Boat prices, WOW!!

Colebass · Post by **Colebass** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 11:11 pm

Is it me or are boat prices getting CRAZY? $60K for a bass boat?

Let's take the average joe fishermen. Maybe he puts 10K down, then still finances 50K for 15 years. Now I know he won't keep the boat that long, but that is what most folks finance it for. The payment is well over $400 bucks a month, plus truck payment, fuel, insurance, etc., etc! And I hope you don"t have kids, or they love to fish! $60K, that's more than my truck!

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 4:35 am

You're right, it's nuts!

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 4:50 am

It's not just boat prices. Nothing costs what it used to. My first house cost $150,000 and now there isn't anything around me for less than $500,000. Lets not talk about gas, meals, a trip to the movies.

Look around, everything has gone up.

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 4:57 am

Ricky,

I paid 16 for one ticket to get in the movies yesterday.
I paid 5 dollars for a large coke
I paid 3 dollars for a medium popcorn
I paid 3 dollars for some microwave soft taco (boy was it good though)

But I didn't pay no 60K for my boat!

Terry Smith · Post by **Terry Smith** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 6:08 am

SCARY isn't it!!!!!

$60 thousand just to go play with the fish. OH WELL pay up and lets get fishing.

RipnRog · Post by **RipnRog** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:02 am

I totally agree. If you finance over 50000 you can go 30 years and your payment is still over 500. But there are other boats out there for far less. I bet they start to become more popular. I myself will not be buying a boat for 4 more years as I am too busy with my kids sports to be able to justify the payment. But I agree that things have gone way out of hand.

I dont think that some of the manufacturers will change but I do think you will see some lower end boats being offered.

Take a look at that 17 foot stratos. That little boat is listed at 12.999 with a 60 horse motor. Very Very nice boat. Gas mileage is incredible. I think you will se more companies offering something like that boat. Hey I would buy on if I thought I would use it enough. But my kids have me locked up 5 to 6 days per week at one sporting event or another and I would not trade that for a few bass.

Slippy · Post by **Slippy** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:12 am

ill stick with my 01 skeeter its paid for.

borderbuck · Post by **borderbuck** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:19 am

Do what I did, and don't buy new. I found a 99 Ranger that had just had an engine overhaul, a new trolling motor, new batteries and two new graphs. I paid about 1/3 of what I would for a new boat and all the components that you use most were new or near new. Sure the appearance needed a little TLC, but a little sweat equity can take care of that. Don't buy any depreciating asset new unless you can comfortably write a cheque for it...my two cents anyway.

BB

SHAFT · Post by **SHAFT** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:24 am

It would be interesting to see their sales reports and marketing research as to who is buying them and how many are sold in each price range .

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:27 am

Pre order your new legend now, 199 or 211, you pick the colors~! Boat will be used for 7 months. guarenteed not to spend 60 or 50K or Even 40K on it!

ha ha ha

TonyL · Post by **TonyL** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:30 am

[quote="SHAFT"]It would be interesting to see their sales reports and marketing research as to who is buying them and how many are sold in each price range .[/quote ] For sure !

RipnRog · Post by **RipnRog** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:53 am

the 199 is under 30 isnt it?

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:58 am

no, not under 30. but close

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:05 am

Frank at Inland-Marine has a beautiful 199 for 28K inside his showroom.

macinckirk · Post by **macinckirk** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:17 am

Now thats a deal what size motor???

Wolfeman · Post by **Wolfeman** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:33 am

Cole wrote:
Let's take the average joe fishermen. Maybe he puts 10K down, then still finances 50K for 15 years.

Well, then I'm way, way, way, way below 'average joe fisherman'.

- Wolfeman

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:16 am

DeltaDan wrote:Frank at Inland-Marine has a beautiful 199 for 28K inside his showroom.

PLUS TAX ????????? OVER 30K

GUESS I WILL ALSO STICK WITH MY 00 TRITON, ITS PAID FOR !! MAY HAVE TO UPGRADE MOTORS TO A OPTI THOUGH ???

BASSNUTZ247 · Post by **BASSNUTZ247** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:19 am

OK GUY TELL ME---CAN YOU CATCH MORE FISH WITH A 50K BOAT THAN YOU CAN WITH A 20K BOAT???????????

