Best Boats For Resale: Top Picks With Best Value

When it comes to boats, there are several factors that determine their resale value. The condition of the boat is paramount, with mechanical, rigging, and cosmetic aspects all playing a role. A well-maintained boat with a reliable engine will fetch a higher price. Location also matters, as the supply and demand dynamics in different areas can impact pricing. The type and brand of the boat are important, with larger boats, powerful engines, and well-known manufacturers often commanding higher resale values. Amenities like towing equipment can retain value, while electronics tend to depreciate quickly. Saltwater boats generally depreciate faster due to corrosion, and certain brands, such as Everglades and Yellowfin, hold their value better in saltwater environments. Upgrades and maintenance can significantly enhance a boat's resale value, making it appealing to potential buyers.

Bowriders

Four Winns H180 OB

This affordable runabout has been a winner since its introduction in 2010, offering excellent features such as a tilting steering wheel, a full-sized walk-across swim platform, and a premium set of engine gauges. It also includes a Bluetooth-enabled iPod/MP3 port with two speakers, a swing-away tongue, and a welded-tube trailer, all for under $25,000. The H180 OB allows for customization, with the option to choose the gelcoat and interior colour schemes.

Bayliner Element E16

The Bayliner Element E16 is one of the most affordable bowriders on the market, priced at less than $15,000. It features Bayliner's innovative M hull design, which provides exceptional stability and a surprisingly large bow cockpit. The boat is roomy, with swim platforms and two-tone vinyl cushions, and includes a 25-quart Igloo cooler. The Element E16 can comfortably seat six passengers and comes with a 60HP Mercury outboard and a trailer.

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck

The Sea Ray 220 Sundeck is a spacious and luxurious bowrider that can accommodate 12 passengers. It is powered by a MerCruiser 5.0 MPI engine, allowing for impressive cruising speeds. This boat comes with all the frills expected from a Sea Ray product, including an enclosed toilet and a high-end entertainment system. The Sea Ray 220 Sundeck is an all-time favourite that retains its value over time.

Larson LX 225S IO

The Larson LX 225S IO stands out for its solid VEC construction and powerful 300-hp MerCruiser engine. It features an iPod-MP3-enabled entertainment system and a Shorelander trailer with disc brakes. The boat offers ample space, an extended swim platform, and exceptionally comfortable cushions. The sleek design of the 225S IO ensures bump-free cruises, and it can seat up to 10 passengers.

Cabin cruisers

Boston Whaler 285 Conquest

The Boston Whaler 285 Conquest is a versatile and durable cruiser perfect for long fishing trips. It offers a smooth ride even in rough waters and can sleep four people comfortably. It has a private head compartment and a galley, providing a homely experience. There is ample seating space, and its Mercury Verado outboard allows for decent cruising speeds.

Four Winns V375

The Four Winns V375 is a 37-foot cruiser that offers a spacious cockpit and an entertainment area with a fridge. It has a mid-cabin girth, providing a separate playing area for children. The solid and durable hull design ensures the boat handles well in choppy waters. The ruggedness and quality of Four Winns will ensure this cruiser lasts for many seasons.

Cobalt A36

The Cobalt A36 is a 35-foot cruiser optimised for comfort and performance. It features a large cockpit, dwellings for a family of six, and a standard swimming platform. Whether you're fishing for extended periods or enjoying a relaxing weekend on the water, the A36 provides a home-away-from-home experience. This cruiser is comfortable, roomy, and will deliver high resale value if kept in good condition.

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck

The Sea Ray 220 Sundeck is a spacious and luxurious boat that can accommodate 12 passengers comfortably. It is equipped with a powerful MerCruiser 5.0 MPI engine, providing impressive cruising speeds. This boat comes with all the frills expected from a Sea Ray product, including an enclosed toilet and a high-end entertainment system. The 220 Sundeck is an all-time favourite that will retain its value.

Sea Ray SLX 400 OB

Sea Ray's flagship, the SLX 400 OB, is a 42-foot cruiser with outstanding use of space and basic accommodations. It embodies bowrider performance and social options, combined with the comfort of a cabin cruiser. This boat has seating for up to 22 people and can reach speeds of 60 mph. The SLX 400 offers copious space for lounging and hanging out on deck, including a fold-down swim terrace. It also features a well-appointed wet bar galley and a comfortable ride with solid performance.

Tiara 43 LE

The Tiara 43 LE is a cabin cruiser that combines speed and elegance. Powered by twin Mercury V12 outboards, it can reach speeds of up to 54 miles per hour. This boat offers a spacious cockpit and a large island berth forward, along with a separate double stateroom. The enclosed pilothouse provides awesome visibility and all-season comfort. While it lacks a common area for dining or working, the Tiara 43 LE is ideal for socialising on the water.

Grand Banks Eastbay 44

The Grand Banks Eastbay 44 is a Downeast cabin cruiser that combines art and functionality. It offers a spacious interior, a stable ride, and a beautifully appointed pilothouse. The windows can be opened with the push of a button, providing as much fresh air as desired. The Eastbay 44 is known for its exceptional build quality, ensuring a comfortable and reliable cruising experience.

Cuddy cabins

Cuddy cabin boats are medium-sized, trailerable vessels that are popular for day cruising, watersports and fishing. They are known for their enclosed bow and small cabins forward, and usually range from 19 to 50 feet in length. Cuddy cabins are ideal for those who want to weekend aboard, find shelter during a storm, or take a nap during a fishing trip.

