What is the cruising boat market like?

[Dan Best]

We own a wonderful cruising boat, a Kelley Peterson 44, and have cruised it to the S. Pacific and back, but for the last few years, it has sat basically unused. Anybody know what the market for this type of boat is like? We're debating whether we should clean it up (sanding, varnish, etc.) and try to sell it, but are clueless whether we'd be better off holding on to it until this whole Covid thing is over.

[tenchiki]

So where are you, and where would you plan to sell it?

[Calif.Ted]

Spoke with a friend who's a broker yesterday, he's pretty much run out of boats to sell, so market is good right now in So. California. Sell it now, unused, uncared for boats rarely appreciate.
He also thinks that he will sell many of those boats again within a year when new clueless owners meet reality.

[Fore and Aft]

Calif.Ted that sounds like a few brokers l have spoken to here in Australia. For many of my latest customers it's just an alternative to going overseas this year. I imagine once they have had a few trips and the borders open then the boat will be back on the market.
Cheers

[Dan Best]

Originally Posted by tenchiki

So where are you, and where would you plan to sell it?

The boat's at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club in the San Francisco Bay.

[tenchiki]

Originally Posted by Dan Best

The boat's at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club in the San Francisco Bay.

oh, I know where that is, I used to know someone who lived on a houseboat there (friend of a friend). Haven't been there in a really long time! Did they ever get around to fixing the road?

[Chotu]

The Spanish language has a perfect little description of the boat market.

En fuego!

[Dan Best]

Originally Posted by tenchiki

oh, I know where that is, I used to know someone who lived on a houseboat there (friend of a friend). Haven't been there in a really long time! Did they ever get around to fixing the road?

Actually, the yacht club moved a number of years ago. It's now in Pt Richmond, at the end of the Santa Fe Channel and near KKMI.

[Zzmeyer]

Just sold two boats, one listed before Covid, the other since it started. Both sold during. One in California, one in Maryland. Both brokers said market is solid. Both warned, and were correct, you will get low ball offers to see if you are desperate. I think "clean" anything (cars, boats, ex wives) get better offers than "as is". If it were me, I'd spend a little to make it look great and list it if you are interested in selling. Your boat is a very popular model.

[barnakiel]

I would hold off.


I think many buyers are on hold, boats, cars, homes, you name it.


barnakiel

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

I would hold off.


I think many buyers are on hold, boats, cars, homes, you name it.


barnakiel

That's where I thought things would be. But they're not. Many people with money have no job impact and are looking for ways to vacation. Motor homes, camping equipment, house sales, boats, are all way up in many markets. It's a surprise, but it's how it's going right now in many markets. I'd guess SF is one of those markets with plenty of people with money burning a hole in their pocket. Big tech stocks have been hitting historical highs for months now.

To the OP: strike while the iron is hot. Sell now.

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by mvweebles

To the OP: strike while the iron is hot. Sell now.

Agreed that it seems like a hot market for good boats, and that there's quite a bit of bored money looking for new toys.

To the OP, why has the boat been sitting idle the past few years? Do you expect or want to do that sort of cruising again soon? If not... sell. Maybe get a smaller boat for cruising your local waters, weekending etc.

[Fore and Aft]

MVWeebles I was in our local camping store the other day and a salesman was telling me it's like christmas time with all the shoppers. Judging by the empty shelves I am pretty sure he was telling the truth.
Cheers

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by mvweebles

That's where I thought things would be. But they're not. Many people with money have no job impact and are looking for ways to vacation. Motor homes, camping equipment, house sales, boats, are all way up in many markets. It's a surprise, but it's how it's going right now in many markets. I'd guess SF is one of those markets with plenty of people with money burning a hole in their pocket. Big tech stocks have been hitting historical highs for months now.

To the OP: strike while the iron is hot. Sell now.

OK. I see.


Here (EU) the market is not dead but not alive either. Stagnant is I think the word.


In our marina (some 100 boats, many for sale) nothing has been sold ever since the whole story began.


If US market is well alive, sure sell now.



b.

[Calif.Ted]

You'd think everyone would be putting off major purchases but I'm gonna be really pissed off if I land in a hospital bed before spending all the money I've worked so hard for.
I had to replace my wife's car, she "liked" the Lexus, I told her I couldn't feel comfortable spending more than necessary on a car and bought her a CRV. It's time to replace the Honda and I'm starting to wonder what would bring me the most joy over whatever time remains. A healthy bank account or one of those new Jaguar convertibles, gotta say the Jag is growing on me.
If I didn't already own a boat I'd be getting one now and I'd spend more than I did on this one.