Best Boats To Buy And Sell: Retaining Their Value

Boats are notoriously depreciative, but some hold their value better than others. The best way to ensure your boat fetches a high resale value is to keep it in excellent condition. However, some boats are more sought-after than others and will always be worth more.

Factors that affect a boat's resale value include the time of year it is sold, the quality of its engine, and the level of maintenance.

- Boston Whaler: Boston Whalers have a reputation for being unsinkable. Even 20-year-old models maintain a huge portion of their value.

- Grady-White: Grady-Whites are highly valued on the used boat market.

- Lund: Lund has consistently ranked among the most popular brands and is regularly cited as a great value.

- MasterCraft: MasterCraft boats are sought-after for their five-year MasterCare warranty.

- Sea Ray: Sea Ray is one of the most popular brands, with nearly 5,000 boats currently listed for sale.

- Yamaha: Yamaha is the top choice for consumers buying runabouts in the 19 to 24-foot class.

- Viking Yachts: Viking Yachts carry one of the top resale values for boats of their size.

- Bayliner Element: This Bayliner model is known for its exceptional stability and interior spaciousness.

- Four Winns H180 OB: This boat offers exceptional attention to detail and finish work, as well as semi-customization options.

- Larson LX 225S IO: This boat features Larson's VEC construction, which improves strength and rigidity, resulting in a smoother ride.

- Mako Pro Skiff 19 CC: Mako's Inverted V hull enhances stability and reduces wave impacts.

- Robalo R222: Robalo boats are built with Kevlar reinforcement and composite cores, resulting in a durable and well-built boat.

- Pathfinder 2600 HPS: The Pathfinder 2600 HPS is a versatile boat that can handle both inshore and offshore runs.

- Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX: This pontoon boat comes with a 10-year warranty, which is rare for boats in this price range.

- Bennington 22GL: The Bennington 22GL offers high performance and luxury features, including pillow-top upholstery and a pop-up privacy enclosure.

- Marker One M25: The Marker One M25 stands out from other pontoon boats with its fiberglass topsides and all-fiberglass construction.

Bowriders

Four Winns H180 OB

This affordable runabout has been a winner since it was first introduced in 2010. It comes with excellent features such as a tilting steering wheel, full-sized walk-across swim platform and a premium set of engine gauges. There is a Bluetooth-enabled iPod/MP3 port with two speakers, a swing-away tongue and a welded-tube trailer all under $25,000. Despite being low cost, the H180 OB comes with premium trims and you can customize the colour to match the trailer.

Bayliner Element E16

At less than $15,000, the Bayliner Element E16 is one of the most affordable and beloved Bowriders among families. Featuring Bayliner’s innovative M hull design, the Element delivers exceptional stability. The boat is roomy, has swim platforms, two-tone vinyl cushions and a 25-quart Igloo cooler to keep your drinks chilled for longer. This boat sits six passengers comfortably and has 60HP Mercury outboard and a trailer.

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck

The Sea Ray 220 can sit 12 passengers comfortably. It comes with a powerful MerCruiser 5.0 MPI engine for impressive cruising speeds. The boat is spacious, luxurious and comes with all the frills you expect from a Sea Ray product. This big boat even comes with an enclosed toilet, high-end entertainment system and more. If you want something more luxurious, the 220 Sundeck from Sea Ray is an all-time favourite that won’t lose its value soon.

Larson LX 225S IO

The 225S sports a solid VEC construction, a 300-hp MerCruiser engine, and canvas bow and cockpit covers. It has an iPod-MP3-enabled entertainment system and a Shorelander trailer with disc brakes. There are ample space fore and aft, an extended swim platform and exceptionally comfortable cushions. This boat can seat 10 passengers and its sleek design makes for bump-free cruises.

Cabin cruisers

When it comes to holding their value, cabin cruisers tend to lose a significant portion of their value in the first three years of ownership. According to some sources, a cabin cruiser may only retain about 40% of its value after 10 years. However, this can vary depending on the brand, model, and how well the boat is maintained.

