New or Used?

[Tim]

Used

It seems the overwhelming majority of responses to this great question are to buy used. My guess is the users of this forum tend to be more do it yourselfers which could explain this.I personally strongly prefer a Good Old Boat. I am realtively new to the sport (and am completely and totally hooked, I have found my passion) and have only owned used. All have been 1970's boats, first a 16' ODay, then a 22' Venture and now a 29' Ericson. I love the older designs, much prettier in my estimation and generally very well built. While all have required some work there was nothing major and I love the feeling of bringing a boat back.The 22' Venture was the worst, filled with water and rotting in a field. A sound hull and rig and some enjoyable (mostly, scraping bottom paint was no fun) work on it and it is now a proud vessel.I am especially excited about getting my Bruce King designed Ericson on the water in a few months, I am counting the days!

 

[Steve]

New/Used

Sailing; the most expensive way of travelling third class . . .Boats are expensive, period. Buy new and the costs are all up front, with lots of time getting the bugs out. Buy used and the costs are spread over time, both in cash and inconvenience.I say it definitely depends on use. If live-aboard or heavy use, buy new. Otherwise, a good used one should suit you fine.

 

[Sanders]

high maintenance hobby either way

In the size you are considering, I believe you would get more quality by buying a used boat than a new production model. In my experience I ended up with a cruise-worthy 20-year-old 37 ft cutter instead of a newer 30-foot Bay boat for the same initial dollars. I'm glad I did, even though there's a lot of upkeep.But it depends, as has been pointed out, what you will use it for. If you are planning to stay close to home, and money is not a big issue, I'd suggest buying new, and smaller. But if you want to take off, then a well used boat can bring you higher comfort and less shakedown problems.But all but the smallest boats require copious amounts of money, whether new or used. I carefully planned my boat expense for retirement, based on lots of research, and have found the real costs exactly double what I expected. It hasn't hurt too bad, but it got my attention.No whining here: I remain glad I did it and would not change the decision.Try chartering the boats first, if you have time. I know the Island Packets are available in Port Charlotte, and the Hunters in Miami. Might be worth taking the time.Good luck  Sanders

 

[Dennis]

Either way!

Either way you go, you will no doubt want to make those personal changes, that make it your boat!

 

[Tom S]

Getting a 1-2 year old boat is best in my opinion

I think the biggest ammount of depreciation is in the first year or so, and then it flattens out as the newer models are getting more and more expensive each year.If a boat is only a year or so old unless it was unbeleivably badly cared for, its almost new anywayNot too mention all the first year "fixes" you have to take care of when buying new. I don't care if you are buying a Hinckley, you'll still have them. Purchasing used lets someone else deal with those teething painsThe biggest problem is finding a "newish" boat like this for sale, but if you are patient you'll be able to find one. Typically a "distress sale" such as divorce, etc, etc. Or someone buys a sailboat out of the blue and then realizes its not for them.Thats how I got my one year old 1999 C36 at almost a steal. Its held up its value very well and with all the 'goodies' I've put on it is worth more than what I paid for her and thats 5 years later. (reason is the new C36's are much much more these days, but no different in features from my boat, so buying new doesn't buy any new features like a swim platform transom, etc).Looking at a Tartan and Sabres they lose a LOT of value the first year, but once that initial drop in price from new, they too hold up thier value well. Don't know if I'd ever buy

 

[Bad Obsession]

Slightly used

I agree with the slightly used theory. Another added benifit is that the usd boat will probably have some extra gear added that won't cost you extra. After you bought the new boat, there are still things that you will add to customize the boat to your liking. The slightly used boat will come with some of the nice items that you would have had to put the extra expense on.