Hey all, So I'm thinking of getting a fishing boat...well a combo fish and ski. My preference is for aluminium, but I'm not committed or anything. What I really want to know is which brands hold their value. I know of a few like Lund and Starcraft. But really don't know any of the reputations. When I buy things, I want to get good value but I also want to get something that, if ever I need to sell it, there's demand. Like Stihl or Husky saws, Honda engines, etc. Speaking of Honda...any 2c to throw in on Honda versus Mercury etc...I'm open to general rules. Thanks.
the only 2 days a boat owner is happy the day he buys and the day he sells................. Bust Out Another Thousand A hole in the water you throw money in. OK I am finished good luck with your new boat and I hope you have a lot of fun with it. Disclaimer; I grew up on Long Island and was raised with a 33' wood hull Luhrs amongst others and my vivid memories are scraping and red leading the hull every year. Then I had a steel hull boat more of the same. Fiberglass just rides like crap after you drive a wood hull boat. Also made my living on the water for years. Moved to Ohio in 1990 and never even considered ever getting a boat again.
I have a 19' Star Craft I bought for fishing on Big Bay DeNoc. When I was shopping I also considered a Fisher a nice boat but the local dealer thought it was gold plated or some thing. Lowe boats are well repesented in this area also. I would first look and see what is dealer lots on the used market. Ones a year or two old are gotten rid of for a reason. I really having heard much good on Alum craft other than they are cheap. Al
Crestliner used to be one of the few with a fully welded hull instead of riveted. Not sure if this is still the case. As far as 4 stroke outboards go you would have a hard time talking me out of the Yamaha. No boat holds value btw.
Thanks...by hold value, I mean goes down less. I find with some brands, no matter the product, there's always a couple that are in greater demand in the used market. So if you have to sell, you have an easier time if it's brand XX vs. brand YY.
Investing in a boat is $$$$$$$$$ unless it is like a little aluminum fishing boat. After the newness wears off, unless you are avid fisherman etc, the boat sits a lot. The motors are high maintenance. None of the accessories are cheap.
i'm getting some consistent messaging here....boats = money pit. that's been at the back of my mind ever since I started looking. and if I'm being honest...I would not get the use out of it that justifies the purchase price. pulling the plug on this one.
Boston Whalers hold their value real well. You can usually find an 80s-90s hull with a 2000+ motor in the 60 horse range for around $8-$10k. I personally love the Dauntless hull, Ive seen them in the 14-16' range for $6-$10k. Use it for a few years and if you arent impressed list it up for the same you bought it for. Classic whalers like the Montauk in particular hold value very well...
