Starcraft boat market?

[ShoestringMariner]

So I’ve been watching my local Kijiji (Canada‘s version of craigslist) and Facebook marketplace ads.

I’ve noticed that the 16 foot and 18 foot Runabouts are the hot items, especially Supersports. Which I understand in this climate. Right now everybody is nearly sold out of new boats and motors. It’s nearly impossible to get anything good used.

but what I am finding surprising is the islanders don’t seem to be moving. Either in project form or usable/restored. Perhaps some of the restored or newer versions are fairly expensive, but what isnt in this current market?

Do you think it’s size and configuration is a contributing factor? The majority want a family boat and not as many looking for utilitarian type of cuddy?
(when I say utilitarian, it’s because the StarCraft are more of a fishing based boat, not a comfy or more feature laiden fibreglass relaxing-lounging type of boat.)

 

[Moserkr]

In CA (cali) there are 16’ supersports and 18’ holidays, restored, selling for $7-8k. Then there are islanders that are 20 years newer, in great condition, not selling when they are only asking $10k...

You are correct that its the utilitarian nature and size. But its also the look - they are purpose built and most people dont find them nearly as attractive as lots of the newer fiberglass boats. Id also wager that more people want a family fun boat over a cuddy cabin fishing boat.

 

[GA_Boater]

It's been 11 years since Starcraft built Islanders. If they were a still a hot ticket, the annual catalog would carry them. Markets have changed a lot and the Islander style from all builders has fallen out of favor.

 

[Scott Danforth]

a stereo, sparkly paint and vinyl surfaces sell more boats than aluminum did.

the islander style of boat went out of favor as a fishing rig as the center console boats are gaining popularity.

 

[mattsteg]

I’ve noticed that the 16 foot and 18 foot Runabouts are the hot items, especially Supersports. Which I understand in this climate. Right now everybody is nearly sold out of new boats and motors. It’s nearly impossible to get anything good used.

I'd imagine that the 22fters are hot as well, but might not stay on the market long...Probably Mariners in addition to Supersports.

a stereo, sparkly paint and vinyl surfaces sell more boats than aluminum did.

the islander style of boat went out of favor as a fishing rig as the center console boats are gaining popularity.

Nothing stopping anyone from rockin' a sparkly, pumpin' vinyl-finished islander.

I'm kind of interested in what overall trends in fishing are driving the transition to CC from cuddy boats in general. Both styles have such pronounced (and different) strengths and weaknesses. Are people fishing that much differently? Or were they just not really using the cuddy in the first place...

 

[sidingguy]

Here in the Great Lakes area ,the Islander was a great salmon boat.Lots of them were seen trolling big water for kings and coho. Then the salmon population declined.Walleye exploded in the shallow waters of Erie and Saginaw Bay and so did the number of smaller glass walleye boats[glitter boats].I will take my Islander any day over those especially when it gets nautical 5 miles off shore!The cuddy hold a porta potty for emergency times.
I may not be the first guy to the honey hole but I will get back to the launch safe and dry.

 

[mattsteg]

Here in the Great Lakes area ,the Islander was a great salmon boat.Lots of them were seen trolling big water for kings and coho. Then the salmon population declined.Walleye exploded in the shallow waters of Erie and Saginaw Bay and so did the number of smaller glass walleye boats[glitter boats].I will take my Islander any day over those especially when it gets nautical 5 miles off shore!The cuddy hold a porta potty for emergency times.
I may not be the first guy to the honey hole but I will get back to the launch safe and dry.

I come from what's long been dual-console aluminum boat land (northern MN). The glitter boats have definitely made inroads there as well, best I can tell (without real changes in the underlying fisheries). We're also seeing more high-end tiller boats, but the most common workhorses are still the dual-console boats.

I see the Islander as a very focused on trolling boat. An outstanding tool for the job if you're trolling the big water, but if you're mixing things up...then a bit compromised for other techniques. For sure a trolling-focused fishery declining or shifting to a more multispecies (or different species) or diversified-technique fishing would definitely drive a shift.

 

[dingbat]

Interesting read (perspective) for a guy who fishes walk around (22’) and center console (25’) “glitter” boats both inshore offshore.

The market for well equipped, offshore capable, “family friendly” fishing boats has really taken off over the past 10 years. The trend certainly has filtered down to the freshwater scene as well.

 

[mattsteg]

Interesting read (perspective) for a guy who fishes walk around (22’) and center console (25’) “glitter” boats both inshore offshore.

The market for well equipped, offshore capable, “family friendly” fishing boats has really taken off over the past 10 years. The trend certainly has filtered down to the freshwater scene as well.

I think that's absolutely a trend, but "family friendly" is also a bit of a moving target.

 

[sidingguy]

Flip back my bimini,keeps the sun ,rain, sleet off and keep fishing,May thru November on Saginaw Bay.

 

[dingbat]

I think that's absolutely a trend, but "family friendly" is also a bit of a moving target.

You are correct, one size doesn't fit all which is why they make multiple configurations of the same model.

From my perspective, a boat that lets me fish a tuna tournament in the morning... come home, hose the blood out of the boat, throw the cushions back on the seats and take my wife and in-laws out for dinner and a cruise that evening is about as family friendly as it gets.

 

[dingbat]

Flip back my bimini,keeps the sun ,rain, sleet off and keep fishing,May thru November on Saginaw Bay.

Hardtop with full enclosure.
March thru January.......Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean

Prime Striper season begins late November and runs until water temps push the bait too far south (to travel) or out beyond the 3 mile limit. Typically mid to late January.
Season kicks back into gear late February, early March.

 

[motley crew]

In CA (cali) there are 16’ supersports and 18’ holidays, restored, selling for $7-8k. Then there are islanders that are 20 years newer, in great condition, not selling when they are only asking $10k...

You are correct that its the utilitarian nature and size. But its also the look - they are purpose built and most people dont find them nearly as attractive as lots of the newer fiberglass boats. Id also wager that more people want a family fun boat over a cuddy cabin fishing boat.

 

[motley crew]

id be happy to take any unwanted starcraft cuddys

 

[ShoestringMariner]

id be happy to take any unwanted starcraft cuddys

Me too!!

 

[Moserkr]

Theres an 18’ 1956 chieftain for $3500 near mammoth lakes here in cali. Not free but looked decent. Owner said he didnt want to sell it twice in the post lol. Dont see too many starcraft out here, and the cuddys are rare. Most like the ss and cc.

 

[Unrooly1]

I just sold my spare Islander project. Was the strangest situation.
Listed it for sale at $5000 and within an hour and a half there was two serious buyers. Both wanted it at my price just from the photos I posted and between a three way text message agreed that they would each send me an offer and I could sell to whoever I wished.
I have never been in a situation like this before and thought both guys were nuts but what the heck.
Sold the boat for $7200.00 and it was the easiest sale I have ever made, even delivered the boat for free.
Younger family man who grew up with an Islander was thrilled and happy he bought it.
Dont know where the money is coming from these days.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

I just sold my spare Islander project. Was the strangest situation.
Listed it for sale at $5000 and within an hour and a half there was two serious buyers. Both wanted it at my price just from the photos I posted and between a three way text message agreed that they would each send me an offer and I could sell to whoever I wished.
I have never been in a situation like this before and thought both guys were nuts but what the heck.
Sold the boat for $7200.00 and it was the easiest sale I have ever made, even delivered the boat for free.
Younger family man who grew up with an Islander was thrilled and happy he bought it.
Dont know where the money is coming from these days.

Inheritance or people wanting what they want as long as they have it to spend. I wonder if many feel it’s a last hurrah between covid and the western world losing its wealth.