With the boat show season underway, the idea of moving up, down, or sideways into another boat seems to fill the minds of many sailors. The first decision is the biggest: new or used. Buying a new boat certainly has its advantages -- and a few disadvantages. On the plus side, you may be buying a boat with the latest in hull and rig design, sail design and materials, as well as getting a boat equipped with all the latest navigation, safety, and operation technology. It's a blank canvas and you get to paint it how you wish. But a new boat is going to be more expensive than a similarly sized used boat. It may also have a number of problems to resolve with the dealer or perhaps on your own. And, of course, buying a used boat is not without its perils, as well. While the initial cost may be less than a new boat, what will it cost to bring it to your standards? Does it have any hidden defects that didn't turn up in the costly pre-purchase survey? And how much damage did the prior owner do in do-it-yourself upgrades? In the end, there is no free lunch. How to do you compare the issues of buying a new boat versus buying a used one? What has been your experience with both? Tell us about what you think: new or used? Then take the Quick Quiz on the homepage. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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There's a lot to like on both sides of the fence
There was a time when I would have looked disdainfully at a new boat, preferring instead to be proud of my total ownership of a "traditional" craft. Since then, I've discovered that some new boats can offer the best of both worlds. I've seen boats fresh from the builders with all the traditional features I've come to love in "older" boats - namely LOTS of teak, for one thing! More now than ever before - money talks, and if you are lucky enough to have it, you can get what you want. As for me - I have no money to talk - so I'm happy as a clam with what I do have - a "traditional" O'Day! Bill on STARGAZER
There was a time when I would have looked disdainfully at a new boat, preferring instead to be proud of my total ownership of a "traditional" craft. Since then, I've discovered that some new boats can offer the best of both worlds. I've seen boats fresh from the builders with all the traditional features I've come to love in "older" boats - namely LOTS of teak, for one thing! More now than ever before - money talks, and if you are lucky enough to have it, you can get what you want. As for me - I have no money to talk - so I'm happy as a clam with what I do have - a "traditional" O'Day! Bill on STARGAZER
Used for me
I've owned a number of used boats in many years of sailing. All were great boats that returned great value. All sold for what I paid for them -- or more. Unless money is no object (are there real people in that category?), used boats represent one of the best values around. Every one I know who bought a new boat spent the first two years trying to get fixed what the builder or broker didn't do right the first time. Many spent the next two years trying to sell their newish boats at a great loss....
I've owned a number of used boats in many years of sailing. All were great boats that returned great value. All sold for what I paid for them -- or more. Unless money is no object (are there real people in that category?), used boats represent one of the best values around. Every one I know who bought a new boat spent the first two years trying to get fixed what the builder or broker didn't do right the first time. Many spent the next two years trying to sell their newish boats at a great loss....
Prefer New
Out of six boats purchased in 27 years, five have been new. The one used I purchased was nicknamed the "Albatross" as that's what it was for many reasons. So I opt for new rather than used and have been pleased with the service on my new boats.
Out of six boats purchased in 27 years, five have been new. The one used I purchased was nicknamed the "Albatross" as that's what it was for many reasons. So I opt for new rather than used and have been pleased with the service on my new boats.
I've had both
I have owned several used boats and one new one. The new one a Catalina 30 we bought at a good price and sold for more than we paid 4 years later. Mostly the used boats that we have owned have already depreciated the lions share and have had a lot of extra equipment added by previous owners. Thank god that many want to buy new boats, otherwise where would we get the used ones. Bill
I have owned several used boats and one new one. The new one a Catalina 30 we bought at a good price and sold for more than we paid 4 years later. Mostly the used boats that we have owned have already depreciated the lions share and have had a lot of extra equipment added by previous owners. Thank god that many want to buy new boats, otherwise where would we get the used ones. Bill
Used for me, too
I echo Bill. There does seem to be a lot of great used boats on the market. I would look for one that has recently been through a professional re-fitting, with electronics and gear brought up-to-date. There seems to be great value in the used market. If I could afford taking a bath on a new boat, I might consider it. There are always a lot of stories that go around about people whose fortunes have changed, and the new boat gets sold in desperation for half price. I don't want to put myself in that situation.
I echo Bill. There does seem to be a lot of great used boats on the market. I would look for one that has recently been through a professional re-fitting, with electronics and gear brought up-to-date. There seems to be great value in the used market. If I could afford taking a bath on a new boat, I might consider it. There are always a lot of stories that go around about people whose fortunes have changed, and the new boat gets sold in desperation for half price. I don't want to put myself in that situation.
