When I see 2012 rigs that cost 50-65 thousand dollars (and more).... that do not come with decent electronics I.E. Side imaging.

Rant over. Boat manufactures need to get on it.

also normally have a 24v trolling motor.

Regarding HIGH bassboat prices, it's simply the cost of LOW-VOLUME manufacturing and sales.

There's lots of stuff I can NOT afford.

If I had the money I would gladly pay an exta 4 grand(I means what's 4 grand after 60?) For some hb si instead of a 16 scale black & white

You could buy 3 Pickups for 65,000.

or half a house lol

see the problem is most people see 65,000 as 345 dollars a month but for 40 years.

maybe a base model single cab with a 6cyl. Truck prices are crazy these days too.

Nobody looks at the bottom line for what they pay on a 20 year boat loan. A $45000.00 boat will cost them well over $100000.00.

4-door/4-wheel drive F250 diesel lariat package mid 50's.....After rebates--- Really ??

21I - 250 sho mid to upper 50's after rebates............ Really ???

You have to be on a good roll to(risk)buying that stuff in this economy..

I agree Barrett

I guess somebody is buyin' 'em. I, on the other hand, would rather buy a one or two year old boat. Get all the extra's I want, plus warranty, at a drastically reduced price.

hope you feel better now that you vented your opinion.

I buy 2-3 year old trucks and 4-6 year old bass boats usually. I'm older and over that "gotta have new" phase. I let some other guy take the hit on depreciation because it's just not worth it to me. Now if I could swing a 30k downpayment on a new boat without puking from writing the check, I "might" consider buying new but then I'd also get sick everytime I bumped a stump or beached it etc.

Boat prices are a joke. There is not one model out that comes close the 2/3 of the MSRP. You could by a corvette for the price of these higher end boats. No way do they compare in manufacture cost.

Most people don't look at the bottom line on anything they finance. All they want to know is what is the payment.

It hits pretty hard when you buy a $120k house and the figures on the paperwork show that you will pay over $300k overall if you make just the minimum payment every month.

Here's the way FZ1 rolls. 10 year old boat and vehicle and hope to never buy,either,again. What I spend my money on,is good MK variable speed TMs,Optima batteries,and good Rods and Reels. The boat and tow vehicle just get me to where I can fish. I enjoy the TM and Rods and Reels on every pitch or cast. Guess I'm more of a fisherman than a boater.

I couldn't make myself pay that much. Thats why I went and bought an 03 triton. Its only 18.5' but it has side imaging and its paid for. I can do alot more fishing without a $500 a month boat payment.

Had a 8 year old Ranger 521 that was out of warranty but paid for and loaded. I bought it 3 years old. Great boat but at that age it was costing me average $ 200 to $ 500 a month fixing all the things that were breaking. I traded it in a couple months ago and got within 2,500 of what I paid for it. I bought a new Ranger Z521 loaded. Twin power poles, twin 1198's, Hydro plate, and Hydrowave. Net cost every month is similar because of not paying for the repairs. I hated to pay that but in the end, it is what we love!

My thoughts exactly. I'm looking to buy a bigger boat in the near future, but am paying cash. I'd rather have an older boat that's paid for than something I'm making payments on. I figure the money I save on payments can be used for gas to go fishing.

If you have the money, buy new. It helps with the overall industry and keeps us tightwads buying better deals out there. Lots of folks just can't afford new. Of course you may not be the first one to scratch your boat unless you buy new. I'd rather not have a chance to put the first scratch on a new rig. I bought new ONCE, and only ONCE, back in '97. I lost more on that boat w/ depreciation than the other three used boats I've owned and sold. Buy right and sell right!

As for Barrett's question, mfg's need to put the best electronics on the new boats. I don't think it's because they are trying to keep the costs down when you see $60,000 price tags. If the new boat buyer can afford the ridiculous prices today, what's another 5-6 grand? That way he can put everything under the finance plan. I would wake up in a cold sweat every night if I knew owed that kind of money for a toy I like to play with. For those who can afford it, please keep buying new. Eventually it gives me a better selection when I'm ready to upgrade. Thanks a bunch!

