Anyone else astonished on the price tag on new boats (Ranger, Skeeter, Warrior, ect)
Why are they getting so high. If you want something new fiberglass and bigger then 19ft with 200hp you looking at over 50K.
A new Ranger 621FS will be over 100K, honestly where does it stop. I can’t believe people are spending that much money on a boat. I was quoted in 2008 for a Ranger 620 with 250 merc for 42K now they are 80K……..
Its good for the economy for people to spend money. Remember, we don’t have to keep up with the Jones’s to catch fish.
A new Ranger 621FS will be over 100K, honestly where does it stop.
When people quit buying them at that price….
Its not just boats…
2017 chevy suburban msrp 50k
2017 polaris xcr snomobile snowmobile msrp 14k
2017 can-am renegade 4 wheeler msrp 12k
I worked summers as a kid to afford new wheelers and sleds.. A kid couldnt do that these days!!
I would agree with MN nice. Supply, meet demand. Price accordingly.
Also, I tend to think we here in WalleyeWorld get a little too into our own heads and think we are typical of angling.
In reality, if you look at the big picture of what sport anglers spend on boats, midwest walleye guys aren’t even getting to first base. $50 to 100k is chump change compared to what the bluewater boys spend to get even semi-serious on the salt.
Check out what some of the quality brands are pricing out at for center consoles or walk-arounds. Whaler, Regulator, Midnight Express, Parker, Pursuit, Grady, etc. I’m not sure if there’s a rigged sub-50k fishing boat even in Grady’s lineup.
Also, to be honest, if you really want an eye opener, go look at the build quality on a Grady, Whaler, or other quality saltwater brand. IMO it’s an eye-opener.
Grouse
Answer: Because people will pay for it.
And quite honestly if you look at anything “outdoors” the masses don’t have a limit if they think it will give them an edge in any way possible.. So the manufactures are smart with this, keep raising the price until they find the ceiling and then back it off. Clearly they are doing a great job of this.
Answer: Because people will pay for it.
And quite honestly if you look at anything “outdoors” the masses don’t have a limit if they think it will give them an edge in any way possible.. So the manufactures are smart with this, keep raising the price until they find the ceiling and then back it off. Clearly they are doing a great job of this.
Let me rephrase that. The boat manufactures will continue to search for the ceiling in which “A BANK” will approve buyer 
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>walleyebuster5 wrote:</div>
Answer: Because people will pay for it.And quite honestly if you look at anything “outdoors” the masses don’t have a limit if they think it will give them an edge in any way possible.. So the manufactures are smart with this, keep raising the price until they find the ceiling and then back it off. Clearly they are doing a great job of this.
Let me rephrase that. The boat manufactures will continue to search for the ceiling in which “A BANK” will approve buyer
Exactly, 10 yr loans for a 10k boat at low interest rates isn’t a lot different than $30k-40k was over 5 years in the early 2000s. Much like housing, prices are determined by affordability and prices of alternatives.
I am happy with my 14′ boat that pushes 25 mph for under $4k.
Boat builders have found out that fisherman like their “bling”. But don’t blame the builders. Blame the guy in the mirror thats looking back at you. There is nobody with a gun to your head forcing you to buy. It’s YOU talking yourself into needing it to catch a fish that 4 year olds can catch. If you think about it everything from rods, lures, life jackets are all over priced. It just seems that boats take the brunt of the abuse for being overpriced.
It’s inflation in general. The price of pretty much EVERYTHING continues to creep up. Look at your grocery bill compared to 4, 8 or 12 years ago, and then look at the size of the products. Not only has the price increased, but the amount you are getting is shrinking as well. This is a result of the Fed printing money to fund every war or bailout our Politicians deem necessary, with no public audit or control. Remember the 90’s hit show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, that show started in 1999 and the general thought was a millionaire is rich and will never have to work again. 18 years later, if you win a million dollars (other than near retirement), you better invest VERY wisely or plan on continuing your career.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>bradl110 wrote:</div>
A new Ranger 621FS will be over 100K, honestly where does it stop.When people quit buying them at that price….
