The First Quarter showed a decline in overall business in the United States. The economy shrank for the first time in three years. The weather is blamed for this and the Second Quarter is showing signs of improvement. It had an effect throughout the entire country. Boat sales were no different. Fewer boats were sold in 2014’s First Quarter than 2013’s.
With this said, we are getting good activity on properly priced vessels. Later model vessels still command the best prices and activity.
Large older sport fishing boats are seeing the largest setback of any other boats. Sportfish owners are selling their boats in order to buy larger center consoles so they can be in the action and save time, fuel, money , and storage costs. Because of this, the sport fishing boat market is flooded, and they are selling at bargain prices compared to years back.
Large well priced center consoles seem to be in high demand. Buyers are missing out on this segment of the boat market trying to find a bargain, and the boats often get sold out from underneath them.
Our advice if you are in the market for a sportfish, let a broker submit low ball offers until you find a match, and if you are in the market for a high end outboard, step up to the plate, inventory is shrinking and prices are rising.