wish to have a few owner inputs on pros/cons for new or used ownership, for 32 or 34 foot catalina.Experienced Buzzards Bay, Mass. sailing/from Beetle Cats to 39 foot Casey yawl.Will operate out of lower east and/or west coast Fla.
- Status
I Love This Question
I love this question. I suppose it ultimately boils down to some basic personal preferences, but I prefer a used boat in good or very good condition. Condition is more important in age. Unless there has been a model change, a 1990 boat in excellent condition is as good as a 95 or 96 and a lot less expensive. In general, I believe that, unless you place a high premium on the intangible value of "new", you get a lot more for your money. New boats can have their problems, be they manufacturing defects or commissioning issues. You generally get a lot of equipment that can be very expensive to add to a new boat. Dodgers, extra sails, VHF, radar, etc, can add up. By the way, I have the same philosophy about cars and houses.
I love this question. I suppose it ultimately boils down to some basic personal preferences, but I prefer a used boat in good or very good condition. Condition is more important in age. Unless there has been a model change, a 1990 boat in excellent condition is as good as a 95 or 96 and a lot less expensive. In general, I believe that, unless you place a high premium on the intangible value of "new", you get a lot more for your money. New boats can have their problems, be they manufacturing defects or commissioning issues. You generally get a lot of equipment that can be very expensive to add to a new boat. Dodgers, extra sails, VHF, radar, etc, can add up. By the way, I have the same philosophy about cars and houses.
I agree wholeheartedly w/Bob
A used boat is already "broken in" so most of the irritating little bugs that plague new boat owners will probably already have been fixed. You'll also get more equipment in the deal, although don't count too much on electronics since they get upgraded so frequently. BTW, I'd probably go with the 34 given a choice. There are a number of reasons, mostly personal, but the biggie is that it's bigger.
If you find a 32 & 34 that are comparable in condition and price, go with the 34. LaDonna
A used boat is already "broken in" so most of the irritating little bugs that plague new boat owners will probably already have been fixed. You'll also get more equipment in the deal, although don't count too much on electronics since they get upgraded so frequently. BTW, I'd probably go with the 34 given a choice. There are a number of reasons, mostly personal, but the biggie is that it's bigger.
If you find a 32 & 34 that are comparable in condition and price, go with the 34. LaDonnanew or used
to me it's a no brainer. if your a person who has to have everything new, and have the bucks then there's no decision. but if you want to get the best and biggest bang for the buck, go for a GOOD used boat that's been well maintained. it'll have the goodies that you'd spend a lot of time buying at the local west marine, or..... and someone else got the hit for depreciation. however if you buy used and still have bucks to spend, please e-mail me and i'll be happy to help you spend them.
to me it's a no brainer. if your a person who has to have everything new, and have the bucks then there's no decision. but if you want to get the best and biggest bang for the buck, go for a GOOD used boat that's been well maintained. it'll have the goodies that you'd spend a lot of time buying at the local west marine, or..... and someone else got the hit for depreciation. however if you buy used and still have bucks to spend, please e-mail me and i'll be happy to help you spend them.
devil's advocate
Having bought both new and used boats, I think the decision is a little bit tougher than you might think. While anything (almost) on a boat can be changed, buying a used boat invariably means accepting someone's else' compromises. Those decisions might not have been yours. A new boat is a blank canvas, waiting for you to make it uniquely yours. So you can make althe compromises that will someday drive someone else nuts. You decide what gear you want, what brand you want, whether to buy new or used accessories, where and how to install, how to maintain your engine and sails, etc. While that luxury is admittedly expensive, for those of us who tend towards marine-compulsiveness (and what sailor doesn't?) it's worth a lot. I loved the boat I bought used, but did not love that I could never quite get the old name off, the hull hadn't been waxed the way I wanted, the canvas was made wrong... nothing serious enough to keep me from buying it (the boat was, overall, in great shape) but niggling little stuff that I did not have to experience on my new boats. Now, of course, speaking in purely practical financial terms, buying new is nuts. But sailing ain't a very practical hobby to begin with...