Bayliner 642 Overnighter

The Bayliner 642 is one of the most affordable family cuddy cabins ever made. Despite its modest pricing, the boat boasts a luxurious finish, superb engineering, and exceptional performance. It can accommodate eight passengers and features a roomy cockpit and versatile seating arrangement. It comes with a standard 135-hp engine, automatic fire extinguisher, and many luxurious features.

Stingray 220SX

The Stingray 220SX is a sporty boat with a comfortable cuddy cabin. It comes with the company's Z-Plane hull, which reduces friction and allows the boat to zip through the water efficiently. The cockpit includes a full array of gauges, a CD player, and an ice chest. The 220SX offers a good balance between performance and comfort.

T8 by Finnboat

The T8 is the award-winning flagship of the Finnish boat builder's T series. It exudes luxury and power with its innovative design and industry-leading performance. This boat can accommodate up to 10 passengers, making it ideal for large families and groups. It features a posh dining area convertible into a sundeck, ample storage space, and a large toilet. The T8 has high-end navigational equipment and offers every creature comfort desired in a boat.

Boston Whaler 285 Conquest

The Boston Whaler 285 Conquest is a versatile and durable cruiser ideal for long fishing trips. It offers a smooth ride even in rough waters and has plenty of storage space. It can sleep four people comfortably and features a private head compartment and a proper galley. There is ample seating, and its Mercury Verado outboard allows for decent cruising speeds.

Marex 270 Estremo

The Marex 270 Estremo is a unique cuddy cabin boat with a high-quality fit and finish. It features a vee-shaped dinette that converts to a double bed and includes a separate heads compartment and ample storage space. The cockpit has a low floor, a forward port galley, and a pair of bucket seats at the helm. The standard engine is a Volvo Penta D4-260, but for impressive acceleration, opt for the D6-370. The Marex 270 Estremo offers a rare combination of performance and comfort.

Sailboats

Tayana 37

The Tayana 37 was first built in 1976 in Taiwan and is one of the most popular sailboats globally. It has a classic canoe stern and a well-balanced sail plan. These boats were built to last with their solid fiberglass hull, balsa-cored deck, and spacious V-berth. The boat features a high-aspect ratio rig and a teak interior. With over 650 built, the Tayana 37 has one of the highest resale values in the sailing world. You can still find one in good condition for as high as $80,000.

Hallberg-Rassy 35 Rasmus

This proven sailboat was designed in the late '60s by the Swede Olle Enderlein. It enjoys wide popularity among sailors thanks to its full keel, large windscreen, and center cockpit, which provide exceptional handling in blue waters. The boat has a 75HP diesel and the main cabin with a V-berth, galley, and a saloon. It sports an aft cabin with a double berth, and its durable construction compensates for its narrow hull. This dependable circumnavigator will never run out of fashion.

Tartan 37

With over 500 units built, the Tartan 37 is one of the most popular sailboats with blue-water capabilities. This boat features solid construction with a balsa-cored hull and deck and external lead ballast. It comes with teak trims and molded fiberglass headliners for increased durability. While most of the 37s featured keel/centerboard for improved performance, some were offered as skews. This boat is a fast cruiser that moves well in light wind. The Tartan 37 can still be found for around $65,000 in good condition, depending on age and location.

Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 343

When it comes to buying a sailboat, don't be afraid to look at one that's 12 to 14 years old - or even older. Sailboats often age better than powerboats, and the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 343 is a great example of this. Even with 12 to 14 years under the keel, it can still be found in excellent condition and provide the kind of new boat reliability sailors want. The boat was produced with a single direct-drive inboard diesel power plant (in most cases, you'll find a 29-hp Yanmar 3YM30), so engine issues are less likely. The two-stateroom/single-head layout works well for families and entertaining and is ideal for daysailing and weekending. Asking prices for most older 343s on the market today are in the $80,000 to $90,000 range.

Honorable Mentions:

• Catalina 22
• Island Packet 31
• C&C Landfall 38
• Beneteau 423
• Amel 64
• Lagoon 380

Pontoon boats

Factors Affecting Resale Value

The condition of the boat is crucial, with a well-maintained vessel fetching a higher price. Age also plays a role, with older boats generally losing value faster. However, a well-maintained older boat can be a smart investment as the rate of depreciation slows down after the initial years. The location of the boat also matters, with higher demand and shorter boating seasons resulting in higher values. Upgrades and modifications can impact the value, depending on their quality and desirability.

Estimating Resale Value

To get an accurate estimate of your pontoon boat's resale value, you can use online boat value calculators, consult boat listing websites, or hire a professional boat appraiser. It's worth noting that these methods provide estimates, and the actual value may vary.

Strategies to Increase Resale Value

To increase the resale value of your pontoon boat, focus on regular maintenance, including cleaning, engine servicing, and prompt repairs. Keep a detailed record of maintenance as this can boost the boat's value. High-quality upgrades and modifications that appeal to a broad range of buyers can also increase the boat's value. Additionally, proper presentation when selling can make a significant difference in how buyers perceive the boat.

Examples of Pontoon Boats with Good Resale Value

The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX is an excellent option for those seeking an affordable and well-equipped pontoon boat. It comes with a trailer, engine, bimini top, and other features, all for a price of $14,390. Another popular choice is the Lowe SS250 RFL, which offers ample space and entertainment features for a shocking price of just under $25,000. For those with a higher budget, the Bennington 22GL stands out with its powerful engine and luxury features, priced slightly above $50,000.

Frequently asked questions