Ownership Costs

[Edwin]

I appreciate the thought lcap. I still question the pricing you received. Let's see - I place a phone call to the local MC / CC / 'bu dealer, say I'd like to buy a new XXXX. They come back and tell you it's gonna cost $xxx. Do you honestly believe that they sell many boats at the quoted price (except for the left over stock they're offering no payments for 6 months)? It's not representative of what the buying public is paying. More importantly, when was the last time you saw a CC, similarly equiped I add, the cheapest option of the leading 3 brands? Rarely, if ever, does CC have the lowest acquisition price.

Believe what you want...

[NCH2oSki]

Quote from DB: I can buy a new Correct Craft, use it for 6-8 years (or until they come out with hull design that is much better) and sell it for almost the same price as I paid.


Can you let me in on the secret of how to do this? I would love to buy a boat that after 8 years or a hull change doesnt depriciate.

[lcap]

I have been buying boats for decades, not days. I understand how to "play" the numbers game. The prices for the MC and Malibu's were as low as they would go. Both knew and did lose sales to CC because the prices quoted where higher than CC.

I own houses in different dealer territories for CC, MC and Malibu. Consequently, I was able to obtain multiple quotes from multiple dealers--in person.

Edwin,

Since you are convinced Malibu is so much cheaper than a CC, quote a comparable Malibu to a SAN Team edition with the following options:
Tandem Axle Trailer, Towable Cover, Heater, Shower

Lets make certain you do not play the a-la-carte game: options are like for like; Perfect Pass, Tower, Tower Racks, 330 hp engine or equal, fiberglass platform, hull color, extended warranty to five years, etc.

[lcap]

NCH2oSki,

Can you let me in on the secret of how to do this?

You are already doing it; research.
Pick the best boat for the discipline you are interested in.
After you decide the discipline, find out what boats make the "best" wake for it. Then Review the owner's fourms for the manufacturers you are interested in, talk to the dealers, ask questions.

Let the dealers know you are looking at brand x and y and request a ballpark quote.

Research NADA and Boat Trader for information on salvage values. Compare salvage to purchase price and you have the answer to your question.

To make sure you don't lose too much; purchase in the winter (before boat shows), avoid trendy colors--basic colors in simple schemes will always sell. A bad color scheme may cost up to $10,000 in salvage value.

Camp and Promotional boats are also an excellent opportunity to play for free.