Having bought both new and used boats, I think the decision is a little bit tougher than you might think. While anything (almost) on a boat can be changed, buying a used boat invariably means accepting someone's else' compromises. Those decisions might not have been yours. A new boat is a blank canvas, waiting for you to make it uniquely yours. So you can make althe compromises that will someday drive someone else nuts.
You decide what gear you want, what brand you want, whether to buy new or used accessories, where and how to install, how to maintain your engine and sails, etc. While that luxury is admittedly expensive, for those of us who tend towards marine-compulsiveness (and what sailor doesn't?) it's worth a lot. I loved the boat I bought used, but did not love that I could never quite get the old name off, the hull hadn't been waxed the way I wanted, the canvas was made wrong... nothing serious enough to keep me from buying it (the boat was, overall, in great shape) but niggling little stuff that I did not have to experience on my new boats. Now, of course, speaking in purely practical financial terms, buying new is nuts. But sailing ain't a very practical hobby to begin with...new 32 or used 34
Everyone has an opinion and everyone has their reasons based on their history.....Mine, I bought a used 36 in great condition...cept it developed blisters..Don't get it wrong, I loved this boat. It sailed well, was large enough, and it had a lot of equiptment that the previous owner put on her. The equiptment on her wern't my first choices, so that was a compromise.There was no warrantee on the blister problem to fall back on. My new boat is a 380. Its new to me even though its a 1998.(with a transferrable warrantee) Its in great condition,sails great, but again there were compromises. The idea of a new boat, with the equiptment that "I WANT" and no compromises carries a lot of weight. I'v sailed the 32. Its a great boat!!! I'v really never sailed the 34 and I can't knock them....Money aside,------I'd take a NEW 32 over the older 34.....Just one opinion!
Everyone has an opinion and everyone has their reasons based on their history.....Mine, I bought a used 36 in great condition...cept it developed blisters..Don't get it wrong, I loved this boat. It sailed well, was large enough, and it had a lot of equiptment that the previous owner put on her. The equiptment on her wern't my first choices, so that was a compromise.There was no warrantee on the blister problem to fall back on. My new boat is a 380. Its new to me even though its a 1998.(with a transferrable warrantee) Its in great condition,sails great, but again there were compromises. The idea of a new boat, with the equiptment that "I WANT" and no compromises carries a lot of weight. I'v sailed the 32. Its a great boat!!! I'v really never sailed the 34 and I can't knock them....Money aside,------I'd take a NEW 32 over the older 34.....Just one opinion!
c320 or c34
I traded in a c28 for a new c320 last summer so I am biased. I don't think there is enough difference between the c320 and c34 to justify the big price difference if buying new. Also if you are considering used to be able to afford a bigger boat then I would definitly go higher than a 34 because there is just not that much difference between the two except for a larger forward berth. Stan
I traded in a c28 for a new c320 last summer so I am biased. I don't think there is enough difference between the c320 and c34 to justify the big price difference if buying new. Also if you are considering used to be able to afford a bigger boat then I would definitly go higher than a 34 because there is just not that much difference between the two except for a larger forward berth. Stan
Reasons to go new
This is a great topic for debate. In my case I bought a NEW 310 because it's exactly perfect for us, and there simply are no used ones on the market. If that weren't the case, I'd probably consider buying a used boat if it's still relatively new, but I would never discount the advantages of buying a new boat either. For starters, my crew consists of my wife and two very young children, so, the less time I have to spend worrying about, and then fixing, possible sytem failures, the better off I am. Peace of mind is big benefit to me at this stage of the game--not really a luxury at all. Secondly, the boat/house analogy doesn't work. Houses and real estate tend to appreciate in value over the years so buying an "existing" home in a good neighborhood is a great idea. However, automobiles and boats do not appreciate in value at all. So, the seemingly "logical" short term decision would be to buy a "cheaper" used boat that has depreciation already built in to it. But just how logical this decision is over the long haul remains to be seen. Especially if you plan on staying with your purchase for a while. A new boat that you sail for 10 or 15 years might ultimately cost you less to maintain over that period of time than upgrading an older boat would. Plus, you'll probably trade in that older boat much sooner and be on your second "used" boat before you would trade in your "new" boat. So, over the long haul, it might make more sense to buy new and stick with it. It's the same philosophy I employ in buying cars.I always tend to buy new "high ticket" cars that I can be happy driving for 10 or 15 years (200,000 miles or more). I don't need a new car every three years. So I buy and don't lease and over the years, I've found that most of my friends are on their third "cheeper" car before I'm ready to even consider moving on to my second. So, once again, though they initially frown at me when I drive up in a new "luxury" car that's "too expensive" for their taste,10 years down the road, they've wound up spending more money on cars than I have. Hope this little bit of philosophy helps. Kurt
