What adds value to a boat?

Prima

Prima

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I was thinking more along the lines of a 30 year old boat, rather than a newer one, but I guess the same applies to all

For example, there are the obvious things like evidence of regular servicing, anti-fouling and general overall maintenance and cleaning.

But what about other things such as adding extras like an extended swim platform, solar panels, updated kitchen, new upholstery etc - do they actually add to the value? Or just increase the sale-ability for the same price?

What, if anything have you added that you think makes your boat worth more than an equivalent example?
 
Thinking more along the lines of justifying a price rather than "adding value".

A recent set of sails and a well-maintained engine with low hours together with recent electronics could well be deal makers instead of being the usual deal breakers on boats where they would need to be (expensively) replaced.

A lived-in but well-kept boat impresses more than one that has evidently been clinically spruced up before viewing.

This is my opinion; others will not agree.
 
Nothing!

A boat is a wasting asset. The only exception is possibly rebuilding an old boat to modern specs but even then its very unlikely to break even let alone make a profit.

Adding a swim platform or any othe toys and goodies may appeal to a buyer, making a sale easier, but don't expect to get your money back. Most boat owners work on their boats or add things for their own reasons and enjoyment.

Many years ago, on an idilic sailing day in Norway my wife (thinking of the cost of chartering) said "people spend a lot of money to do this". My reply "Yes, we do".

But then thats only my limited view based on over 40 years of owning cruising yachts.
 
PuffTheMagicDragon said:
Thinking more along the lines of justifying a price rather than "adding value".

A recent set of sails and a well-maintained engine with low hours together with recent electronics could well be deal makers instead of being the usual deal breakers on boats where they would need to be (expensively) replaced.

A lived-in but well-kept boat impresses more than one that has evidently been clinically spruced up before viewing.

This is my opinion; others will not agree.
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I will.

Few things will add much to the value of a boat, but a well kept, well equipped one will sell quicker and achieve a price closer to the "average" sale price.
 
Prima said:
I was thinking more along the lines of a 30 year old boat, rather than a newer one, but I guess the same applies to all

For example, there are the obvious things like evidence of regular servicing, anti-fouling and general overall maintenance and cleaning.

But what about other things such as adding extras like an extended swim platform, solar panels, updated kitchen, new upholstery etc - do they actually add to the value? Or just increase the sale-ability for the same price?

What, if anything have you added that you think makes your boat worth more than an equivalent example?
Click to expand...

Having been owned by the current owner for many years. In other words beware of a boat that's had a string of short term ownerships. Same applies to houses.
 
I viewed a boat 2 years ago that had a new engine, new electronics, yes new sails as well. oh and I remember new upholstery, it really was a well equipped boat. But it was so over priced, probably reflecting all the expenditure. its sadly still for sale. So you can potentially add value but in the end I guess you have to realistic.

Steveeasy
 
Okay, plenty enough replies to get the general opinion, in that the answer is nothing - other than common sense maintenance and general overall care?

So what is it with a lot of adverts for boats this age, that they seem to be bombproof in value? For example a Sealine 305 seems to bottom out at 25,000 GBP - a newer Sealine 310 at 30,000

How can one with new drives be worth the same as one with rotten ones for example?
 
Prima said:
How can one with new drives be worth the same as one with rotten ones for example?
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Sellers tend to put an optimistic price that represents what they think that their boat is worth while, in reality, their pride and joy is worth precisely what buyers are willing to pay for her.
 
PuffTheMagicDragon said:
Sellers tend to put an optimistic price that represents what they think that their boat is worth while, in reality, their pride and joy is worth precisely what buyers are willing to pay for her.
Click to expand...
I do of course understand what you are saying. I'm really just trying to wade my way through all the adverts to make the best educated guess I can

It does seem somewhat unfair though that a neglected boat doesn't seem to demand so much less than somebody's pride and joy

Such is life I suppose
 
I guess that if there isn't really any extra bit of kit, or extra effort on cleaning and maintenance that really increases the likely sale price of a boat, the buyers challenge is to find the boat with everything, but just pay an average price for it.

Or wait on the sidelines until the seller realises that they won't get a premium price for their premium boat.

I personally think that getting ill equipped and/or badly maintained boats at a bargain price usually ends in regret.