I'll take new
I've had 4 used and 2 new boats. Yes, I have to do things to the new boat to make it the way I want it. On the old boats I had to undo or re-do the poor jobs done by the previous owners and I probably would not have chosen the brands or models of accessories they installed. I prefer to start with something that hasn't been cobbled up. As for prices, I believe my 'almost new' boat will loose very little value because of the increasing prices of new ones. It looks like the spring 2006 Hunter 33 is going to be about 10 percent higher than my 'old' 2005 model. Those higher oil prices effect a lot more than gasoline. Even trucking from the factory has gone up substantially.
I've had 4 used and 2 new boats. Yes, I have to do things to the new boat to make it the way I want it. On the old boats I had to undo or re-do the poor jobs done by the previous owners and I probably would not have chosen the brands or models of accessories they installed. I prefer to start with something that hasn't been cobbled up. As for prices, I believe my 'almost new' boat will loose very little value because of the increasing prices of new ones. It looks like the spring 2006 Hunter 33 is going to be about 10 percent higher than my 'old' 2005 model. Those higher oil prices effect a lot more than gasoline. Even trucking from the factory has gone up substantially.
Never thought about it.
Let's see, built my ski boat new (had to, it was too powerfull), bought my first sailboat new (too small), traded for my E29 the next year (new too), then 9 years later my H34 (new too). Hmmm, all tenders new too. I didn't think I was that kinda buyer,,,. I've had a couple of used cars but more have been new, including this one.
Let's see, built my ski boat new (had to, it was too powerfull), bought my first sailboat new (too small), traded for my E29 the next year (new too), then 9 years later my H34 (new too). Hmmm, all tenders new too. I didn't think I was that kinda buyer,,,. I've had a couple of used cars but more have been new, including this one.
If I won the lottery
I would have to make the hard choice: buy a brand new boat with all the stuff I want, or simply take my old boat and take it to the best yard around and tell them to fix everything. As much as I lust after the new boats, particularly the special ones like the Wylie designs, I really feel at home tucked into the bunk of my 1979 Cherubini cutter. Fixed up, I'm convinced it would be the best boat I could find. It meets my needs and makes me happy. What molre could I ask. Sanders s/v Good News
I would have to make the hard choice: buy a brand new boat with all the stuff I want, or simply take my old boat and take it to the best yard around and tell them to fix everything. As much as I lust after the new boats, particularly the special ones like the Wylie designs, I really feel at home tucked into the bunk of my 1979 Cherubini cutter. Fixed up, I'm convinced it would be the best boat I could find. It meets my needs and makes me happy. What molre could I ask. Sanders s/v Good News
Can't beat the value of a used boat
I have very recently bought a 1994 Hunter 26 so my opinion is backed up with my actions. A new comparable boat, such as the new Hunter 25 would have cost me about $45-50,000 equiped like the older 26 that I bought for 14 grand. If money was not an important consideration I would have bought new, probably the new Seaward 26 RK, but for most of us that struggle a bit to have a boat at all, the great value that comes with an older boat cannot be beat. On that same note, my old boat, a MacGregor 25, was sold to a young couple that probably could not be sailing if they had to put out the cost of a new boat. New is great if you can afford it, but used is what puts me out on the water.
I have very recently bought a 1994 Hunter 26 so my opinion is backed up with my actions. A new comparable boat, such as the new Hunter 25 would have cost me about $45-50,000 equiped like the older 26 that I bought for 14 grand. If money was not an important consideration I would have bought new, probably the new Seaward 26 RK, but for most of us that struggle a bit to have a boat at all, the great value that comes with an older boat cannot be beat. On that same note, my old boat, a MacGregor 25, was sold to a young couple that probably could not be sailing if they had to put out the cost of a new boat. New is great if you can afford it, but used is what puts me out on the water.
Buying a new boat...
...is a losing proposition. A well maintained used boat is by far a better value. I'm one of those people (known hereabouts as a frugal Yankee) who believe that debt is evil, house mortgage excepted. I prefer to pay cash; no financing here. Not for a boat, a car, or any other liability. Started with a small boat and worked my way up in just a few years without taking very much out of pocket. Yeah, the new boat has some advantages. Just like a new car, you have the new boat smell. You can install and modify as you see fit. And, you don't have to correct someone else’s shoddy work. The biggest disadvantage (unless you're independently wealthy) is the huge monthly nut. I couldn't sleep at night knowing I had that kind of debt hanging over me. Another biggie is depreciation. I'm comfortable where I am. And I know what you economist types are thinking...here's a guy who is doing nothing for the economy. That may be so, but I'll always sleep peacefully. Cheers, Bob
...is a losing proposition. A well maintained used boat is by far a better value. I'm one of those people (known hereabouts as a frugal Yankee) who believe that debt is evil, house mortgage excepted. I prefer to pay cash; no financing here. Not for a boat, a car, or any other liability. Started with a small boat and worked my way up in just a few years without taking very much out of pocket. Yeah, the new boat has some advantages. Just like a new car, you have the new boat smell. You can install and modify as you see fit. And, you don't have to correct someone else’s shoddy work. The biggest disadvantage (unless you're independently wealthy) is the huge monthly nut. I couldn't sleep at night knowing I had that kind of debt hanging over me. Another biggie is depreciation. I'm comfortable where I am. And I know what you economist types are thinking...here's a guy who is doing nothing for the economy. That may be so, but I'll always sleep peacefully. Cheers, Bob
Personally prefer new.