• Stingray 250CS: After three years, this 25-foot cabin cruiser retains about 66% of its value, losing around $6,500 per year. At the five-year mark, it retains 51% of its value, and at 10 years, it still holds about 40%.
• Sea Ray 230 Cuddy Cabin: This 1989 model is in good condition and has been well-maintained, according to its listing. It has a sporty and comfortable design, with a powerful engine, and is expected to have a good resale value.
• Carver 300 Aft Cabin: This 1994 model is described as a "well-maintained" and "timeless cruiser" with low hours and comfortable amenities. It has been kept in indoor storage and is expected to have good resale value.
• Tollycraft 40 Tri-Cabin: This boat has been well-maintained and has a unique design with plenty of deck space. It has two full heads and two control stations, making it a great option for a family cruiser or even a charter boat.
• Sea Ray SLX 400 OB: Sea Ray's flagship model is a 42-foot cabin cruiser with exceptional use of space and basic accommodations. It offers seating for up to 22 people and can reach speeds of 60 mph. While it may not have a proper enclosed pilothouse, it has impressive performance and entertainment features.
• Axopar 45 XC: This 45-foot cabin cruiser from Finnish builder Axopar is an adventure boat with a spacious upper pilothouse and salon. It has a performance-oriented V-hull design and surprising amenities, making it a comfortable platform for day cruising and fishing.
• Tiara 43 LE: This cabin cruiser is known for its speed and elegance. With twin Mercury V12 outboards, it can reach speeds of up to 54 miles per hour. While it lacks a common area for dining, it has beautiful appointments and is perfect for overnighting or longer-distance voyages.
• Grand Banks Eastbay 44: The Eastbay 44 is a Downeast cabin cruiser known for its exceptional build quality and comfortable layout. It has a spacious interior, efficient Volvo diesel power, and a joystick control for easy docking.
• Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295: This 40-foot flybridge yacht offers three staterooms, two heads, and ample storage space. It has excellent outside spaces, including a large flybridge, a cockpit with a fold-down swim terrace, and a forward triple chaise lounge. It provides a spacious and comfortable option for families or groups.
• Rinker 270 Express Cruiser: This discontinued model from Rinker (now owned by Polaris) is a compact and agile cruiser with a functional design. It offers 6'5" of cabin headroom, a fully equipped galley, a head with a wet shower, and sleeping quarters for up to four people.

In summary, while cabin cruisers may experience a significant initial drop in value, proper maintenance and care can help extend their useful life and enhance their resale value. It's important to consider factors such as brand, model, condition, and features when evaluating the potential resale value of a cabin cruiser.

Cuddy cabins

A cuddy cabin is a lightweight and versatile boat that is perfect for weekend getaways on the water. They are ideal for those who don't have the budget for a cabin cruiser but still want to enjoy impressive dexterity and modest accommodations.

Some of the best-known designers of cuddy cabin boats include Sea Ray, Grady-White, Bayliner, Formula, and Boston Whaler. Cuddy cabins can be powered by outboard, inboard/outboard, outboard-4S, inboard, and other propulsion systems, and can be fuelled by gas, diesel, electric, and other fuel types.

The Bayliner 642 Overnighter is one of the most affordable family cuddy cabins ever made, boasting a luxurious finish, superb engineering, and exceptional performance. This boat has space for eight passengers, a roomy and innovative cockpit, and versatile seating arrangements.

The Stingray 220SX is another popular option, offering a comfortable cabin and twin seats convertible to V-berths. The cockpit is fully equipped with a CD player, ice chest, and a full array of gauges.

The Boston Whaler 230 Outrage is a fishing boat with massive resale value, combining the reliability of a fishing platform with the comforts of a cabin cruiser. It features Boston Whaler's unsinkable hull technology, air conditioning in the cabin, ample deck space, and impressive endurance with its 110-gallon fuel capacity.

The Bayliner Trophy 20 Ft Cuddy Cabin is another great option, with two motors that run great and a recent tune-up. This boat is approximately 20 feet long but measures about 23 feet overall.

When it comes to resale value, it's important to keep your boat in excellent condition. A pre-owned boat will have a higher resale value as the depreciation level will be lower. Additionally, selling at the right time of year, such as during the summer when demand is higher, can also impact the resale value of your boat.