Barrett-
I know from Skeeter's standpoint, they put the basic graph on boats. This helps with the bottom line dollar to the consumer. The main reason they go with the lower end graph is because graphs are the #1 upgrades on boats. and almost every buyer wants something different. So, if you start putting 998's on boats, everyone will be wanting 1198's, and vise versa. So, Skeeter goes with the base 788 and lets you choose from there.

But if you take a base boat priced around $40k, and add SI to front and back, you are gonna bump that boat price up around $50k before anything is ever said and done.

I guess that I am too old to change but I was told if you can't afford to buy a toy for cash, then you can't afford it anyways. I am not talking about tournament fisherman but the regular Joe on the water relaxing. I have bought and traded up the next time never financing a boat to what I have now. In these days I am glad not to worry about a toy payment on top of everything else.

If your paying 60-70 thousand dollars for a brand new SKEETER boat it should come with twin 1198s.... 65 thousand dollars is half a nice house. YOu trying to tell me it costs and takes that much to build a 21 foot boat. Give me a break. No offense but brand new boats are EXTREMELY overpriced for what you get.

I agree, but as long as people keep paying it, they will keep charging it.

Yeah, the only thing that 99% are concerned with is whether or not they can make the payment, not whether or not they can afford it. No telling them any different either. Nobody ever wants to put money down and then get mad if they don't qualify because financing out 10-20 years still overextends them. You guys buying used with cash have it right!

I have also committed the cardinal sin of replying off topic. To resond to the original topic, yes, I agree that if you are spending upwards of $60K on a rig that it should not only have a top notch electronics package but it should also be able to mow the lawn, walk the dog, and talk to your mother-in-law on the phone!

Ding, Ding, Ding. We have a winner!

One of the biggest expenses is the motor. Have you ever priced a motor by itself. WOW!!

The other thing about boats is that they are for the most part hand made. Labor isn't cheap thus the high prices.

New boats are definitely NOT in my future. Just hope I continue to get good used boats that don't need a lot of work. My biggest worry is dependability when buying used. Usually that means the motor.

GLC is correct.

My toys and vehicles are paid off too. I will never buy anything that I can't pay with cash ever again. Thank you Dave Ramsey for waking me up to reality!

Yeah, it blows my mind that even a 9.9 horse is $2700! If you average it out, over a third of the cost of a new boat is the motor.

I want my rigs pre scratched now. Trucks and boats.

I agree it is crazy for sure. Yesterday I was in BPS Grapevine (my normal hangout) and I looked at a Z9 Nitro that had $15K worth of upgrades to it!

Must be the one with ghetto wheels on it up front of the store.

Same here, one of the best things I've done

I agree, 50k and up is crazy. I think the boat manufacturers realize this somewhat, hence the triton se series boats or the stratos vlo.but then again they are just stripped down versions of their 60k cousins.

I have bought 12 new bass boats in my life, luckily I was way ahead of the game from the start as far as paying for them, the first several boats cost me about 5 grand to upgrade every year, then i started keeping them for five years, it cost about 20 to 30 grand to upgrade now. The good thing about having a used boat right now is it is a hot commodity, they are hard to come by, everyone is keeping them longer. I lost about 35 percent over 5 years on my last boat, not too shabby.

Its just money!

Enjoy Life

It might just be money to you. First you have to have some before you can spend it so freely. Do you have some extra to hand out?

I agree with barrett. These boats are rediculous. I know I dream of having one and can afford one if I wanted but they just are not worth the money to me. That is also because this is not my only hobby/pasion. Most of the people I fish with live and breath fishing so I see nothing wrong with buying a high dollar boat but I say that anyone should get more bang for the buck on the new boats including trolling motors and depth finders, chargers, ect.

Go ahead buy & finance that new expensive boat, I'll be here in 3-5 years to 'get a deal on a good used one'....yep paying cash

Fishin is way more fun in a "Paid For Boat"

Pay cash for everything or wait until you can.