All my boats were bought new. I’m kind of picky when it comes to the condition of a boat. I looked at a used C320 at one time. When I saw hair and soap residue in the shower drain, I decided right then to go for a new boat. I haven’t even used the shower in my current boat. There could be more tangible benefits to buying a new boat by knowing that the engine has not been overheated or otherwise abused. You also know the maintenance history for all other items as well. New boats do come at a premium, but if things like the above items are important to you and you can afford it, then new may be the way to go.
All my boats were bought new. I’m kind of picky when it comes to the condition of a boat. I looked at a used C320 at one time. When I saw hair and soap residue in the shower drain, I decided right then to go for a new boat. I haven’t even used the shower in my current boat. There could be more tangible benefits to buying a new boat by knowing that the engine has not been overheated or otherwise abused. You also know the maintenance history for all other items as well. New boats do come at a premium, but if things like the above items are important to you and you can afford it, then new may be the way to go.
I MADE A CHOICE "THIS MONTH" ALREADY...
I sold my 1992 Mac 26C, and moved up to a 1999 Mac 26X (mint shape, 30 hours on engine, sails used about 3-4 times) << all for half the price of a NEW BOAT. FINDING a good "USED" boat is RARE...but "POSSIBLE"...just use patience (after all...Patience is a VIRTUE) !!
I sold my 1992 Mac 26C, and moved up to a 1999 Mac 26X (mint shape, 30 hours on engine, sails used about 3-4 times) << all for half the price of a NEW BOAT. FINDING a good "USED" boat is RARE...but "POSSIBLE"...just use patience (after all...Patience is a VIRTUE) !!
Nice car
Hey Fred, The Camaro looks wonderful but isn't that the back end of a Porsche 944 in the background? Is that one of your toys too? Tomm
Hey Fred, The Camaro looks wonderful but isn't that the back end of a Porsche 944 in the background? Is that one of your toys too? Tomm
Tomm thanks!
Yeah, that was my wifes car. It's sold. She has a new Solara convertible, BRIGHT RED JOHN! I completely, totally disliked the Porsche. We were stuck with it for 13 years, mostly because we built a new home and had a mortgage. Man am I ever, with Bob on the hatred of being in debt. We have sacrificed to no end to pay off the mortgage. We haven't done much except rebuild Epitome' in the last ten years. Well, we did cruise the tropics too, but it was tough. And I always planed to pay cash for a new car, but,,, the Porsche was toast and my 4x4 was tired and interest rates are low so what the hell.
Besides, we have an extra 40K or so a year to spend on them. The new Duramax diesel is incredible. But these are toys bought with disposable income because we have NO mortgage! We're Free!
Yeah, that was my wifes car. It's sold. She has a new Solara convertible, BRIGHT RED JOHN! I completely, totally disliked the Porsche. We were stuck with it for 13 years, mostly because we built a new home and had a mortgage. Man am I ever, with Bob on the hatred of being in debt. We have sacrificed to no end to pay off the mortgage. We haven't done much except rebuild Epitome' in the last ten years. Well, we did cruise the tropics too, but it was tough. And I always planed to pay cash for a new car, but,,, the Porsche was toast and my 4x4 was tired and interest rates are low so what the hell.
Besides, we have an extra 40K or so a year to spend on them. The new Duramax diesel is incredible. But these are toys bought with disposable income because we have NO mortgage! We're Free!I'm with Bob
Bob seems to revive a deeply ingrained feeling in all of us who have had to labor long and hard to acquire and who are still so laboring...A pleasure boat, especially a sailboat, is a thing of beauty and pleasure...but no more than that. If the cost of a new boat "thing" causes me to wince in pain or doubt, I would rather pass it up. so it is with the new boats I see at every boat show. I fall madly in love with 3 or 4 boats that I see at the shows but then after a couple of nights of reflection together with a nice sail on my "old" 1985 34 footer I come to the realization that the experience of the new boat would not justify the cost factor of times 4 over my current boat. I am sure that when the time comes to "up" or "down" the size of my boat, I will for these very reasons only consider a recent used boat. Nomar
Bob seems to revive a deeply ingrained feeling in all of us who have had to labor long and hard to acquire and who are still so laboring...A pleasure boat, especially a sailboat, is a thing of beauty and pleasure...but no more than that. If the cost of a new boat "thing" causes me to wince in pain or doubt, I would rather pass it up. so it is with the new boats I see at every boat show. I fall madly in love with 3 or 4 boats that I see at the shows but then after a couple of nights of reflection together with a nice sail on my "old" 1985 34 footer I come to the realization that the experience of the new boat would not justify the cost factor of times 4 over my current boat. I am sure that when the time comes to "up" or "down" the size of my boat, I will for these very reasons only consider a recent used boat. Nomar
The social class divide rears its ugly head...
