My wife and I are interested in a Hunter 260. The local dealer has one in stock (a 2000, I think) which in a very brief meeting he priced out with a trailer, outboard and bottom paint at about $26,000. (This is without any goodies like roller reefing.) My questions are: Do dealers deal like car dealers? Are there better times to buy, since we can wait? Does $26,000 sound like it is in the ballpark? Thanks for any answers.
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newvs used
Yes they can dicker on the price they are in the business of selling boats not flooring them. Be sure to go look at used boats they can be a great deal because many of them have had all the bells and whistles added and the initial depreciation taken. Even if you do go for the new boat you will begin to know what options you want, one of them being a 9.9 4 stroke outboard with a high output alternator to keep your batteries chared while on a cruise I really liked my Yamaha.
Yes they can dicker on the price they are in the business of selling boats not flooring them. Be sure to go look at used boats they can be a great deal because many of them have had all the bells and whistles added and the initial depreciation taken. Even if you do go for the new boat you will begin to know what options you want, one of them being a 9.9 4 stroke outboard with a high output alternator to keep your batteries chared while on a cruise I really liked my Yamaha.
Sellers market
Most factories are back logged with orders, so it is a seller's market. You can probably get some concessions from your dealer but if you _really_ want a screamin' deal wait a few years (?) until the economy really goes into the tank.
From what I hear, the used market is even tougher for a buyer than the new boat market, as people who don't want to wait months for new boats are looking used. Ultimately, it's not an investment. If you like it, buy it, and get the best price from the dealer you can. Make him an offer and see what happens. Let us know how it turns out.
Most factories are back logged with orders, so it is a seller's market. You can probably get some concessions from your dealer but if you _really_ want a screamin' deal wait a few years (?) until the economy really goes into the tank.
From what I hear, the used market is even tougher for a buyer than the new boat market, as people who don't want to wait months for new boats are looking used. Ultimately, it's not an investment. If you like it, buy it, and get the best price from the dealer you can. Make him an offer and see what happens. Let us know how it turns out.
I'd buy used
You can get a lot more boat in the used market. For $26,000 you can buy a much higher quality used boat than the 260. How do you intend to use the boat? If you plan on weekend cruising, maybe the occasional week vacation, I'd look for a somewhat larger boat with standing headroom and marine head with holding tank. Have fun whatever you decide!
You can get a lot more boat in the used market. For $26,000 you can buy a much higher quality used boat than the 260. How do you intend to use the boat? If you plan on weekend cruising, maybe the occasional week vacation, I'd look for a somewhat larger boat with standing headroom and marine head with holding tank. Have fun whatever you decide!
Slightly Used
There are many H260/H26 boats that are several years old and have seldom seen the water. We bought a 4 year old H235 and I'm not too sure the jib sail had been out of the bag. It needed bottom paint because it sat out of the water for 2 years. If you can find one of these new/used boats, you can save enough money to buy the 'gadgets'. The H260 is an excellent choice if you intend to trailer it and there is a large used market in them too. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
There are many H260/H26 boats that are several years old and have seldom seen the water. We bought a 4 year old H235 and I'm not too sure the jib sail had been out of the bag. It needed bottom paint because it sat out of the water for 2 years. If you can find one of these new/used boats, you can save enough money to buy the 'gadgets'. The H260 is an excellent choice if you intend to trailer it and there is a large used market in them too. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
New is nicer
My experience was that used boats for the most part were not kept up the way I'd like. For the money I didn't find a better new boat than the 270. Scott B
My experience was that used boats for the most part were not kept up the way I'd like. For the money I didn't find a better new boat than the 270. Scott B
And besides
it doesn't seem you're likely to find a used 260 (check the classifieds) for a better price than what you're quoted for the new one! It seems that most used boats are at least 20 years old and may be in need of sails, engine, bottom work, etc.
it doesn't seem you're likely to find a used 260 (check the classifieds) for a better price than what you're quoted for the new one! It seems that most used boats are at least 20 years old and may be in need of sails, engine, bottom work, etc.
The Hunter...
I liked the 260 at the Annapolis Boat show a couple weeks ago. This past week I was invited to sail the 260 for two days and fell in love. Now, both my wife and myself want one very badly. With the options I want, the price tag was $33,000. Quite a bit more than the price of my first house 30 years ago. So yeah, I'm having a problem with it. I think I'd be happy with a used one, but haven't found any as yet. I'll look for a while and probably give in and buy a new one. I was told there's a long waiting list for the Hunters... So, how long should I wait??? decisions, decisions, Good Luck!
I liked the 260 at the Annapolis Boat show a couple weeks ago. This past week I was invited to sail the 260 for two days and fell in love. Now, both my wife and myself want one very badly. With the options I want, the price tag was $33,000. Quite a bit more than the price of my first house 30 years ago. So yeah, I'm having a problem with it. I think I'd be happy with a used one, but haven't found any as yet. I'll look for a while and probably give in and buy a new one. I was told there's a long waiting list for the Hunters... So, how long should I wait??? decisions, decisions, Good Luck!
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