Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

[Flyboy2000]

Hello All,

I am brand new to this forum, so hello all!

I am just getting back into boating after a 8 year absence. I formerly owned a New 2000 Sea Ray Sundancer. I loved that boat but had to sell for $ to start family...but want to buy an express cruiser again, but this time with a little more cockpit and overall room. I now have two young kids 4 and 7 and would primarily like to keep the boat in a salt water slip..It would be our patio on the water, so to speak and would just be for marina cruising ( wine with friends) and maybe a couple of overnights with the kids. I was wondering where the current boat market is for boats in the 26-30' class? ( want to keep it under 30' LOA) for slip reasons, if possible. I am hoping with the economy still slow that it would make sense to buy now. What might I expect to spend? What boats should I look at? Thanks...


Tony

Dana Point CA.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Welcome to iboats. Adding your location to your sig would help, as boat markets are regional and the NE boats are all wrapped and winterized by now.

In general the entire market is way down and has been for a couple years, so it's a good time to buy. I bought mine in October. At that time, a 27-30' express, 10-15 years old in very good condition could be had for a price in the high teens or low 20's around here (Long Island, NY). I'll have about $20K into mine by next Spring's launch.

IMO, brand quality hasn't changed much in the last 10 years. Searays are still popular and command a higher price than many.

My .02

 

[Flyboy2000]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Thanks John and Linda,

I just added location to my profile. I am located in Southern California. I would like something a bit newer. I think the best deals can be had on boats that are 3-4 years old..That way the original owner took the biggest hit. I guess ultimately I'm in the 30' Cruiser market. Really 26-28'. I guiess my options are Sea Ray, Chaparral, and the Four Winns Vista line... I'd like a good quality boat... So would you say the NADA / Kelley blue book values are accurate?

Thanks..

Tony

 

[lkbum]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

The 280 sundancer is in the range you are looking for (made from about 2002 to current I think). Searay had some problems with twin v-8's in this boat (porpoising) and the standard power became twin v-6's after it's initial release. This made the boat a little underpowered. For your use it would be perfect. A couple of things I did not like about this boat (came very close to buying one), is it has an 8.5' beam and only a single seat at the helm. They almost all came with generator and AC. You can pick these up on the east coast for $50k with low hours if you shop around and they are practically new. I also looked at the equivalent Chaparral, they changed their model numbers from 280 to 290, in the same year range. They have a 9'+ beam and twin helm seat. In my opinion they are a better boat, but Sea Rays seem to have a better resell. The Chap's are a little harder to find. If you look at a slightly older sea ray 290 or 270, I think they were better equiped than their current boats.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Thanks John and Linda,

So would you say the NADA / Kelley blue book values are accurate?

Thanks..

Tony

Uhhh, at best kinda-sorta. As opposed to NADA or KBB for cars, NADA for boats is a 'national' database, doesn't account for local markets, and since so many fewer boats are sold than cars, the 'mean' reflects prices that can really be all over the place.

I'd say NADA value is an okay starting point, depending on your location and time of year... and only if the boat is in really good condition. Every seller insists that NADA is way low, and every buyer insists that it's way high. Many here will tell you that you're nuts to pay anywhere near NADA for a boat in this market.

I for one wouldn't hesitate to pay 'book' for a boat that's 1. exactly what I'm looking for, and 2. in excellent condition for its age. But, that's me

I'm sure this was real helpful....

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

For a decent 26-30', roughly 3-5 years old (low hours, good maintenance), plan on spending around $50,000. That's roughly half the price of new, depending on options. Obviously, if you're looking at potential overnighters, get one with a genset.

Too bad you aren't closer. I know a great one for sale...

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Ayuh... 26' to 30' would mean, Sea Ray, Doral, Rinker, Bayliner, Four Winns , Monterey, Chris Craft, Regal, Wellcraft,Tiara,Cruisers, Formula, just to name a few

If your are looking at 3 to 5 year old express cruisers in this size, you will find a decent one in the $35K to $60K range, depending on what you need. Despite the economy, it is not that good of a time to be buying a used boat, simply because the price of a new one in similar size is 2 to 3 times what a 3 to 5 year old boat will cost you. the catalyst engines, cost of materials, labor etc. have put the price of new boats so high, that used boat prices do not have as much room to move. A quick scan of Boattrader will yield some un realistic asking price for used boats today. 1 year ago, it was much different.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

You can get any number of boats that will do what you want. It really depends what your other qualifications you are looking for. If you just want a good midsize cocktail cruiser and are not concerned about speed, handling, etc., you would be fine with any of those listed above. In fact, you could probably get away with a single engine, although small twins would make handling around the docks easier.