YZKEN250 · Post by **YZKEN250** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:27 am

BASSNUTZ247 wrote:OK GUY TELL ME---CAN YOU CATCH MORE FISH WITH A 50K BOAT THAN YOU CAN WITH A 20K BOAT???????????

Maybe not, but you'd look good doing it.

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:35 am

Nope!

You can catch just as many with a $4,000 boat.

If you want the top of the line 21' with a 250HP motor then you pay $60k. It will not catch more fish than a 18' with a 150HP, but most people want the top of the line equipment. Top of the line does not mean it is the right boat for everyone. If the boat costs so much that a person cannot afford to fish, then they spent too much on the boat.

A Hundai will get you to work the same as a BMW. We have choices and each need to choose what is right for us. We also have to make smart financial decisions. Some can afford $60k and some can not. Choose what is right for you.

ash · Post by **ash** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:56 am

There is a reason why we pay luxury tax on boats. Its not a necessity, it is a luxury and the monthly nut is just partial ownership costs. I for one bought my boat used and paid in full, this way I can still afford to go fishing (most of the time)

I agree there is a market for everyone when it comes to buying a fishing boat, when you look at manufactures like BassCat that knows thier market they keep very nice 19' and 18' boats on the market and power them to sale, then they have the stripped down versions like the couger FTD vs the PUMA once again allowing thier market to make a cost vs options decsion. As for used there are tons of ways to get a almost new boat built to your specs as Hollywood has pointed out.

I think the insanity is the "Pro-Staff" deals these guys are buying new boats as soon as they get thier current ones rigged out, and I too would love to see what number of new boat sales are some sort of "Pro-Staff" sales vs recreational fishing sales.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:57 am

I agree and disagree! You cant tell me that a 21 w/250 wont catch more fish than a 18 w/150. There are certain advantages to the bigger boat. Crossing Virgin Basin in 6 footers, and running to Pierce ferry and back without filling up.
Sometimes you need to make a run to win, and winning is catching more fish or bigger fish.
Getting to the spot 15-40 min quicker than the guy in a smaller boat buys you up to 1 1/2 hours more fishing time. Even beating a boat on a small lake to a spot pay's off.
Granted a big boat doe's not make you better, it just gives you more oppourtunities and a leg up..

NaCl · Post by **NaCl** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:59 am

The house payment was $212 per month and I struggled to scrape that up every month. When I started tournament bass fishing, I envied all those guys who could afford a Ranger 370 with a 175 Merc...they cost a whopping $22,000. My first flippin stick was a Fenwick HMG 7' telescoping rod that set me back over $80! Had to save for three months to afford that luxury.

Today's prices are unbelievable. Last night, my wife and I said a tearful goodbye to our youngest daughter. She's moving to Indiana because she and her fiance can afford to buy a house there...they can't qualify for one in this area. My son is talking about moving out of state for the same reason. So, these high prices, especially in California, are literally moving my kids away from my wife and me. Who knows, we may follow them...family trumps the great Northern California fishing for me.

That said, there ARE people buying the high dollar boats. Most are not the average guy with the average job. Dee Thomas recently told me he thinks many of the very best bass fishermen have been priced out of the high end competition and he thinks its a shame. Fortunately, boat manufacturers make several price-point boats that allow almost anyone to fish competitively. Bass Cat's Pantera Classic is a good example of a boat that will handle big water, is reasonably fast and built to last. I think these middle level boats will keep bass fishermen on the water because they are still affordable and offer all the things needed for quality tournament fishing. Gee, I wonder what would happen if some major circuits went back to the old horsepower restrictions of 150hp. That would sure even out the advantages (or perceived disadvantages) based on boat speed...although, now that I think of it, Steve Sapp won a crapload of boats and his old red Ranger rarely saw 50mph! Hmmmmm?????