You'll never please everyone. Take care of yourself, first.

It would be interesting to see how many people (percentage wise) actually finance the $50 - $70,000 boats. I understand the terms they allow on boat financing but to me it doesn't sound like good lending if they are actually loaning money on a boat that the only way an individual can afford it is on a 15 year note. Definatley not saying that's not whats going on just sounds off to me.

Most bank will do tops 7 year but they would much rather do a 5 year.

5 year is gonna run you somewhere along the lines of 1200 a month at the standard 7.5 percent

7 year is going to be in the upper 900's ball park also in the standard 7.5 percent

To me that is incredible.....

That's why I buy used! Let someone else eat that initial depreciation!

Standard 7.5%? Last I checked rates are much better than that if you have good credit. Live within your means and buy what you want and can afford. Boats are a luxury.

A very good down payment does so much for the buyer, better rate, better payment, more equity. Would not even consider financing a boat without a strong down payment.

I work at a bank..... a consumer loan standard will run you around 7.5 percent. We aren't talking about home mortgages here chief... which are under 4% btw.

185ci, 250hp, 500lbs with essentially the drivetrain attached, electronic fuel injection and all staying withing the ghey EPA regulations. The motor is the most legitimately expensive part on a boat.

Very nice. Maintain it and keep it forever.

I agree with most of what's said, but honestly the market needs a "practical" 17-19 ft fiber glass that runs between $15k-$20k. Just reduce the storage complexity, use fatigue pad instead of carpet, reduce the hull layering complexity with rubberized compound, decrease the "gadgets" that come standard on new boats and replace them with electronics on graphs, and last reduce the cost by getting rid of the outboard and placing a diesel generator hybrid motor.

I know it sound's crazy, but it's completely do able given that most boat runs are less than 5 miles between spots. Given that the propulsion plant can be made for under $5k. Never run out of battery power, idle with virtually no noise, and engine repair becomes a once in boat's life. 60hp DG with assisted power at speed to boost total output to 100hp at max. It's not going to win any speed competitions, but it could easily give you a max cruising speed of 50 mph.

My bank is running 3.9% on boat loans with good credit. They said they had more money to loan than they know what to do with because so many people aren't buying things right now.

Hoss1324,

I've wondered a long time why there isn't a market for refurbished boats. Take an old Ranger, Skeeter, Champion, etc. and completely restore it. We already do for cars, why not boats. Rebuild the engines and put modern TM's and electronics on it. You could have a great boat for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

I have a boat payment. Always have. I paid off my duckboat early and kept it. Now I'm paying for a Skeeter that I bought used. I was lucky enough to find a great deal but it was still alot of money to me. Ol Dad has never steered me wrong. He advised me that if worse came to worse, they would just come get it. Or I could sell it and actually make a good chunk. So...... Said a prayer (He will never steer you wrong) and signed on the dotted line.

I've paid cash for every boat i've ever owned, and so did my dad and grandpa with all of their boats.

Boat prices have skyrocketed though, My Dad used to buy all of his boats new, From his Cajun(# 3 or 4 ever built, don't remeber exact number) to his wrangler, then venture. But in the 80's boats started skyrocketing in price , as well as inflation so in the 90's we started buying used. Best one we could pay cash for.

When i bought my first boat of my very own, i saved up some cash and bought what i had money for, not the nicest or best out there but I still won tourneys out of it.

Saved up more cash , sold boat a few years later and stuck that money with the rest i had saved and bought a nicer one, and so on up to my Allison i paid cash for.

I have come close a few times to dragging what ever rig i had at the time to the dealership and signing paper on a new boat, but better judgement has always prevailed.

I financed the truck i drive everyday and my home, toys I pay cash.

Everyone is different though, and i don't care what other people do with their money. I'd love a brand spanking new boat, but hey mine looks new anyway. New carpet,seats , electronics and freshly buffed top cap and hull chips and scratches replaced beats the hell out of 60k note for me..