This is a great topic for debate. In my case I bought a NEW 310 because it's exactly perfect for us, and there simply are no used ones on the market. If that weren't the case, I'd probably consider buying a used boat if it's still relatively new, but I would never discount the advantages of buying a new boat either. For starters, my crew consists of my wife and two very young children, so, the less time I have to spend worrying about, and then fixing, possible sytem failures, the better off I am. Peace of mind is big benefit to me at this stage of the game--not really a luxury at all. Secondly, the boat/house analogy doesn't work. Houses and real estate tend to appreciate in value over the years so buying an "existing" home in a good neighborhood is a great idea. However, automobiles and boats do not appreciate in value at all. So, the seemingly "logical" short term decision would be to buy a "cheaper" used boat that has depreciation already built in to it. But just how logical this decision is over the long haul remains to be seen. Especially if you plan on staying with your purchase for a while. A new boat that you sail for 10 or 15 years might ultimately cost you less to maintain over that period of time than upgrading an older boat would. Plus, you'll probably trade in that older boat much sooner and be on your second "used" boat before you would trade in your "new" boat. So, over the long haul, it might make more sense to buy new and stick with it. It's the same philosophy I employ in buying cars.I always tend to buy new "high ticket" cars that I can be happy driving for 10 or 15 years (200,000 miles or more). I don't need a new car every three years. So I buy and don't lease and over the years, I've found that most of my friends are on their third "cheeper" car before I'm ready to even consider moving on to my second. So, once again, though they initially frown at me when I drive up in a new "luxury" car that's "too expensive" for their taste,10 years down the road, they've wound up spending more money on cars than I have. Hope this little bit of philosophy helps. Kurt
Just went through same process
Phil - I just went through the same mental juggling myself, except I was looking at new 29-31 footers. In the end I went with a 9 year old Cat 28 for way less than half what the new boats were going for. I think I got everything I really "needed" for the type of sailing I really do. I found a really nice, well cared for one-owner boat, with the basic features I wanted, and I'm still able to add the touches I want because, contrary to what is typical, this boat did not have a lot of extra equipment on it. It's only been a couple of weeks now so obviously the "New-ness" (for me at least) has not worn off as yet. And, again for me at least, a nice Cat 28 sailing NOW is much better than a 29-31 something maybe sometime years in the future. Now check back with me in maybe 4 or 5 years and see how I feel . . . . .
Phil - I just went through the same mental juggling myself, except I was looking at new 29-31 footers. In the end I went with a 9 year old Cat 28 for way less than half what the new boats were going for. I think I got everything I really "needed" for the type of sailing I really do. I found a really nice, well cared for one-owner boat, with the basic features I wanted, and I'm still able to add the touches I want because, contrary to what is typical, this boat did not have a lot of extra equipment on it. It's only been a couple of weeks now so obviously the "New-ness" (for me at least) has not worn off as yet. And, again for me at least, a nice Cat 28 sailing NOW is much better than a 29-31 something maybe sometime years in the future. Now check back with me in maybe 4 or 5 years and see how I feel . . . . .
What a topic!
Thanks for bringing this topic up- it's exactly what I've been wondering about. I have an additional wrinkle- if I buy the new 320 and put it in charter, the charter company will pay the slip fees for 3 years and probably more if I leave it in charter. Used boats don't get this deal. Any ideas about this concept?
Thanks for bringing this topic up- it's exactly what I've been wondering about. I have an additional wrinkle- if I buy the new 320 and put it in charter, the charter company will pay the slip fees for 3 years and probably more if I leave it in charter. Used boats don't get this deal. Any ideas about this concept?