.....NaCl

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:10 am

SOCB,

Most guys that claim Pro Staff deals are actually dealer deals, not manufacturer deals. Most boat brands only allow a certain amount of Team deals per dealer, and it has to do with their volume. Alot of guys just want to be apart of something, and they'll actually go out of there way to help dealers out with nothing in return but some free oil and clothes. Some choose to wear the clothes and label their vehicle with nothing in return but pride. Frankly I have not sold a Bass boat over 54K yet, I could but It would be a huge margin and when the customer comes to trade in 3 years I dont want to bury him. People buy 45K bass boats at the rate of about 50 a day. So companies like Brunswick and Genmar need to keep up on the amount of exposure they get, Team Guys do it.......

912nitro · Post by **912nitro** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 1:49 pm

In 1978 i bought a new SF175 Skeeter ( 19footer ) with a 175 Johnson from Nixons marine for $ 12,000.00 OTD..........
if i only knew then what i know now..............

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:19 pm

I do like my little boat. I just need to up grade the trolling motor. If and when it gets paid off maybe I will put a 115 on the back of it.

Don.

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:26 pm

That always sounds good Big Bass, But I have yet to ever have the size or speed of my boat make any difference in more than 70 tournaments. I have had a few tournaments where I was pretty much done fishing by 10:00am cause I had caught all I needed for that day, but not one where a boat race made a difference. While I do run fast, I do not feel that it is necessary to fish tournaments.

Once the Delta, Clear Lake, Mead, Columbia River or any other big lake gets bad, boat size does not matter. They will eat a 23' boat as quickly as an 18' boat. No one runs on pad in 4+ footers. Well, not for long at least. I have been in some real nasty water in an 18' boat where it was more like motocross then driving a boat. Looking back I am glad I was not in a 20+' boat that day. Give me the manuverability of an 18' boat any day when the swells get over 5 feet.

Kentuck · Post by **Kentuck** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:36 pm

I always liked what I heard Steve Sapp say at a seminar once. 50-55 is fast enough and if someone was on his spot when he got there, then he knew a dozen others just like it.

CATCHEMCARO · Post by **CATCHEMCARO** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 5:05 pm

Southfork kick boat, Beacon harbor, 24 pound limit. This is one of the reason's we use kickboats. Low budget, big fishing fun.
Rich

gabuelhaj · Post by **gabuelhaj** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 6:10 pm

Don't worry, the boat market will follow the housing market real soon. Except for the high-end which is out of our league anyway.

And, every single person that I knew who left California, came back to California!

Good luck!

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 6:25 pm

These boats are over priced. The only thing thats going to make em come down is if WE stop buying them.

SHAFT · Post by **SHAFT** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:57 pm

I don't see how you can say they are way over priced look at the technology in these things . Did you ever think you would see a full sized pick up priced over 50k it's the same thing . You don't need to spend that much on a new truck or boat but if you want top of the line biggest and badest you pay for it .

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:07 pm

SHAFT wrote:I don't see how you can say they are way over priced look at the technology in these things . Did you ever think you would see a full sized pick up priced over 50k it's the same thing . You don't need to spend that much on a new truck or boat but if you want top of the line biggest and badest you pay for it .

You just made my point. The boat is worth more then a full size quad cab diesel. Tell me there is more R&D in a bass boat! Heres the kicker. I can deal on a new pickup truck but I cant with a boat. Its like the price is fixed. Ill let someone else take the hit. Ill sit back and wait three years and pay 25k for a boat that was new 60k. Thats a 35k loss in three years. Man I didnt know bass guys had soooo much money to waste!

CN · Post by CN » Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:14 pm

That's why they keep building them one at a time.............so we buy them one at a time

And yes I could buy a new one every year if I wanted.

Best boat I ever owned was a 76 Eldocraft leaky piece of crap but one hell of a fish catcher and what fun we had in that boat.You know why..it was the first glass boat I owned with a motor over 100hp.Man was I king.

Kinda like that Allan Jackson song

Those day's are gone.....stop bitching Mike you just got old.

SHAFT · Post by **SHAFT** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:43 pm

Ill sit back and wait three years and pay 25k for a boat that was new 60k. That's a 35k loss in three years.

