My last 2 boats have been new and I will explain why.
Let’s say I’m in the market for a new 18 foot aluminum fishing boat. I go into the dealer and see that one set up the way I want it is $65,000.00. Fine, that a bit of money but I’m ok with that.
Now I go look at the used market. I see a barely used 2013 of the same make and model as the new one I looked at. Looks nice and clean. Barely used. The original owner won’t go done below $45,000. So I’m going to save $20,000 and have a like new boat. Probably not. I’ve come to find out that barely used boat in Alberta means the original owner did no maintenance or upgrades and wants to get rid of the boat boat boat before it cost him a bunch of money.
First off as soon as I get the boat depending on weather the bowmount is a 24 or 36 volt I’m going to have to replace all the batteries including the starting and house battery. That’s $1,000 right there. Then I look at the electronics. They are 6 or 7 years old. They are obsolete and can’t be upgraded. So another $3,000 for some basic units. Then I need to do some wiring for all this new electrical gear. $300 here. Then I take a look at the outboards. Original aluminum prop on the main motor. New stainless prop $800. Might as well get the right prop for the kicker $200. Now I check the main motor. Hope the guy changed the leg oil in the last 6 years. Now I check the water pump impeller. Hasn’t been changed. $400. Another $200 for the kicker. Then I look at the trailer. Dang, the bunks have dry rot from being stored in the heated garage. $300. Wheel bearings need done. $200. Need new tires $400. And all this does not include my time in which I will value at $4000 for 40 hours. And I missed a week of boating with my family. Priceless.
So the barely used 2013 boat in the end cost me maybe $10,000 less than a brand new one and I still didn’t get any warranty. A good deal? Not in my books.
I would happily buy a barely used boat. At 50% of new. Otherwise, no way.
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