Kiss a charter boat goodbye
My opinion is that charter boats are used ALOT, by people who don't care about how they treat the boat. Some people may not be that experienced and might do damage that isn't noticed at first glance, but will show up in subsequent years. I've chartered boats in the BVI that were no older than 2 years (Moorings, which is a great company) and the boats had their battle scars. Roc
My opinion is that charter boats are used ALOT, by people who don't care about how they treat the boat. Some people may not be that experienced and might do damage that isn't noticed at first glance, but will show up in subsequent years. I've chartered boats in the BVI that were no older than 2 years (Moorings, which is a great company) and the boats had their battle scars. Roc
I've had 2 new and 2 used
My preferrence would be to buy a GOOD late model used, if you can find one equipted the way you want it. I was fortunate to get very good buys on all my boats both new and used. The last 3 boats that I sold were sold for as much or more than I paid for them. My current boat was purchased new because there were none available used. The bottom line is to buy your boat RIGHT! If you do that, chances are you won't get hurt financially when you go to sell. You must do your homework and know the value of the boats you are interested in. Good Luck! Mark Johnson
My preferrence would be to buy a GOOD late model used, if you can find one equipted the way you want it. I was fortunate to get very good buys on all my boats both new and used. The last 3 boats that I sold were sold for as much or more than I paid for them. My current boat was purchased new because there were none available used. The bottom line is to buy your boat RIGHT! If you do that, chances are you won't get hurt financially when you go to sell. You must do your homework and know the value of the boats you are interested in. Good Luck! Mark Johnson
Buy New
We should encourage the public, who can afford it, to buy new. The more new boats bought now means more used boats in the future. Thank God for people who buy new boats.
We should encourage the public, who can afford it, to buy new. The more new boats bought now means more used boats in the future. Thank God for people who buy new boats.
What you want to spend how
Tough decision - depends on how you want to spend your money - a new boat will cost a lot more which means less money for non boating things. A used one may cost more to equip and fix up in the long run. If you aren't in a hurry then I'd spend the time and find a good one owner used boat that meets your needs, bank the extra money and treat yourself to great shore dinners on the interest. If you are in a hurry and money is not an issue and you plan to hang onto the boat long enough then I'd say go for the new one and have it set up exactly the way you want it. Dave
Tough decision - depends on how you want to spend your money - a new boat will cost a lot more which means less money for non boating things. A used one may cost more to equip and fix up in the long run. If you aren't in a hurry then I'd spend the time and find a good one owner used boat that meets your needs, bank the extra money and treat yourself to great shore dinners on the interest. If you are in a hurry and money is not an issue and you plan to hang onto the boat long enough then I'd say go for the new one and have it set up exactly the way you want it. Dave
After a year they are both used.
The 34 is more boat than a 32. Know matter how much to add to or fix up the 32, it will never be as much boat as the 34. So if you are looking at a new 32 because of price or a used 34, you will want the 34, because boats only get smaller with time. Always, and I mean always buy as much boat as you can afford that meets your boating needs. If the 32 meets your needs, then it is the right boat, if the 34 fits your needs beter, but you like the feel and smell of new, get the 34, the 32 will not satify you for long. Bob
The 34 is more boat than a 32. Know matter how much to add to or fix up the 32, it will never be as much boat as the 34. So if you are looking at a new 32 because of price or a used 34, you will want the 34, because boats only get smaller with time. Always, and I mean always buy as much boat as you can afford that meets your boating needs. If the 32 meets your needs, then it is the right boat, if the 34 fits your needs beter, but you like the feel and smell of new, get the 34, the 32 will not satify you for long. Bob
C34 Has All The Right Traits
Write to Capt. Al in the C34 org. WWW.C34.ORG. He is putting together a list of why we bought a C34 from members. Some of the responces are pretty good. Just recieved another 12 this evening. As a new owner since August you will not find a better boat. Look at the limited supply on the market with over 1300 hulls out there. A husband and wife team can easily sail it with out being abused by the boat.
Write to Capt. Al in the C34 org. WWW.C34.ORG. He is putting together a list of why we bought a C34 from members. Some of the responces are pretty good. Just recieved another 12 this evening. As a new owner since August you will not find a better boat. Look at the limited supply on the market with over 1300 hulls out there. A husband and wife team can easily sail it with out being abused by the boat.
- Status