My personal choices would be Cobalt, Tiara, Chris Craft, or Doral. I like to be different, so I tend away from SeaRay, Chap, Crownline, etc., but that's just me. Nothing wrong with any of those boats for what you want to do. Actually, there would be a few lesser known customs I'd go for like Judge or Composite Yacht, but those are more local builders and you are not likely to find one in SoCal.

 

[Flyboy2000]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Wow,

Thank you all for the great replies. So It seems that the $50K mark is about where I need to be...but the asking prices for these boats is about $ 65k to 88k! Holy Mackerel! lol.

I just called the local Marina and found out that my budget will probably only allow a 29 foot max LOA. I was hoping to go with a single engine powerplant for fuel efficiency , but I do think that a twin running at near idle should be plenty fuel efficient for marina/cocktail cruising, and taking the kids out for some air and to look at the seals. So what "asking" price range should I be looking for to actually end up spending $50-$60K? Thanks for all the great replies..

Actually out here it seems there is quite an abundance of Sea Rays and Chaps, but less Four winns ... Doral looks great, but pricey!.

Tony

 

[JoLin]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Searay, Larson, Four Winns, Wellcraft to name a few, all have archival materials on their websites with pics and specs. Four Winns is particularly good about supplying 'performance specs' for their past models with all available powerplant and drive combinations. Yachtworld and Boattrader are great sources of pics and specs too... though the listed prices are usually way out of line.

According to 4Winns, my '97 equipped with twin FI V-6's, posts virtually the same speed and fuel consumption numbers as the single-screw big block model, at every RPM. Of course, maintenance costs are higher with twins.

I'm envious of your budget Good luck!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

These are pretty good manufacturers of cruisers in your size/price range:
Crownline, SeaRay, Carver, Cruisers, Inc, Doral, Wellcraft, Chris Craft, Regal, Formula, Rinker

Bayliner/Monterrey/Maxum also make some cruisers, but they don't have as good of a reputation as others.

Deals can be had on pretty much any boat you like. The twins won't drink much more fuel than a big block in most cases, and will make your life easier around the docks. My suggestion would be to view pictures of as many different models as you can find to find out what layout you like. Most of the sub-27' cruisers have the same (or similar) layout, but the 28+ start to change things up a bit, imo.

 

[lkbum]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Too bad you are not in Georgia, see links.... There are a LOT of boats like this for sale in southern Florida, I've started watching ebay, I was surprised at how many boats are there, a lot through dealers who ship. Check ebay, boats, and then search for sundancer.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/boa/2047351598.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/boa/2122377739.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/boa/2080852602.html

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

These are pretty good manufacturers of cruisers in your size/price range:
Crownline, SeaRay, Carver, Cruisers, Inc, Doral, Wellcraft, Chris Craft, Regal, Formula, Rinker

Bayliner/Monterrey/Maxum also make some cruisers, but they don't have as good of a reputation as others.

1.) Carver does not make a boat since mid 80's less than 30' So they are out.
2.) Wellcraft no longer makes a 26' to 30' express cruiser. You will have to go back to late 90's to find one. Not the year you are looking for, so they are out.
3.) Chris craft made some great 28'to32' cruisers in the late 90's but they no longer make an Express Cruiser, and based on your 3 to 5 year old requirement, they are out.
4.) Maxum made some decent cruisers in that size range, but they are no longer in business. Still a possibility for you.

Everyone has their opinions, but Monterey should be put in the same level of quality and reputation as Sea Ray, Regal, Four Winns. Bayliner and Maxum were price point boats built by Brunswick, very similar in build quality and duplication of design and features, so the Maxum line was shelved.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

A good example would be my brother's boat (here in central Fl).

He bought it brand new and spec'd to order in late 2006. 28' Rinker (29' LOA) with a single 8.1L big block and VP Duoprop outdrive. Boats runs >50mph on GPS. Has Sirius radio and all other options such as a/c, microwave, separate berths, etc. 5.7 KW Kohler genset. Full factory canvas, carpet, etc. Boat was over 90K new.

