Buying our first boat - need advice

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

Denise

We are considering buying a used Catalina 310 and need some help in understanding the average depreciation of a used boat. Specifically, we are looking at a 2001 Catalina 310. Is there a rough percentage depreciation you would expect to see on the price of a used boat? If the boat when purchased new was $106,000, and it is in very good condition, what type of reduction in the price should you expect to see?
 
J

John Picot

High Price

I own a 2001 Catalina 310. Great boat, but if the orginal owner paid $106K ! it is over priced. Mine was fully loaded, except dodger and radar and came to $87.5. Think you might want to take a hard look at the asking price!!
 
R

RonD

Suggestions

$106K sounds very high for a used 2001 Catalina 310. Depreciation depends on so many variables, including your locality, that I doubt there is a hard rule. Here's some suggestions: Speak to some local dealers about new Catalina 310 pricing that includes the types of features/extras you're looking for -- base boat + factory/dealer installed options + shipping/prep charges. That should establish an upper market base for you to compare to. The "Blue Book" can also help you establish a pricing "feel," although there probably isn't a large database on used 2001 models yet. http://www.nadaguides.com/SectionHome/Marine.asp?UserID=550713627AA11&DID=37690&wSec=4&wPg=1172 Try the YachtWorld website (below). It lists 2000-2003 model Catalina 320s & 310s currently for sale. You can get a sense of availability & price from it. Check with the various sellers as to what other equipment/stuff they throw in at the selling price. A good inflatable dinghy & outboard can easily be worth a few thousand $$. A CQR anchor & rode for a C310 would cost about $400 new, etc. Hard economic times can create a buyer's market for luxury items (like boats). --Ron
 
P

Phil Decker

It's only $106k with its added equipment

Denise, I toured that boat a week ago in Eastern's yard a week ago, and she's a beauty! (Don't worry, I told my wife we couldn't afford it, and that's that.) When new, the boat did not cost $106k, but the broker is saying it is worth that with added features. She's got a Raymarine combination radar/chart plotter, wind, depth, speed instruments, dodger, bimini, etc. I saw the poop sheet and the calculations. I think a new 310 without the goodies is going for $94k, and Eastern is asking $85k. You may talk them down a couple grand, but it should go for close to $85k.
 
D

Denise

Thanks Phil

Thanks Phil. It was actually another boat that had the original price of $106K. But we do have plans to take a look at the Portsmouth boat too. Glad to hear it was a beauty! Thanks for the feedback, Denise.
 
D

Denise

Thanks Ron

Thanks Ron. I really appreciate the info! Very helpful.
 
R

roger marshutz

financing

Hi: Great Boat. We bought a 2002 for about $91 pretty much loaded. Paid extra for the dodger. When I bought the boat we got a boat loan. I just refinanced my house and put the boat on the loan. My new loan is the same as the original boat loan. My 1st is fairly low. Doing this is not consudered prudent but if we sell the boat later I'll just refi agian.
 
D

Denise

Thank you!

Glad to hear you like the 310. Thanks for the financing idea.
 
B

Bill

You will love it!

The 310 is a great boat and you will love it. Check out the C-310 owners forum and archives as there are a few minor issues that you will want to have addressed before you buy it. The most notable are engine vibration, chain plate leakage and an upgraded rudder limiting assembly. I have hull number 153 and although I've experienced each of these problems they have done nothing to diminish my love for this boat. Good luck! Bill
 
D

Denise

Thanks for the heads up.

We are working out the purchase and sale now and will be scheduling our survey soon. I'll be sure to have the surveyor check out all of the items you mention. We are new to sailing so any tips are greatly appreciated!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.