Fishing boats

When it comes to fishing boats, there are a few factors that can affect their resale value. Firstly, it's important to keep the boat in excellent condition, as a well-maintained boat will always fetch a higher price. Other factors that can impact the resale value include the time of year when selling, the boat's electronics and features, and its overall popularity and supply. Here are some specific fishing boats that are known for holding their value:

Lund 1600 Rebel

The Lund 1600 Rebel is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a durable and feature-rich fishing boat. It comes with a live well, rod storage, a fish finder, and pre-wiring for an electric trolling motor. The side console provides protection for the skipper with its tall windshield. This boat is also quite affordable, often priced around $13,000, making it a great value proposition.

Mako Pro Skiff 17 CC and 19 CC

Mako is known for its innovative Advanced Inverted Hull (AIV) design, which delivers a smooth ride and impressive performance. The Pro Skiff 17 CC is an inland fishing boat with a powerful engine and exceptional floatation engineering, making it practically unsinkable. The 19 CC offers more stability in open waters and is a bit pricier, starting at around $18,000.

Boston Whaler 230 Outrage

The Boston Whaler 230 Outrage is a classic choice among fishing enthusiasts. It combines the functionality of a fishing platform with the comforts of a cabin cruiser. With a capacity of 10 people, it offers ample deck space and storage. The unsinkable hull technology and air-conditioned cabin further add to its appeal. This boat typically has a fuel capacity of 110 gallons and can reach speeds of up to 52 mph.

Robalo R222

The Robalo R222 is a sturdy and well-built fishing boat that offers excellent value for money. It comes with a 15-gallon live well, hydraulic tilt steering, a Bluetooth stereo system, and ample rod holders. The standard F150 Yamaha outboard provides more than enough power, with a top speed of around 40 mph. While the boat doesn't come with a trailer, it still offers a great package for its price, typically starting at $41,395.

Pathfinder 2600 HPS

The Pathfinder 2600 HPS is a versatile fishing boat that can handle both inshore and offshore waters with ease. With a single 300-hp Yamaha F300 engine, it can reach top speeds of almost 60 mph while also providing a smooth ride in choppy conditions. This boat is geared towards fishing, with ample live wells and integrated tackle storage. However, it does not include a head inside the console, and the trailer is sold separately. The Pathfinder 2600 HPS typically starts at $88,965.

Sailboats

Tayana 37

The Tayana 37 was built in 1976 but remains a popular option for classic boat enthusiasts. Even after 45 years, it can still be found in good condition for as high as $80,000. It has a classic canoe stern and a well-balanced sail plan, with a solid fibreglass hull, a balsa-cored deck, and a spacious V-berth. Over 650 have been built, and it has one of the highest resale values in the sailing world.

Tartan 37

Tartan has made some of the most memorable models for blue-water sailing, dating back to the 1980s. These boats had a balsa-cored deck that made them appealing to sailors. The Tartan 37 can still be found for around $65,000 in good condition, depending on age and location.

Hallberg-Rassy 35 Rasmus

This sailboat was designed in the late 1960s by the Swede Olle Enderlein and enjoys wide popularity among sailors thanks to its full keel, large windscreen, and centre cockpit, which provide exceptional handling in blue waters. It has a 75HP diesel engine and a durable construction that compensates for its narrow hull. This dependable circumnavigator will never run out of fashion.

Catalina 22

The Catalina 22 is one of the most iconic trailerable boats in existence and is ideal for those with limited experience or who want a smaller sailboat. These boats range in price from $5,000 to $20,000 for used sailboats, depending on age and condition.

Beneteau 423

When you think of boats that are iconic and have little annual depreciation, the Beneteau comes to mind. Their 423 model remains one of their most popular options at around $80,000 for a 2004 version. The quality and sturdiness make it a great blue-water boat that is worth the money.

Hobie 16

There are a little over 100,000 Hobie 16s built, and they are one of the most popular catamarans. They can be thought of as pontoon boats for blue water, and these smaller multihull boats have excellent resale value due to their reliability and ease of transportation. Older models can be found for $10,000 or less.

Other Honourable Mentions:

• Lagoon 380
• Amel 64
• Island Packet 31
• C&C Landfall 38
• Alberg 30
• Dufour Arpege 30
• Moore 24
• Alerion Express 28

Frequently asked questions