Used Nautique boat values this spring/summer?

[ideal303]

Do you think the price of a used nautique wil go up, stay the same, or go down as we get towards spring/summer? I know traditionally the price would increase, but what happens when all the people waiting to list their boats in the spring/summer to get more money do so and the buyers can't keep up?

Two things I take into consideration:

1)I think Correct Craft boats will always have a higher demand then many other ski boats on the market but are not immune to the poor economy.

2)Nautique owners are more likely to be able to hold on to their boats instead of being forced into a cheap sell.

I'm Both an owner and a buyer. I would like to upgrade to a 210 and sell my boat. I'm not sure if I should buy now and sell later this summer or sell now and buy later. Thank you

[Nautiqueman]

RE: Used Nautique boat values this spring/summer?

Condition is the number one factor in determining value on a used Nautique, then the next is the price range of the boat. Over 40K is getting killed in this economy in my opinion. I suggest you sell then buy. I did the opposite, and have a 196 and a 220. But, I am looking forward to the summer as I have the best of both worlds for water sports.

[awluxllc]

prices will go up on the Nautiques and all used boats....as people are not buying new anymore....far more people will not be buying new i should say!!

[cotton]

I just spent a month trying to figure out exactly what you are asking and was surprised at how well these boats are holding their value, especially the older ones. Whether or not they will continue to do so obviously remains to be seen but I went ahead and bought now since the model I was searching for, the 206, was not as readily available. Especially within driving distance from my home (1,000 miles one way for me). This was not the case for the 196 however.

Another issue for a newbie like me is the NADA values are not even close to the asking prices in almost all cases. While there was no need for financing, resale was a consideration so I ended up going from a budget of $25k and willing to spend much less for a year model as far back as 1997, to spending much more on a promo (how about this goofy logic for justification to buy an almost new boat?). But as the days get longer and the temps get higher it will be interesting to see what the market does and only time will tell whether or not this was the correct choice. Either way, we are looking forward to warmer weather.

[ffmedic74]

I think that most used boats $35k plus are getting are dropping as compared to last year and people are in the same situation as the housing market. They paid more than prices are going for and having a hard time letting the prices adjust downward.

[DavidF]

Well, I am a two boat owner right now and am waiting for the spring buying season to unload my '93 SN. Hope it works. I listed the boat end of last summer for $12,500 and within 5 days had an offer for $11,500 cash. I turned it down...stupid mistake.

[Nautiquehunter]

What is more important to you a cheep price or the prefect boat?
In the long run it wont make a lot of difference a few thousand either way.
Its like trying to time the stock market. The most thing is to get the boat you really
want the value is in the enjoyment not the cost or resale. Remember its just a hole in the
water you throw money into.

[cotton]

I think that most used boats $35k plus are getting are dropping as compared to last year and people are in the same situation as the housing market. They paid more than prices are going for and having a hard time letting the prices adjust downward.

You're probably right. But a question is will Correct Craft do as the dumb Builders did and keep manufacturing boats regardless of the market. From what I have read here and elsewhere, this isn't the case. Also, what kind of pressure do the promo guys have to get a new model regardless of whether they sell theirs or not? Do they risk losing their deal?

[cotton]

Remember its just a hole in the
water you throw money into.

Good point. Just like hunting, if you have to justify it it, you'll quit.

[GoBig]

What is more important to you a cheep price or the prefect boat?
In the long run it wont make a lot of difference a few thousand either way.
Its like trying to time the stock market. The most thing is to get the boat you really
want the value is in the enjoyment not the cost or resale. Remember its just a hole in the
water you throw money into.

Well said, I cant agree more. I bought my second Nautique last October. In hindsight, had I waited a few more months, I could have probably got a similar 210 for about $3K less. BUT, I found the exact boat I was looking for down to my most desired color combo. I couldn't be happier with the purchase. In my opinion, it was still a steal compared to where prices were at when I started looking in Spring '08! I would still pay the additional $3K for my boat today.

Bottomline, I think prices will be all over the map this Spring/Summer. There will be some steals out there for sure. But I think well maintained used Nautiques will still command top dollar. For Buyers, if you set your budget based on what you can comfortably afford then just be patient and wait for that perfect boat to come along, you will not regret your purchase. For Sellers, don't be desperate if you don't have to be. Price your boat relative to your market but be ready for low ball offers. Just make sure people don't waste your time and get free rides if they are looking for a steal "because of the economy." Yon B. is out there somewhere ready to buy your 2008 210 for $30K!

[NCH2oSki]

Prices will go down. There are fewer 1st time boat owners moving into the market and existing boat owners are leaving the market. I feel like I probably have lost aprox 3-5K over what I should be able to sell for, if I was marketing my boat.

[wakeboard1]

GoBig - You are right about the low ball offers. I have a 2001 Super Air for sale and I wish I had a dollar for everyone who shoots me an e-mail offering $20,000. I am looking to upgrade to a 230, but there is no way I am going to give my boat away. We will have to wait and see what the market brings as it gets closer to summer. I think what we will see is newer boats taking a huge hits and older boats staying about the same. Most of the older boats should be paid off by their owners and they should not have to settle for a low ball offer.

[GoBig]

wakeboard1 - I checked out your '01 SAN posting, that is a beautiful ride! Immaculate 210 with 314 hours for $29,500, that is very reasonable. Anyone offering you $20K needs to be given directions to the nearest Bayliner dealer. That is ridiculous. Good luck with the sale!

[ideal303]

I have been looking at 210's.. I found a brand new 2008 for 49K from a dealer.. But I like the older hull wake.. Then I see ppl trying to sell an 05 210 for 53K on boattrader.. The prices are truly all over the board.. especially when I just saw an 06 210 sell for 36k.. and another one sell at 39k.. I want to buy the right boat for me and I realize its better to pay just a little bit more and get what you want for the long run.

Anyone have any first hand knowledge of what 05-06 SAN 210's in good shape are actually being sold or bought for.. not what people are selling them for... or what NADA is pricing them at. Thanks

[wakeboard1]

You will see most of them priced from $35-$39,000 (2005/6). You should then be able to negotiate them for a few grand less. I know of a 2004 that was listed for $36,000 and sold for $32,000. Also, it really depends on the area. They are much cheaper in Florida and California.