It seems most of the “fishing” boats I see that are over that $50,000 on up to $100,000 or more are usually “wrapped” in all the sponsor logos, images, and other professional angler decorations. Sure those sponsors kick in a significant amount towards the boat expenses so they can have their name on the side.
Most the rest of us “amateurs” aren’t spending that kind of money to catch a fish. Those that are just want to makeup for other shortcomings they have by having the biggest something? 
It’s inflation in general.
not really. inflation has been well below historical averages for the last decade and a half. A $40K boat in in the year 2000 would only be $55K today if inflation were the sole driver.
For me ,eating shrimp would be a heck of lot cheaper,than walleye fishing.I f your going to add up the coin.
I guess I’m guilty too. I bought a new fish hawk this year, walk through, 90 merc, radio and paid 24K. I still think I’m nuts, but we had enough just in savings to cover it so we bought it. We are extremely fortunate to be able to afford things like this, but it still doesn’t mean I ain’t a little stupid for spending that much cash.
“If you think about it everything from rods, lures, life jackets are all over priced. It just seems that boats take the brunt of the abuse for being overpriced.”
my grandpa used to outfish his friends using a lure he fashioned from a kitchen spoon….
I’ve been saying it for years and I will say it again ” fish don’t care what kind of boat you have ” I will catch just as many fish in my 1963 crestliner as I would if I had a 2017 ranger 621 period, but I bet that ranger would get there a little faster…
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>MNice wrote:</div>
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>bradl110 wrote:</div>
A new Ranger 621FS will be over 100K, honestly where does it stop.When people quit buying them at that price….
It seems most of the “fishing” boats I see that are over that $50,000 on up to $100,000 or more are usually “wrapped” in all the sponsor logos, images, and other professional angler decorations. Sure those sponsors kick in a significant amount towards the boat expenses so they can have their name on the side.
Most the rest of us “amateurs” aren’t spending that kind of money to catch a fish. Those that are just want to makeup for other shortcomings they have by having the biggest something?
There are many non pro guys on here that have boats that are north of 50K and I would bet only a small percentage can afford them. I can’t even fathom spending $3000 for a graph.
I’ve been saying it for years and I will say it again ” fish don’t care what kind of boat you have ” I will catch just as many fish in my 1963 crestliner as I would if I had a 2017 ranger 621 period, but I bet that ranger would get there a little faster…
That and be bigger, deeper, more comfortable seats, livewells, bidge pumps, storage compartments,lights, floor…..yes, some things have changed since ’63. 
Why all the guys speculating the financial situation of others? Why so many seem to have an issue with what others buy says more about them, than the guys buying nice boats. Think of it more along the lines of keeping the economy going. 
Its not just boats…
2017 chevy suburban msrp 50k
Where can you find a 2017 Suburban for 50k?
Most are around 70k.
I’m never going to own a new boat. There’s no Skeeter or Ranger in my future, and I’m OK with that. If the next guy on the ramp can afford it, good for him. I’m having fun with what I have.
Where it might affect me is used boat prices. The same thing happened with cars. When I got out of high school a “winter beater” could be had for $75. If you spent $1000 you could get a very nice clean used car. Things have changed a lot since then! Now if a new Lund or Alumacraft costs $50,000 what do you think that will do to the used boat prices?
Oh well, the fish don’t worry about all the things we worry about.
SR
How much has material costs gone up for manufacturers?
Also these boats probably have much better gadgets in them than their predecessors 10yrs ago, but how much price rise does that relate to?
After private school for 3 kids, a 10yr boat loan is gonna look like a freakin vacation. Well that’s only over a decade away right now 
Why all the guys speculating the financial situation of others? Why so many seem to have an issue with what others buy says more about them, than the guys buying nice boats. Think of it more along the lines of keeping the economy going.
I dont know if this was directed at me or not, I don’t have an issue at all with what people spend. I was just pointing out that more people own the higher end boats than he imagined. As far as some guys not being able to afford them is just a perception of mine.
