I was in the boat business for 19 years and understand what all goes into making and rigging on a new boat. I love to fish and currently have a 2011 Skeeter FX21 and I am ready for a new one but at 70k plus for a loaded 21 foot bass boat is just something that I refuse to pay. I cant see how they can justify that price when I just purchased a loaded out new Ram 1500 for 40k out the door. When are the manufactures going to hit the ceiling on pricing or have they already?

When we quit paying the prices asked.
With that said, some manufacturers are getting the idea. Skeeter is offering a "package " now that is pretty decent for what you get. I believe it's the ZX225 but could be wrong. Comes with Lowrance 9s and a power pole

It is only money. The key is to make more money. That is the only thing that works for me.

When I am ready to buy a new boat it will definitely be a phoenix, they fish well and aren't priced as high as Rangers or new skeeters.

It's pretty ridiculous. And they're able to do it because banks extend us 10 yr loans and people just worry about how much the monthly payment is. Sad really.

Several years ago I was in the camp of "buy a newer boat with warranty so if it blows up its covered." But now... You know how many engines I can slap on my boat and blow up before I'm out 70k? As long as I have a 20-21ft boat that will get me where i need to go and pump water in my livewells, I'll be happy. I can always add the latest graph or power poles.

Mfg's. are beginning to feel it. Their work around to date is nationally advertised pricing that cuts the dealers margins to zilch!

They are selling like hot cakes, no reason to drop the price. Go to a basschamps tournament next year and just look at all the brand new to less than 2 year old rigs. They are everywhere... Why stop?

And the Phoenix is comparable in price to the new FX model skeeter, you won't get off that cheap.

The new ZX, we hoped was going to set the bar for mfgs everywhere but that hasn't quite caught on yet.

And to the OP. That Fax back in 2011 wasn't much cheaper than today's orices... If you bought it used, someone but the bullet for you.

As stated I was in the boat business for 19 years you really think I was the one who bit the bullet....bought it with 80 hours on it!

You can still find loaded out Skeeters used. Good thing about being in Texas. They have several "TEAM" guys.

In 2014 I bought a 2013 Skeeter FX21. It was new. They also had the 2014 fx's in stock, but they were $15,000 more. They had a couple of things that the 2013 didn't have like better built in graphics, better deck latches (imo), the fan to dry out wet compartments. But was that worth $15,000??
Not to me... I went with the 2013 and it's the best boat I've ever been in in my opinion..
With the way prices are jumping, this is my last boat. I'll keep it floating and re power if I need to at a later date.

Heck, by then, the new motor will cost what I paid for this boat now anyway !!!

I would be too paranoid to get a boat like that in the damn water. Scuffed on rocks, stumps, etc. No thank you. I will just continue to buy a used one every 7-10 years or so and do just fine and not have a heart attack when not if it gets dinged up.

I have a 15 yr old triton. Starts every time, runs good, and always gets me back. A new boat doesn't make you catch more fish, however the guy driving the boat is the one that catches the fish.

And trucks??
I bought a 2006 ford f250 in 2005. I paid $33,000.
Now, 10 yrs later, a new f250 equipped the same as mine is almost double what I paid for my truck 10 yrs ago . ..
So, double the price in 10 yrs?? Come on..... somebody is robbing us consumers!!!

I hope I can get a million miles on my truck, because I won't pay what they want for a new one now..

And yes, (imo) the prices keep going up because they extend the financing for ever these days and because people keep buying them. Heck, 20 yrs ago I don't think you could get a car loan for more than 4-5 yrs. Now, they'll string the payments out as long as you're willing to pay them..

Bottom line is, only way vehicles or boats ever come down in price will be when people stop Buying or paying the prices they charge, unfortunaley that will never happen. so this is something we have to live with, only thing u can do is keep ur vehicles and boats till they just stop running or working or if you have a boat it sinks and becomes structure.

I stink at fishing. I am certainly not going to spend 70k to catch 5 Dink's and go home. I just got back into a boat for about 10k. 2004 TZX 190. Great little boat. I am putting some money in it for graphs, tackle organization, seat reupholstered, LED lights, etc. I did finance for a long period of time but I am tripling the payments. Reason I did this is in case the worst happens or need something and need money I can make the minimum payment. Even with this I look at myself and think I can't believe I spent even this much to catch fish and throw them back.