good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

[stackz]

I want to say I've heard that sea pro or sea hunt are actually well built boats but that they just simply depreciated compared to other competitive brands.

well it may not be either of these but I want to say it was a brand that has "sea" in the name and is still actively manufacturing.

been getting more and more into the hunt for a new"er" boat now that I sold my old one and obviously looking for deals. we are wanting to get either a DC or CC between 18' to 20' that will more than likely be kept for several decades and obviously repowered a couple times here/there.

we want to be able to go where we want in the charleston harbor and out to the jetties, pull tubes, go shrimping every now and then in the fall...a good all around boat.

the wife likes the DC boats but is also not discounting the CC boats as long as they have a nice flat top at the bow that can either have a cushion made...or comes with a cushion (wants to sun bathe).

I personally have been looking at key west, scout, and such but I keep wanting to say there's a brand that just depreciates but is built just as well. anyone have a clue or have I just been hearing things in threads here/there?

 

[agallant80]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

I would be more worried about condition. The best made boat will fall apart if nigelected and the worst made boat will last a long time if issues are taken care of promptly.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

Its all about condition

 

[robert graham]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

Check out Boston Whaler Boats....expensive up front but hold their value with an almost cult-like following....

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

I'd agree with Bubba except as to Boston Whalers. They are legendary. But to address part of your question, they also do not depreciate unless they are damaged.

The "sea" boats-and there are about a dozen, but excluding SeaRay--are all known by reputation as good solid well made and well designed mid-level boats. There are brands with higher standards and often that shows up more in the finishes and fittings. For example, my sea hunt's cup holders were plastic and eventually failed; I replaced them with stainless. No big deal. But for this reason and since they start out mid-level they depreciate on the market.

Another factor on apparent depreciation is that once you get a good CC you aren't likely to sell it except to move up (or move to the old folks home). A good condition boat for sale on the coast will sell by word of mouth or so quick on the lists that you never see them if you blink. The ones you see may have issues, or just are tired or neglected somewhat, so they are priced lower.

Sea Pro is out of business but that doesn't really matter with an older boat. Sea Hunt is going strong. Sea chaser is made by Carolina Skiff, a great company except they screwed the pooch with a pontoon design. In the same category are the Key West and Scouts and old proline's. Old mako's were good; not so with the new ones I've heard. Palm Beach is repectable but they tend to be somewhat lightweight--which isn't necessarily bad.

When looking for advice for this type of boat to be used where you are, disregard the lake boaters. Used lake boats and used salt boats are as different as chalk and cheese.

I use a 21' Sea Hunt CC around Norfolk/chesapeake bay/rivers and it's a great family boat for exactly what you want. I use a 19' carolina skiff J series (flat bottom) and a 17' bay boat (key west) on the barrier islands--inside and on the flats and inlet. There are advantages and limitations for each, so ask around your neighbors on the water who know what they are doing and consult your local fishing/boating forums.

 

[saumon]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

Like anything else, it's a matter of budget and you usually get what you pay for. As Home Cookin' said it, if they stay solid, they'll depreciate less. And if, as you said, you plan to keep it "for decades", Boston Whaler come to mind. Are you looking for a new boat or a used one?

In the used market, the Boston Whaler Outrage 18 is hard to beat, and may survive several repower:

here's a really nice one For Sale 1987 Outrage 18

two others, in need of a repower here and here

For a new one, if money was no object, you have plenty of choice: Boston Whaler, Edgewater, Everglades, and so on...

 

[vollymall]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

Home Cookin' nailed it. You might be thinking of Sea Pro, as they are out of business. I have one and love it. Sea Hunts are everywhere for a reason. You will pay more for the Key West.

Also, check into the CCs. They make great family boats, generally have a removeable cushion for the bow, and will be a lot easier for you to locate as there are so many more of them than the DCs.

 

[Ober51]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

I love the look of the Boston Whaler Outrage. The only thing I would want (see: fiance would want) is more of a place she can lounge in the bow. Do they make a BW that has that look but has more of a flat spot with cushions? I am seriously in love with the look of that boat.

 

[saumon]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

Teak gunnels are awesome!

 

[Sashav]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

I think brands count only for brand new boats, I would not worry for the brand of a new boat, but how it was maintained and its current condition.

 

[dan02gt]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

Check out Boston Whaler Boats....expensive up front but hold their value with an almost cult-like following....

