Re: Accessories add to value of boat?
As we have seen around here, there are some inexperienced boaters who see the sound system and not the motor. They are the same types who buy a car for the number of drink holders. They often have to be towed.
A serious boater will appreciate serious equipment, and will know the cost to rig a boat. (one reason not to by new). A good anchor/chain/line may be more valuable (cost more to buy one) than a stereo. He also knows that electronics don't hold value, but still cost a lot to buy in the first place. For example: your $1,000 GPS with chip, antenna and transponder isn't worth that much at the pawn shop, but if it works and the buyer doesn't need to buy one for a season or two, he may prefer your boat over the next one on craig's list. I think that's what's meant by not adding value but helping it sell-a little counterintuitive but doesn't a good wash and wax do the same thing? Are deals made or lost over a full or empty tank? 80 gallons of gas is worth more than a generic stereo that's been around the salt water a while.
The guy I bought a boat from this spring left me his hand-held VHF--I even suggested he keep it. I quickly bought a mounted one, and I already have 3 hand-helds. Got a cover I'll never use, too. But it made me happier about the sale. In some respect it added value but didn't affect the price.
Another boat I bought this summer just for the motor; I sold the hull and trailer, but first stripped out all the toys, including a spare prop, an $80 VHF antenna for another boat, a fish finder for an old boat, anchor and PFD's for the next boat--it was a rolling yard sale! But it didn't affect my decision; I was buying the motor. But it wasn't a typical sale and I'm not the typical buyer.
I think recreational boat sales are a lot like house sales--there's a tremendous emotional (illogical) component that wouldn't add up in a different commodity.