Garold
 
On another thread there is a link to a Westerly Longbow that appears to have been totally refurbished, up for £23.000.

I have to ask" What other boat could I get for the same money," You could price yourself out of the market.

Nothing against the Longbow but there are a lot of boats to chose from.
 
PaulRainbow said:
Few things will add much to the value of a boat, but a well kept, well equipped one will sell quicker and achieve a price closer to the "average" sale price.
Click to expand...

I've just sold a house. Not mine. When I took on the job of selling it I spent a good deal of money having various things done - a damp wall dealt with, a squeaking fan sorted, lots of painting. I didn't expect the investment to make more money but I hoped it would get a quick sale ... and it did.

I think the same goes for boats. A boat you can sail away, like a house you can move into, is a far more attractive proposition than a boat (or house) which needs work. Old electronics are fine, as long as they work, for example.
 
lukedh said:
On another thread there is a link to a Westerly Longbow that appears to have been totally refurbished, up for £23.000.

I have to ask" What other boat could I get for the same money," You could price yourself out of the market.

Nothing against the Longbow but there are a lot of boats to chose from.
Click to expand...

I think far too many owners start from the basis of "what is an xxx 123 worth" and then compare the spec of theirs with others and add on the retail price for everything they have added in the last few years.

Many would do better by comparing the price and spec of similar boats and realising what the real competition is.
 
Cleanliness is close to godliness! The easiest way to get a good price for a boat is to make sure it's absolutely squeaky-clean, inside and out. It costs almost nothing other than a few hours work, but could add thousands.
 
Prima said:
Okay, plenty enough replies to get the general opinion, in that the answer is nothing - other than common sense maintenance and general overall care?

So what is it with a lot of adverts for boats this age, that they seem to be bombproof in value? For example a Sealine 305 seems to bottom out at 25,000 GBP - a newer Sealine 310 at 30,000

How can one with new drives be worth the same as one with rotten ones for example?
Click to expand...

You are looking at asking prices rather than what a boat actually sells for where there will be a much wider variation. With a popular boat like the one you mention the asking prices tend to be in a narrower band because there are enough on the market for sellers to see prices when they set their own asking price.

Once you have seen a few you will get a good idea which ones are good and which are dogs and adjust the way you value them accordingly. You need to do this with reference to your expectations. So you might find one boat with excellent mechanics but poor interior or having "extras" that you don't value and so on. No boat will be a perfect match, let alone perfect in every respect so you have to decide which is the best value for you including the cost of dealing with the shortcomings.
 
Tranona said:
You are looking at asking prices rather than what a boat actually sells for where there will be a much wider variation. With a popular boat like the one you mention the asking prices tend to be in a narrower band because there are enough on the market for sellers to see prices when they set their own asking price.

Once you have seen a few you will get a good idea which ones are good and which are dogs and adjust the way you value them accordingly. You need to do this with reference to your expectations. So you might find one boat with excellent mechanics but poor interior or having "extras" that you don't value and so on. No boat will be a perfect match, let alone perfect in every respect so you have to decide which is the best value for you including the cost of dealing with the shortcomings.
Click to expand...
I'm trying to look at the whole picture. So this thread and question may come across as naive.

There's a 310 for example in Spain for sale for €36,000 and I've spoken with the broker who seemed only willing to do a harbour test. Granted I haven't yet offered to pay for a proper sea trial as yet, but is that priced competitively with for example the imaginitive 40,000 boat but is in the uk and I have to fork out transport?

Everyone has to start somewhere. Boating sometimes seems to feel like you start at the top and learn backwards in the same direction as your bank balance

The extras I mentioned btw are ones I am considering. I hope to buy a 310 and keep and maintain it for a considerable time . I know many say it won't be my first boat but for me I want to buy it, replace at least bedding, probably the heads too. Galley also kit out with more a kitchen than a galley. Saloon area make the seating more living room than caravan. Solar too. I'm thinking it could be a wasted 10 grand. But also thinking the same as bog roll. Stupid as it may sound but I take bog roll on holiday. Why rough it? ?

Those kind of mods or upgrades (to me) which I'm now seeing from the replies are worth nothing, but I will plan to do them after the first season once I'm settled in

So thanks to all, it's helpful listening to all your views
 
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