New boat owner questions (maybe)

[Suza]

Hi,

I've done some sailing over the years and want to buy a boat. I've taken an intermediate sailing course also. I've been looking at boats for a few years and think a 30-35' is what I want. Probably a Hunter. Prices vary of course on condition and age etc. But what I'm finding is that in many cases with older boats, the price used is more then the original sale price. For eg.

a 1988 33'Hunter new in 1988 was $46,900 US. That would have been around $57,000 CDN. These days the same boat is around 40-60k CDN. Can someone explain why?

Thanks

[Capn_Druid]

Well, two reasons.

First, the cost of boats has gone up. If you look at a NEW (2010) Hunter, you'll see the used one is much less. I paid almost as much for my 1973 Crown 28 as it cost new!

Second, used boats are usually WAY more well-equipped than a new one. I'd bet if you bought that boat new, but added all the stuff that's on it now, it would be substantially more than the $60K.

Anyway, a used boat, if well taken care of, is just as good (usually better, given the extra equipment, fixing of bugs, etc) as a new one, except of course, for that "new-boat smell"

BTW: before you go Hunter, check out a Beneteau or an Ericson 30. Both better built than a Hunter, imho. I wouldn't go Catalina 30, though. Also, an older, better-built boat is often a better way to go than a newer, cheaply-built one. But that's just me: Hell, I bought a 35-yr-old boat!

Let us know how it goes!

druid

[little_laker]

Isn't it that way for cars and just about everything else.
Sure, they take a BIG hit right off the showroom floor, however if you own it for 6+ years most cars start going up in value again, as the new car prices go up. If you hold onto it long enough, and keep it looked after one day it'll rise above the original sticker price. Some cars just take longer than others.

[Lorne]

Hookers too???       

lol Lorne

[Suza]

So we did a minor check over of the Hunter today. Noticed some stress cracks below the stairs to the galley and in front of the engine compartment. Had to take the stairs away to notice it. Any idea what might cause stress cracks there? Engine vibration maybe? Also the coolant in the engine was quite rusty and tasted a bit sweet / salty. Supposed to be fresh water for cooling. I will be getting a proper survey including the engine but just thought I'd pass this info on to see what people think.

Thanks

[Lorne]

Rusty as in particles floating?.  Not good at all!  The freshwater coolant should have a mixture of antifreeze in it I would think.

Lorne

[Suza]

Yes the coolant had antifreeze I would think due to the sweet taste. But the salty taste says it's not fresh water I would think.