The answer is simple.
Because they cost as much as a car!!!!
The price of a new loaded boat that one of the Bassmasters would take to a tournament is staggering.
Since people pay that price, all the other boats are too expensive.
If noone would buy a boat unless the prices tumbled, they would tumble.

I think a lot of it is because people are financing them for so long they think that someone else is going to pick up the deprecation for them.

Cant but an $80,000 boat and expect someone else to pay $65,000 for it two years later because your in the hole on the payoff.


The under 20k market is really good right now. Good in shape older boats are going for premiums

I still blame Obama! Mine is for sale as well, looking to possiibly upgrade. I originally had it for sale because the wife is changing careers but now I think it might be time for a brand new one. Not in a hurry to sell it, so I'll let it sit out there. It's priced about $3k below what I think it's really worth and don't plan to move off my asking price much if at all. People will start looking again come February.

Mine was for sale a couple of months ago but took it down because it's just not the right time. I may not even try to sell it this spring. It's just what I want, why would I sell it? Sometimes I make no sense at all.

I have always equated the best time to sell is right about end of winter with the boat show. Folks go and see what new ones cost get sticker shock and look for good used boats at a fraction of the cost for a new one.

Boat prices are to high. People trying to sale them are asking to much. The bottom line is people buying are not going to pay high prices for a used boat, that is just the way it is.

I'm kicking tires right now and I can only speak for myself but I see 5+ year old boats on the market for 10-15k less than brand new. Fresh warranty and brand new boat vs used boat for an extra 10k I'm just going to buy new. Sure some boats have some bells and whistles added but I can add those myself so they don't sell me either.

fast and loose with debt bit many in the bum so I think there's correction goin on.

It's mostly the time of year. Like others have said, fall is the time to buy, spring is the time to sell. There are some stupid-good deals on late-model boats right now. The other part is that some are asking waaaay too much for their rigs; either upside down on loans or unrealistic in their opinion of value.

Who knows? Heck, I DO know that there's very few people like myself. I bought a brand new Ranger with a Merc XR-4 in 1980. To this day I haven't been able to wear it out. The boat's a good one, but I sure wouldn't buy another Merc. Not because they don't make a good product now, it's just that they would not make mine right (when it was still new).
I'm now wanting to upgrade, but with an Evinrude equipped boat (a clean one-owner about 5 years old).

Here...someone buy this one. it's the top on the list, 2003 Bullet 20XD.

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boats4salebullet.htm

Low water has hurt to the west of the Metromess, who needs a boat with no water. Every one can't travel to the east Texas lakes.

This statement really hits home; individuals expecting someone else to absorb their purchase decision. I often sit and read on the forum how everyone talks about resale of these models vs. that model, but no one talks about when they can�t sell the expensive boat for what they owe. Unless you are a pro or guide, buy a boat for the long haul, take good care of it, fix the little things before they become big issues and get it serviced on an annual basis. Follow these rules and I think when it comes time to sell it, you will be pleasantly surprised. Last but not lease, before you put it up for sale, have the boat appraised by a professional (even before you got to NADA) so you know what the true value is and not what your guts tells you. Even better see what comparable models are going for. By the way, don�t blame the economy, some boats are just too dang expensive. However as long as people buy them, the prices will stay high (Supply and Demand, Economics 101).

Heck I just want a 17' boat with a folding tongue and a 115 that will fit in my 20'11" deep garage for around 12k(don't want to finance). Not many out there to meet my needs. Heck I am in Ohio looking, but am already to drive anywhere if I find the exact boat I want.

Im NOT an OBAMA fan. But please don't blame him for you not managing your finances correctly. If you do that then you sound just like him when he was blaming BUSH for his mistakes. The biggest mistakes people make is fooling themselves into buying something they can't afford. ONE day they will offer 20 year financing on all boats that cost 75 grand or more. There will be some dummy that makes 70 grand a year think to himself. I CAN AFFORD THAT!!!! I take that back there will be more than just one guy cause there is a sucker born ever day. But in the end we all take the hit.

Its all about price. Bass boat sales always pick up around jan thru may.