Buy buy baby

[LuckyLady]

Boating is a relatively cheap activity that far exceeds its worth in pleasure. While everyone may be gasping about the economy, gas prices are down, interest rates are good, and there are many deals this time of year. Although people may be tightening their belts, this may also be a time of opportunity.Buying a boat [...]

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[Double D]

Boating is a relatively cheap activity

Maybe an aluminum skiff with oars

[B Cartlidge]

Now's the time to pull the trigger for sure...especially if you are boatless and don't have to trade or sell one off prior to picking a new ride up. There are some INCREDIBLE deals out there, a small amount of money (relatively speaking) can go a long ways in the current boat market

[gradyfish265]

Mary...also have to add with many builders employing less people and producing less boats, this typically equates to better quality boats. The remaining employees are typically the harder working more expereinced guys which do it right the first time, no new guys with little experience and a lack of pride will be building them right now. Most boat builders out there are experiencing this and this is the case it most, I'm sure some of the cheaper brands might hold onto cheaper labor and might not be as loyal, but the better brands are. If you want a top quality boat at a great price and can swing the bill, now is the time to do it.

[biebs]

Of course its a great time to buy a boat, or anything for that matter. Problem is most people do not have the discretionary income to do so. People are not spending money on things that cost alot. Boating is one of the most expensive extra things you can add to a family budget. Anyone who thinks otherwise is crazy. I work in the marine construction industry and we have switched our whole focus to the gov't, state and municipality sector for that reason and have gotten even further focused on ADA projects. The residential market is gonna be awful this year for us I assume. Our residential clients are waterfront homeowners who have plenty of money, problem is, they have lost alot of it in the past 6 months, a year, and will not be making a major purchases until they make it back. I have plenty of friends who are boat dealers who are dieing right now. There is just nothing going on if your just a dealer. If you don't have a marina, service, fuel etc..etc... its gonna be tough to just sell boats im my opinion.

[jason carroll]

Awe dont worry about it!!! you cant take it with you when you die! Make the call and order that new custom 61 youve been wanting! Hell maybe you could take a second job!

[Wolakrab]

The problem with buying a boat now is if you have to sell one first......
It is definitely a buyer's market for cash transactions. Financing is a whole 'nuther story.....many big players pulled out of the boat loan market...Key, Regions, etc. You may still be able to find a decent rate somewhere, but only if you have a minimum of 20% down and have a FICO in the upper 700's. Add to that the insurance rates have sometimes tripled in the last 5 years if you live and boat in the Gulf, FL, or SE US.
Fuel costs are on the rise again, marina fees have never been higher,and available slips for rent are on the decline as marinas are privatized.
What was that about boating being cheap?
Sorry, Mary....I didn't mean to rain on your parade. We need more optomists like you to turn this thing around. I will stop being a wet blanket now.....