New build slots - yacht brokerage question

[Smithjeb]

Good afternoon -

Does anyone have any insights into if Cat Brokerages actually have new build slots - i.e. do they buy them up and then hope to resale?

I’ve been looking for a Seawind 1370 or a Balance 442 - both of which are sold out for next 3-6 years but I see for sale ads where a brokerage indicates they have access to certain hull #’s……

I’ve mailed several but with little response…is this actually the case. Also, if I wanted to get in line in case someone drops out… what is the mechanism for that…i.e. I’d take over the financial obligation and take their place in line.

Thanks.

[Matt Johnson]

Yes. The broker puts a deposit down on the hull number and "owns" the rights to this build. You're buying this spot. Try calling the brokers instead of email.... They are a primitive bunch

Matt

[Sand crab]

I suspect the brokers in good standing just place their orders for future deliveries, I'm not sure any money changes hands until a buyer is lined up. But with buyers willing to wait years the brokers are on easy street because the buyers have already placed a deposit initially. There are lots of brokers advertising this year's boats but those are just generic ads, you will have to wait.

I got on 2 separate mailing lists for Seawind. Since then there have been some offers for a pre-ordered build slot for an 1160, 1260 and 1600. The 1370 is super hot so there's a slim chance on sliding in there, but it could happen. The Balance is only offered through the Multihull Co and I'm also on their mailing list. An almost new 526 became available about a year ago but was contracted right away. The Balance factory caught fire about a year ago which destroyed some almost completed boats so they had a setback.
So contact the brokers to get first dibs.
There were brand new Lagoons, Leopards, FP etc that have already been ordered with a very short waiting period.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jeb.

[Smithjeb]

Thanks all for the warm welcome and feedback.

I’m 2 years out from last one going to college….

[allied85259]

I have been casually shopping for a 2000ish Beneteau 411. There is nothing to be found. Like the housing market, there appears to be very little inventory. Any predictions as to when boat manufacturers will catch up to demand?

[Jeannius]

Call the builders and check if the agents do really have the build slot booked. When I was buying I had two agents claiming to have slots booked. When I checked only one did.