Boat has roughly less than 200 hours on it, lift kept, and all maintennace done under warranty by authorized dealers. He's asking 55K and can't get any bites. It's a buyers market.

 

[Flyboy2000]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Thanks for the update on the manufacturers. I did not know that Maxum was gone, but as you said , if it is the same manufacturer...it makes sense to consolidate. I Definately would like to be lower on the price, it would save me grey hairs on the monthly payments... So is it fair to say that the actual market is about 50-60% of the new list price? .. That seems like "lowballing".. But I have found out in other hobbies..( i.e..Used Harley Davidson Cycles) That some owners have not figured out the "realities" of the market..

29' LOA seems to be my limit... for slip purposes..

I'm looking forward to this purchase adventure and really enjoying re-discovering boating ..this time WITH my family..

Tony

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

I'm dreaming of the same size boat myself, SHMBO wants more space than our Carver. Me not wanting to suck up the beating I'll take for the dough I've put in my current barge vs. the prices I see for a nice 3 yr old 290 Chap is the only thing that's kept us from doing it. $50K would make me jump, my local market for anything quality is $80K.
My point being there's deals out there but they probably aren't in your back yard if you're like me in a mountain desert with a small market for boats in that range. When I buy the next one, I'm betting I'll have to plan on travel time for sea testing/survey and transport in my cost. I'll have many more boats to consider however, so when I do fall off the wallet, I'm expecting to incur extra costs to get what I want.

 

[Flyboy2000]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Yep,
The Rinkers sure look nice.. I am lucky because I can travel on my wifes airline passes for free. So I'm not too much against looking in other states for good deals, I just don't know how much cash to transport the boat back to California? Most of the boats in my size range ARE trailerable...but a bother trying to find a trailer ..but again ..I would consider if the boat was in super condition and the price was right.


Tony

 

[JoLin]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

You mentioned 'lowballing'. IMO, and I think many here will agree, there is no such thing.

I've purchased my last 2 boats by putting an offer on the table that was significantly lower than what the seller was asking, but reflected what the boats were worth to me. In both cases my offer was refused (the owner of my Four Winns was somewhat insulted). I just kept shopping. Both times I was contacted within a couple of weeks to negotiate. Both times, I politely refused, and let the sellers know that I was still actively shopping (which I was). Know what? Both offers were accepted within 4-6 weeks of my making them.

Four Winns 278 Vista's from the same 'series' as mine (94-99) routinely list on Yachtworld for anywhere from the high $20K's to mid $30K's. Those prices are nuts. I bought mine in good shape for $15K.

Bottom line, a boat is only worth as much as someone will pay for it. I did a little looking around on Boattrader and Yachtworld last night. The market is simply glutted with 5 year old boats. Don't worry about the asking price. Find boats you like and make your offer.

My .02

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

Yep,
The Rinkers sure look nice.. I am lucky because I can travel on my wifes airline passes for free. So I'm not too much against looking in other states for good deals, I just don't know how much cash to transport the boat back to California? Most of the boats in my size range ARE trailerable...but a bother trying to find a trailer ..but again ..I would consider if the boat was in super condition and the price was right.


Tony

If you can save $5000 on a great boat by flying for free, renting a trailer one way and getting it home for (roughly) $2000, then you still scored!

 

[lkbum]

Re: Where is Current(used) Boat market? 26-30'

If you want an idea on shipping costs, contact these guys. They are in FL, but will help to get a feel for costs.... This Ebay link is good for a couple more days... Has a nice 290 sundancer and shipping info also
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-Sea-Ray-290-325-Sundancer-LOW-RESERVE-WE-EXPORT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d3Q26poQ3dLVIQ26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d5829821167038427800QQ_trksidZp5197Q2em7QQcategoryZ80652QQitemZ250744205003

Boats International, Inc. 771 W Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Phone: +1.954.788.2900 / +1.954.588.9736 or email

We are licensed exporters and ship worldwide as well as domestic. Competitive rates on CE-certification, Shrinkwrap, Cradles, and worldwide transport.

Boat located at our store in Pompano Beach, FL (Atlantic Blvd & I-95).

Boats International, Inc. 771 W. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060
+1 (954) 788-2900 www.boatexport.com
skype: boatexport e-mail: click here