That's the way I roll , I have no problem with used trucks and boats to buy new and lose that much money is insane ! Even if you can afford new it just dosen't seem money wise . It makes you wonder what the mark up on a boat is and how does that compair to a truck ?

eagle123777 · Post by **eagle123777** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:57 am

i must say have to agree with alot of things said here...now having said that i am one of the ones that just spent the 56k for a new triton 21 x2...did i do it for faster tournament running times...no, dont fish many tournaments...for the room yes, as i have a son and two grandsons coming up....but mostly i did it cause i cant take that 56k with me when its my time.. .and like u i didnt like the high cost but if we do not support the new boat and car dealers and people who work there what will happen to them....closed and out of jobs so if u can help the economy by buying new do so if not just start used like i did and work ur way up..just my...02..jack

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:38 am

Congrat's Jack...... youll love it!

peja1650 · Post by **peja1650** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:28 am

Most guys out there with the 60k boats and 50k trucks are wannabe's who are probably stuggling to make their mortgage payments. This sport has become a redneck pissing contest instead of what it's suppose to be.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:35 am

Then what is it supposed to be!!! I just think some people are Jealous of other people's success. Also, why do you pass judgement on someone else's budget. It's up to that person and there want's and need's, not you. (Go ahead and vote Hillary 08 while your at it....)

Sorry but I can't help it, I can't stand hater's.

Flippinjigs · Post by **Flippinjigs** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:37 am

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! AS THE SAYING GOES.

Do you need a $60,000. boat?
Do you need a $440. flippinstick?
Do you need those $150. swim baits?
Do you need a tackle store in your rod locker?

HELL YES

Ya got to look like you know what your doing and be Cool at the same time!

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:50 am

amen...

Fishitifyoucan · Post by **Fishitifyoucan** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:51 am

Amen to that brother!!!!
Amen!!

Ringer · Post by **Ringer** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:23 am

I am so happy to have people buying new boats. I bought a 2004 Champ 206 with a Yamaha 250hpdi and a five year warranty last fall for $25k. The guy was a Pro-staffer from Iowa. He was a nice guy but had no clue about how to set up a boat. So he made a bunch of money and bought a new boat for $45k and got a bowling shirt with pro-staff on it. 2+ years later I get the boat for a $20k discount, 70 hours and full warranty. Me likey!

SHAFT · Post by **SHAFT** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:47 pm

Please tell me he through in the bowling shirt too !

Ringer · Post by **Ringer** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:13 pm

UHH no! He had his name on the front and paid $20000 for that shirt.

Smile_n_Jax · Post by **Smile_n_Jax** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:25 pm

Sounds like you got a hella deal there, Ringer.

Personally, given all the money in the world, I would not buy one of those high priced boats. I figure that with all the boats these manufacturers give to fishermen they have to make up the difference somewhere so they stick it to the retail buyer. Why is it that if you look at 20+ foot boats the price suddenly doubles or triples? Maybe it's just to feed the egos of those who have to have the biggest and best. Sorry, but I don't want to be in the league. Were I to buy a boat I would go the route Ringer did or get a new, smaller boat that would fit my needs.

60K for a boat is just stupid.

CN · Post by CN » Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:20 pm

Now honestly if you had the money where you could do it without it being a fanacial burden you would not do it.

As a typical male......which I find pretty much all fisherman are the same............I think you would.

Aint nothing wrong with a guy working his *** off his whole life so he can buy that over priced boat at least once.

That's when you realize anything that float's will do

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:38 pm

Having the $$ to buy a 60k boat is one thing. But loosing 35k in three to four years?? If you have that much money to loose odds are you dont work and your getting good use out of that 60k boat!

Fishin' Dave · Post by **Fishin' Dave** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:55 pm

Add up what you spend in one year of boat payments, tackle, tournament fees, hotel fees, gas, insurance, truck pay, etc...

Take that total and calculate what that would net you in a high yeild CD over 2 or even 5 years. I feel confident that CD would more than pay for your "fishing" boat (although a 17 ft boat catches just as many fish

) Or better yet, it may provide a nice (fill in the blank) for a family member.

Best of luck with those 60k rigs

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:19 pm

Talked to a guy from Triton today. He said in the 90s there were 35,000 bass boats sold. Last year there were $15,000 sold. Boat companies are trying to find new markets in Redfish and Snook boats.

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