There are more good, modern, used boats out there now than ever before. When I say "good, modern" here is what I mean. Back up 15 years. In 2000, if you bought a 10 year old boat, you bought a pretty dated boat. A 1990 model was a big difference from a brand new 2000 model. If you wanted the "cool stuff" you had to buy new (or at least 2-3 yrs old).

At present time, if you buy a 10 year old boat, it's still pretty tricked out with the cool stuff. Yes, the brand new models have cooler stuff but generally speaking you're still getting a modern looking/running boat even it's a 2005 model.

My point being, new boats sales could decrease simply because there are a lot of nice, modern, in-style looking boats out there for half the price of a new one. It'll still have the majority of the accessories the new has and will ride the same (generally speaking) and look good, but just won't have a $70k price tag on it.

I realize there will always be people that buy new. I'm not saying new boat sales will disappear. Somebody has to make used ones! But it looks to me like it's sure going to be attractive to spend $30-40k and buy used when sitting side by side, that used boats looks practically the same as a brand new one.

Mine is 2002 and has all I need or want for now. Except for a power pole!

When I am ready to buy a new boat, within the next couple years, I will buy a nice, clean, used boat, with low hours. By used I mean 1-3 yrs old in great condition. I figure I will let the original owner take the depreciation hit. I see alot of good deals on slightly used ones these days. I have had my current boat for 5 years now and my next one, I will keep much longer than that. I am not one to need a new to me boat every year or two.

I will have my 210 champ for along time cant c spending 70 grand for a boat

Boats have priced themselves right out of most everyone's market...I will continue to buy used boats for half or a third off new ones...I'm very handy and can fix about anything that can go wrong with used ones

I like the idea of re-powering my 07 champion hull, if I ever need! but I like fishing boats, not something I'm worried about bumping off stumps and brush.

Unless your a pro I can't see paying 60-70K for a bass boat. That probably has a lot to do with my income level and/or lifestyle. I bought a new Bass Tracker Pro 170 earlier this year and, so far, am very satisfied. I'm not interested in racing anyone to my favorite spot, and I know that my little boat isn't as stable as the higher priced models but I have a lot of fun in it and catch some nice fish from it. I plan to upgrade my electronics soon, but even after that my total costs is going to be well under 20K. I truly don't want to offend anybody, but I can't see 60K value in the tricked out models with pretty paint jobs.

I think there's a bigger opening for a really good entry level platform than high end boats. I can't see looking at the top class boats and thinking they need more or need to go farther, though I am sure they will... they'll be full carbon fiber hulls and have lighter more powerful engines and even more gadgets... but someone will still need awesome entry level boats.

I wish Tracker hadn't killed off the Avalanche... 18' 6", 96" beam, 150hp standard, 175hp max... ultimate entry level proper bass boat IMO... aluminum with none of the down sides of aluminum, it was just a cheaper version of a fiberglass boat, exactly what an aluminum boat should be. I'd still love to own one

i will never get rid of my 91 kingfisher.

the best thing is that its paid off!!!

btW there are 2 nice looking avalanches in east tx craigslist.

well...remember this..."it's not the arrow, it's the Indian..."...I have been blessed to be in the position to own many rigs over my 27+ years of tournament fishing - currently in one of the $70K models...and over those years I have seen anglers in older boats with not a lot of features kick some serious butt...and seen dudes in fancy models skunk...being competitive has nothing to do with your wallet and everything to do with what is inside of you...be content with what you have - a boat is just you own personal piece of the bank you can move around the lake, it's you that catches the fish !

Love my 210 Champ. Can't get another so I will put on new Merc when I'm ready.

I do not worry about prices, if it something I want and can afford then I buy it.

But if prices came down to where they prob should be I would "buy" a lot more often....

Yep. 2000 zuma 200 hp at 21 feet. Rides and fishes great for me and my partners.

There's not a whole lot of folks who are on the borderline of being able to afford a new boat that would take the leap if prices dropped $10k overnight. For most folks (myself included), $60k is just as unaffordable as $70k. For me, anything over $30k is a pipe dream. Anything over $20k is something I might have in 15 years. $10k-$20k is the budget I might be able to swing in the next decade.

So while I do understand your point and think it's a very valid question, my answer is no, I don't see boat prices lowering because there's less of a difference in used boats than there used to be. The guys that are gonna buy new will anyway, and there's just not enough people on the fence that lowering the price will drastically increase sales.

Love a new $80k+ rig BUT, not if I had to finance it! It's a hobby...not a living. Even then, these new rigs use BIG ! 21' plus rigs and 225/250/300 HP engines are not fuel efficient and are not spoken of in the same breath.
Having a new rig and comfortably being able to fish 3 or more days a week takes money. Not a small amount AND then you would have to 'equip it'! Also, not inexpensive.
So, my rig looks better and better. Paid for and I do not worry about fuel costs...