Supply and demand. Someone is financing themselves to oblivion to get that 60k boat. If more people would stay within budget prices would eventually fall. I plan on keeping my boat for 10+ years so I wonder if I'll see a 100k super FZX Skeeter with a hydrofoil hull?

Can go as high as 20 years on financing.
And like what's been said already in this thread it's not the boat it's all the other things that drive the price up fast.
There only few companies and even then not so much.
Skeeter is owned by Yamaha
Ranger, Stratos, Triton, Champion is platinum equity group.
Two power pole companies same with trolling motors
When you think about it to few companies in the market place so prices stay high.

I bought my little 96 Ranger back in 1998, I said I wouldn't pay more than 12K, my bass friends laughed and said you can't get a Ranger for that. Well it's a little smaller than I wanted 17.5, but it was a clean used boat for 12.5K. I've taken pretty good care of it and fixed what ever breaks, times changed and age snuck up on me. Shoulder started giving me trouble at work on Mondays and gas prices shot through the roof back then, so I switched to fishing only crappie. Re-rigged the boat with sidescan, terrova with copilot,wrapped the boat and new carpet,pump out system
New tires,optima batteries and three bank charger
God led me in the right direction, glad I stuck with the old boat for she works for me and I love it, but best of All She's Paid For!

well lets start an anti-new boat forum and get these manufactures to drop boat prices!!!!!

All you need is a minimum boat to fish.You do not need a turbo 3000 motor with wraparound stereo,tv,dvd player and retractable picnic table.

That market crash is what it will take to get prices for all things back to reality. It would be a huge recession though. Not sure the government would let that happen. They are making to much tax money as it is now and they could just bail more people out and add that to our taxes. The government tried to scare the country with that shutdown talk a while back but never would have done it. Sorry, I'm ranting.

Buy and old nice fishing boat and fix it up the way you want it. The money you put into it will be exactly how much a new boat will lost you or maybe even 1000+ less. Bass boats are nice but an all around boat is better I think. If you're fishing than I don't see the problem with a price. Its an investment that you make or don't make. Im sure you can find one on the net for a couple thousand cheaper and not as new but worth the money. Good lucky and keep fishing!

you know I have been looking at craigs list and if I had to replace my 10' by 36" jon boat it would take some time to find one the last one I found was 500$ and was just the boat used no title 86 dollars short of new - tax and title, I see that a lot here in texas over priced and when there cheep they need so much work it is not funny and no title. and I am disabled or fixed income, so estate sales some times are good for boats.

My guess is there are folks out there with that kind of money and are willing to pay the price. I'm sure there are others that finance. There are plenty of other new boats to choose from that cost far less. Not everyone buys a $60,000 sports car but instead buys a $25-$35k Ford, Dodge or Chevy, why should boats be any different? If you can't afford it or don't want it, don't buy it.

As long as u find DUMMIES that will pay the price, everything will get higher. I just purchased 2008 skeeter ZX225 w/225,A new HDS 10 and 2 new HDS 5's.New minkota trolling motor. 59 hrs on boat not a scratch on it. Oh also has a new structure scan, for 33500.

If someone wants all the bells and whistles to catch little green fish go for. I am happy with my little tin can, 30hp boat it does the job for a fraction of cost

SURE,
I've always said that just because I can't afford it doesn't mean there isn't someone else who can.
I also said, "I am rich, in other ways."
Bottom line,....I'll never be totally satisfied.

Industry wide consolidation, money guys bought out the competition and raised prices to ensure their profit success....don't even get me started...I could tell some stories that still aggravate me...but I won't....bet the CEO's got some outrageous compensation packages...

Man I went to look at lawn mowers this past weekend, all i can say is oouch!. The same mower I bought for $250 5+ years ago is now $350. Up 30% in 5 years. Man I don't make 30% more then I did 5 years ago.

It's all about marketing and perception and bass boat companies have learned how to market to American male fishermen.

TV shows, tournaments, bass pros, guides, etc. all promote running the biggest and baddest billboard ad wrapped fiberglass 21 ft'er with all the amenities and a 250hp fire-breathing engine is a powerful formula to tap American male fishermen's testosterone and ego.