It wasn’t directed at anyone in particular. It was something I have noticed several times in posts the last couple of years of posts with people saying things like if you need to take out a loan longer than 5 years you can’t afford it, or I don’t believe in taking out loans. My thought is, if it makes you happy and no one gets hurt, Live your life to it’s fullest, and don’t worry about what others are doing. My dad waited and bought his first new boat when he retired at 55 and died at 58. Life can be way too short. I am trying to enjoy my life, one fish at a time.
I guess I see people waste soooo much money were I work and end up getting government assistance…it makes me sick.
My wife has a coworker who wastes money, and the stories she tells me drive me crazy. A couple months ago coworker said to my wife, “if the phone rings for me, come and get me right away, it’s important.” Later in the day, my wife saw the lady get off the phone and the lady told her, “the church is paying our electrical bill for the month. We get to keep our power on!” This same lady gets a Casey’s Breakfast pizza, donuts, and coffee EVERY morning before work, and gets a Hardee’s or McDonalds Value Meal for lunch every day.
A few weeks ago she asked every co-worker for money so she could buy a Christmas tree so her adult children could enjoy Christmas when they came home.
Well, at least she is working. When you look around at all the government waste and what CEO’s are making, what “programs” are available. I guess I understand why some younger people see the easy way as the way to go. If I ever ask anybody for money….i’ll NEED the money.
On cost of a boat I say to each his own. Completely agree can’t believe how much is spent on boats, trucks, etc… but on that note I remember my grandpa talking about working all week and bringing $60 home. times have changed.
Regarding long term financing on a boat if that what works for you great. If it was me I would be stressed out by that (something going wrong with the boat). Like to think everything’s about balance not living beyond ones means but also not being too frugal. can’t take it with you. lastly by the old days standards we’re all fishing like millionaires
Ok so I have bought a boat in the last year that was north of 40K and put it on a 10 year loan and it will be paid off within 3. Yes they are way more expensive than they should be but to each his own. For me it was a purchase I was comfortable with knowing where I am in life. I saved for years for this boat all through college ect, and sold some stuff to buy it as well. All in all I love the boat and don’t regret buying it one bit.
Everyone speculating on other people’s finances has nothing to do with the cost of boats these days. Yes they have gotten more expensive but in my opinion the added features are well worth the price. And to everyone saying that you can catch just as many fish out of an old boat as you can a new one I don’t agree. I had a 1970 fiberform for years before getting my new Lund and I have seen an increase across the board in the number of fish and the size of fish that I catch. This directly has to do with the ease of control and electronics that are on the boat. Some have a hard time spending 1500+ on a graph but they truely do get you more fish in my opinion. That is just my 2 cents worth. Don’t knock someone you don’t even know for buying a toy, you just simply don’t know the ins and outs of their situation.
its interesting reading through this. couple of thoughts – to those that speculate as to others financial decisions I say mind your own beeswax.
I too have a boat that I paid north of 30k for. the way that I ended up with that boat is a strange set of circumstances that most don’t face and I never thought I would end up with a boat that expensive but having said that here I am. I have found, that contrary to what you have said Ryan, I find its sometimes harder for me to catch fish with my current rig than with a cheaper boat. I often find myself so busy trying to manage the trolling motor with the remote and the kicker with my hand and watching a rod all while keeping an eye on other boats, all while listening to my buddy whos sitting on his ass eating pringles saying “where the fish at”….it can be stressful.
I love my boat and there are certainly times where having it, as opposed to a smaller less expensive rig, helps me catch fish, but I also find that all of the gadgets can get in the way sometimes. To combat this I like to sometimes just shut everything down and float on the water while enjoying a sunset or going for a swim.
The whole point of this conversation was not to knock guys for purchasing them it was about how the prices have really gone up just over the last 4 years. I’m not talking about how much people made or what boat cost’s in the 1970’s. I’m a ranger boat owner and could probably sell my boat now for more than what I bought it for 6 years ago. With the prices on new boats going up the older used boat get higher as well. Here is an example for you….. I got a specific price quotes a year apart from each other on a 2015 and 2016 Ranger 620FS. Knowing that there was no changes made to the boat between the two years but somehow the price on the boat went up 3K.
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