If you look in any marina, the majority of boats are 30 feet and under. Lets face it, you'll probably find more buyers for amounts of less than $40,000 than over. You might be better off selling smaller boats, more often and less of profit margin, than holding on to something larger, hoping for the great deal; ie. great profit; kind of like selling Timex watches versus Rolex watches. If you watched "The Apprentice" a lot, you have learnt price point is everything.
Boats are like homes in that the more expensive homes take longer to sell than the less expensive homes. I live in an area in which the real estate is always hot, even in a down market; but even here the more expensive homes generally sit for much longer before re-sale. The reality is that there are more people with less money. My favourite
boating magazine is out of the UK called "Practical Boat Owner." Unlike its North American counter
parts, it doesn't waste its time with large boat
reviews. This mag also
reviews many older boats that are still on the market. The average size
sail boat it reviews is 24 feet.
The North American magazines leave you with the impression there are many large boat owners whereas in fact this is a misunderstanding based on mag reviews of large boats. At the Pardey's web site, I think they stated that 98% of all boats owned are less than 20 feet. In 2001, something like 850 sail boats over 35 feet were made and
sold. The magazines give you the impression that number is much higher.
I'd start out with a smaller boat, around 24 - 28 feet and get a feel for the market. Chances are, you'll move that boat much faster. After you've been in the market for a while, you'll have a better feel for it, and by going smaller, risk less money up front.