old are selling well in 25ft-28ft range - but must be priced and well spec'd.
 
Brokers always say that when you are buying, they've got to talk prices up haven't they


I wonder what they would say to you if you were a seller enquiring why your boat hadn't sold
 
I was with the owner of a large boatyard on the East Coast yesterday. He admits that compared to the last few years times are hard. They are still knocking out new ones but are taking a hit on their kickbacks from marine mortgage deals as the deals are great! Over 40ft new are still selling well, under 40ft new is hit and miss. Any second hand boat is hit and miss. They have no idea themselves about what sells well. Sealine S28 have always sold quick, they can not shift them, bayliner 2855 were slow to sell, but as only single engine they now sell quick.

I have failed to sell my boat this year, admittedly now I have it back it is in far worse condition than when I last saw it! So I shall put all right and try again next year. In previous years I would have traded it in for a bigger boat and increased my Marine mortgage. Now I want to clear all debt except house Mortgage and buy with cash. Many of my freinds feel the same....

So the boat market is in (temporary) decline and the economy is heading that way....Gulp!

Paul
 
Its interesting to compare the S/H market with that of the S/H yacht market, in which my 'sense' is that the market situation is broadly similar....

It might be the wake up call the government needs on derogation if that similarity vanishes upon the disapperance of red diesel....

I for one worry about that happening, as it will [--word removed--] many of the suppliers that both communities need....
 
I also believe that the period of relatively low inflation has impacted on S/H boat sales.

this is because many owners are used to being able to sell at a high percentage of the new price they themselves paid (when price inflation was high) and haven't come to terms with making a significant paper loss on their asset.

new boats on the other hand have benefited from improved efficiency both in manufacturing process and probably overall business management enableing them to produce ever better packages at keen prices.

add the currency factor against which boatprices have to some degree to be factored and buying new in the UK has probably never looked more attractive.
 
Interesting you mention S28 as I'm considering one for my next trade up, amongst others. (Good size, twin diesel, not too thirsty, well made and equipped etc). A quick search on YBW reveals over 25 for sale in the UK. This does seem a large number for what is a sensible well made sports cruiser.
 
If that is the case, then nobody told the boat manufacturers because their list prices have outstripped inflation for years and continue to do so. To be fair, rising oil prices have impacted resin costs and boats are loaded with more equipment and better finishing than ever but certainly no sign of keener prices as far as I can see
What is making buying new attractive at the moment is that dealers are offering very attractive discounts in order to shift stock and that obviously has an effect on late model used prices
Actually I was just thinking today how car prices have stabilised unlike boat prices. I bought a BMW 528i in 1996 for £32k. Today you can get the equivalent 530i for similar money. Shame that the boat manufacturers have not learnt how to be as efficient
 
I know the sales spiel when buying, but am looking at an Aquador 26HT and the broker that specialises in these has sold all his brokerage stock over the last couple of weeks.

The only ones available are in Ireland - unless you know different.
 
I think they are great boats as well. For the past few years they had a large demand and low depreciation. Now demand has dropped and depreciation has taken a hold meaning that they now seem well priced compared to previous years. Probably at the right price now! Add to this the new S29 and you get a depressed market for a great model. At the right price I may have swopped for one this year, but SWMBO still wants two seperate cabins!

Paul
 
Like Targa's Aquador have a more limited 'niche' market and much smaller supply. That will always keep up prices I bet or at least guarantee you a sale.

Nice boats though and I wish you luck in your search.

Paul
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top