There's a remarkable civility that pervades sailing magazines and forums; rarely to people talk openly about the obvious gap in income that dictates the choices people make in this sport. Sailors seem to be at peace with what they can afford and content to watch others who can afford much more do their thing. Still, I think the question here has to be considered in terms of the great income divide. Most people in this country who are considered middle-class can afford to own a house and a car or two, but few of those would be able to add a new boat at the prices we see today. "New" boat ownership is a game for the upper-middle class (think doctor, lawyer, large business manager, etc.) and those of us below that face a choice of used boats or very small new boats (runabouts and trailersailers). It's much more this way with boats than with cars, where even a blue-collar income can buy a lot of new sports car. So we should understand that the answers to this question will be much more dictated by economic limitations than by strategic choices (i.e., maintenance and control over features). It would be interesting to see what a survey might show about income and boat value--especially if powerboats are thrown in the mix.
There's a remarkable civility that pervades sailing magazines and forums; rarely to people talk openly about the obvious gap in income that dictates the choices people make in this sport. Sailors seem to be at peace with what they can afford and content to watch others who can afford much more do their thing. Still, I think the question here has to be considered in terms of the great income divide. Most people in this country who are considered middle-class can afford to own a house and a car or two, but few of those would be able to add a new boat at the prices we see today. "New" boat ownership is a game for the upper-middle class (think doctor, lawyer, large business manager, etc.) and those of us below that face a choice of used boats or very small new boats (runabouts and trailersailers). It's much more this way with boats than with cars, where even a blue-collar income can buy a lot of new sports car. So we should understand that the answers to this question will be much more dictated by economic limitations than by strategic choices (i.e., maintenance and control over features). It would be interesting to see what a survey might show about income and boat value--especially if powerboats are thrown in the mix.
Kids College Tuition
Used, in my mind is the only option for a sailboat, given the low level of maintenance required by current day 'glass boats. I looked for 18 months before buying, just last month, an 1984 27ft Catalina for less than $6000. Diesel purrs, survey came back w/ minor issues (e.g. latches broken, cushion covers worn), 5 sails are in fair to good condition. I want to introduce my kids to sailing before they go off to college, so this purchase was the compromise. Definitely need folks to buy new so I can move up in size in 2015 when all the kids will be out of college.....oops, forgot about graduate school!!
Used, in my mind is the only option for a sailboat, given the low level of maintenance required by current day 'glass boats. I looked for 18 months before buying, just last month, an 1984 27ft Catalina for less than $6000. Diesel purrs, survey came back w/ minor issues (e.g. latches broken, cushion covers worn), 5 sails are in fair to good condition. I want to introduce my kids to sailing before they go off to college, so this purchase was the compromise. Definitely need folks to buy new so I can move up in size in 2015 when all the kids will be out of college.....oops, forgot about graduate school!!
The way I see it
I have to say I agree with the drool factor when I look at the nice new boats at the shows. But as I look at getting something to liveaboard on and to sail the North South route up and down the east coast and into the Carribean in a few years - one thing to consider is just how much longer I can do it if I don't spend the big bucks for the new boat. I figure every $1000 I save buys me roughly another month on board. I've always had used boats and have never invested anywhere near the cost of the new one - even getting them brought back up to snuff.
I have to say I agree with the drool factor when I look at the nice new boats at the shows. But as I look at getting something to liveaboard on and to sail the North South route up and down the east coast and into the Carribean in a few years - one thing to consider is just how much longer I can do it if I don't spend the big bucks for the new boat. I figure every $1000 I save buys me roughly another month on board. I've always had used boats and have never invested anywhere near the cost of the new one - even getting them brought back up to snuff.
used, for different reason
Unless your interest is pure race, I think that the first thing a boat should do is make your heart flutter when you walk down the dock and catch your first glimps, and should compell you to turn for a last look on the way back home. A boat should be a love afair ... a thing to YOUR eye of grace and beauty. I suppose my age is showing, but many of the new boats don't make my heart flutter. So odds are it's used for me. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Unless your interest is pure race, I think that the first thing a boat should do is make your heart flutter when you walk down the dock and catch your first glimps, and should compell you to turn for a last look on the way back home. A boat should be a love afair ... a thing to YOUR eye of grace and beauty. I suppose my age is showing, but many of the new boats don't make my heart flutter. So odds are it's used for me. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
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