I would put Grady White on that list too.

 

[saumon]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

I would put Grady White on that list too.

...and old Mako.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

I love the look of the Boston Whaler Outrage. The only thing I would want (see: fiance would want) is more of a place she can lounge in the bow. Do they make a BW that has that look but has more of a flat spot with cushions? I am seriously in love with the look of that boat.

you'd need to get a larger boat to have more lounging area up front, for Whaler or other brands. My girls find the built-in seating in the bow of my sea hunt is great for sitting and sunning (21' triton); the flared bow helps. I had planned to get cushions but never got around to it and they are fine with a couple of "throw" pfd cushions.

 

[stackz]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

what jumps out at you guys about this boat?

http://www.***************/boats/20...onsole-2699207/MOREHEAD-CITY/NC/United-States

oh instead of the ***** (what?) use yacaworld.co (abreviated and name changed lol)

I mean at a glance the only thing I see is a missing seat cushion on one of the console seats. Other than that it looks in good shape. dont see any signs of rust stains and such. My wife likes the bow canopy too lol.

If its overpriced/underpowered I have no clue at this point but will be looking into book value today. which book value should I look at? nada or kbb? or is there another more boat oriented valuation system?

is the engine on it a good one or a known issue-prone engine?

dry weight says 2200lb, with a full tank @ 496lb, thats 2696lbs. does the dry weight include the trailer weight and the engine weight? if not, how much would you estimate to add for both of those? I'm thinking 500lb for each for a total of 3700ish-lbs would be right?

my truck can pull 5,000lb (max of 5400lb but I like to give wiggle room for safety sake). Morehead is about 7 hrs via highway away from me but I can always pull it on back highways at slower speeds if need be, doesnt bother me.

this is all hypothetical at this point though as I'm trying to get a plan together in my head.

 

[stackz]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

and then I see these:

Used 2000 Sea Pro 210 Center Console, Virginia Beach, Va - 23451 - BoatTrader.com
Used 2002 Sea Pro 210 Cc, Hilton Head, Sc - 29926 - BoatTrader.com
Used 2000 Sea Pro 210 Center Console, Georgetown, Sc - 29440 - BoatTrader.com
1999 Sea Pro 210CC

 

[vollymall]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

Sea Pro 210 is a nice boat, IMO. I'd get a boat with a Yamaha (or maybe an e-tech) instead of any Mercury. Not saying there is anything wrong with a Merc but in this area (I am an hour north of you) Yamaha is much more popular, and may affect your eventual resale value. The one in Hilton Head may be worth a road trip to look at depending on the price.

 

[stackz]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

yeah, I'm liking the features of this particular model of boat if you cant tell by now lol. I just like the overall layout and such on these.

My last engine was a mercury and, as stated above, we intend to keep the boat itself for quite a while. helped my neighbor repower his yamaha powered wellcraft this past summer and once whatever boat I get needs repowering, thats what I'm going to do as well.

doesnt really bother me what motor is on the boat now as long as it runs good. I'll run it till it falls apart and then repower with a yamaha engine...obviously starting with one with a yamaha would be better as I'd have the gauges/controls already but its not a deal breaker for me.

the one in hilton head is a no-go. they are firm on the price and it doesnt come with a trailer and they want $2500 for a used trailer for it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

boat weight does not include the trailer. Sometimes it includes the motor, sometimes not.

 

[stackz]

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

so what would you think the trailer and motor averages in weight across the boats above?

I'm looking mainly into the one in georgetown, sc.

I mean I helped with a 150hp and 200hp yamaha and they "felt" about 500lb or so. the trailers look to be around 500lb maybe 700lb? either way I think I'm still well within my tow limits.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: good boat brands that simply depreciate but are still solid boats?

the yamaha performance bulletin lets you plug in your boat and get all kinds of info. If they don't have sea pro, just use a similar size sea hunt triton.
Performance Bulletins | Yamaha Outboards

my 21' SH triton is matched with a 150 and that is a good size engine for it. Could handle a few more horses but high speed is not a factor for coastal boating. A friend has a 21 sea pro/yam 150 like the ones you are looking at, single axle trailer; he drove it from Richmond to Hilton Head behind a Sequoia (or maybe suburban) and made it but said it was like arm wrestling the whole way, so a dual axle may be better if you plan to do a lot of trailering.