Ditto. I am a banker as well and a boat loan is in the neighborhood of 6.5% up to 10 years. If you have a home and available equity you could tap into that for less than 4% but if not be prepared to pay a premium rate for those toys!

I need to refinance my boat then.... apparently rates are lower than they were 4 years ago! I think my credit has improved quite a bit since then too... I don't remember what my rate was but I gettin the hose...

As far as buying a boat for that much.... to each his own.. ya they are outrageous! But, if you have the money do what you want with it. you only live once and arent guarenteed tomorrow...

Barrett, refinance my boat for me dude...

Get a guide. It's cheaper!

PM sent

Did that for several years. Not nearly as much fun as going whenever you want to go.

My boat is twenty years old - Runs Great (Knock on Wood)

If I had the money (I don't) I would buy Brand new!
But I guarentee you I would not catch any more Bass that I currently do!.
But I sure would look good ....Not catching.

I'm 67 and been fishing a long time. I always fished out of what I could afford and that went from a tube rig, 10' john boat w 9.8 merc, 14' Sears with a 60 hp then I started buying BCB Panteras and I've bought six new. I could have kept the first one and just maintained it and I'd be a millionaire. All those new boats were the biggest financial mistake I've ever made other than marrying my ex.

Did I read here where a boat is able to be financed for 20 years?? Is that correct? If it is you would be a moron for that unless it was 0% interest.Cmon guys.Would you really trade your annual income of 60k just so you could own a high dollar boat? Crazy stupid stuff like that is why you will never be financially secure.

You buy what you can afford, keep it simple stupid, whether it be 7K or 70K, don't matter if people think it is worth it or not, what makes you happy and makes the most sense is what matters.

I'm with you!

Good for you! Them fish don't know what kind of deck you are standing on.

whats worse , someone who can afford anything they want but doesn't buy anything because they are thrifty (AKA CHEAP)

or someone who is so cheap and can afford whatever they want, but not only do they not buy anything , they get mad at others that do...

LOL

to each his own!

I don't buy 60k trucks but I have friends who do. I don't buy 18k atvs but again I have friends who do. I could keep going all day but in short, yes, to each is own. I likey my bass rockets......... Aluminum and fiberglass

Some guys buy expensive toys because they can afford it and "things" make them feel good.Some who can't afford them buy them anyway so they can keep up with the guys who can afford them.Some buy expensive toys for the attention they never got as a child hoping to impress people.

as far as interest rates on boats, I guess I did really good. I got 3.75 percent for 5 years on a 20K loan on my ranger

You need a new screen name.

Your exactly right Doug, to each his own. I will never knock anyone for buying expensive toys as long as it doesn't jeopardize their families well being.

I guess I fall under the "thrifty (AKA cheap) category Im blessed to have a job where I could go out and buy everything I "wanted" and make payments every month but instead of making payments for toys I have decided for my financial plan it makes more sense for me to put the money i would spend on a boat note, truck note, 4 wheeler note, deer and duck lease and put all that towards my house and max out my 401K every year. By doing this I have a target retirement age of 50, which would put me 9 1/2 years ahead of the game.


Some say live for today, you aren't promised tommorow, enjoy your money, etc. My way of thinking (not saying it is right or better then anyone elses decision) is by executing my plan I will be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor when I have the maximum amount of time to do them. If the good lord decides it's my time before then, I know that instead of leaving my wife and kids with a financial burden I will leave them with financial security. That's just how I reason with myself everytime I look at my boat wishing I had a new one

50-53 is my retirement target. its nice to be bale to see the light at the end of the tunnel for sure!!

Make it happen this is America. My biggest concern would be if I got a sq billed truckers cap with purchase?

I just paid off my 2006 18ft Nitro and installed two new HB graphs. I have been seriously contemplating trading up for a newer bigger boat. My boat is garage kept and I have the motor serviced regularly. After reading these posts, I am going to just keep it. Maybe I can win a new one in a tournament or something. Having a paid for boat has a nice feel to it.

I like the deisel idea but if it won't run 80 it won't sell in this day and age.

It will hit a wall eventually.