Looking at purchasing a boat. I’m 50-50 on this one. I could get a new boat longer in length, set up the way I want it, taken care of by me OR get a used boat, shorter in length, drier ride(even though its shorter), has most everything I want on it, mint condition, etc. and save 16K.
Thoughts?
With what you have described, leaves a lot of questions. All of which you have pondered, I am sure. $16K is $16K. That is a lot of gasoline in this current economy. Insurance also probably less expensive on older rig. How much older? Reputable boat? How much will you have to invest into the old boat to make it they way you want it? Do you trust the older rig was well taken care of? Quality outboard model without history of problems? So many variables. Buying either used or new can both yield lemons or Gold.
Here’s my take.
Because you are considering new and must know the price point, it’s likely you can afford it. If there are significant differences in the configuration other than length (thou you did say the used has most everything you want) If you compromise to save money, you will constantly be thinking about how things could have been so much better with your original wish list.
Now, if that used boat has everything you want except for extra length and that’s not an issue (which I suspect it is since that’s what you were looking for in new) then snatch that up and use that $16K to make it your own.
What kind of length difference are we talking?
Was the new boat something you spec’d out or one that was in stock that you stumbled on?
The new boat is would be a 22 and the used is a 19 with low hours. Big motor is under warranty for a couple more years on the used boat. Both boats are from reputable companies with the used boat considered heavier duty by many. The used boat would be set up basically how I would set up the new boat with the one exception. It has rails where I would prefer tracks for the fishing that I do. I do have a set of tracks in the garage however that I can install. It also has Solix graphs on the used boat. I am more familiar with the helix. I don’t know if I would dislike the solid units.
I like the idea of saving 16K and I also like the used boat for obvious other reasons. I am planning on keeping the boat new or used for 10 plus years as I would like to think I take good care of my equipment.
Opps I forgot to me mention that the size difference is 22′ new to 20.5’used.
16k is alot for some, others not so much.
Your wording makes it seem like you lean towards new, therefore I will absolutely push you further in that direction.
“Most everything you want” on the used, which means you’re down to only 12-13k extra making it the way you want, then you know there will be some unforeseen issue which brings down to 10k, brand new smell is worth at least 2k, warranty assurance on a new rig worth a few k, I could keep going but we’re already at the just makes sense to get new part.
Why not list the boat so you can get more first hand experience vs speculating about each boat?
Correct me if I’m wrong but boat insurance policies do not change during the life of the boat. My boat insurance is still the same as it was 6 years ago when I bought it new. It’s not like auto insurance where the premiums fall as the car depreciates.
Under normal circumstances I would say to buy the new boat because a used one doesn’t save much money, but $16k is clearly a substantial difference in this case.
If it was me and I could afford the new one I’d go that route. That’s just me.
There’s nothing like putting that first ding on your new boat!!
There’s nothing like putting that first ding on your new boat!!
does it have enough compartments for several cans of spam!! 
I like the idea of saving 16K and I also like the used boat for obvious other reasons.
Opps I forgot to me mention that the size difference is 22′ new to 20.5’used.
Pretty much answered your own question. You like the idea of saving $16k and the new option would mean paying an additional $16,000 for 18 more inches. Those are some expensive inches.
Also, you don’t mention this, but in most cases, unless you’ve managed to find an in-stock model at a dealer right now, then the “new boat” is just theoretical if we are talking about something you’ll be fishing from this summer. Unless a dealer has promised you can order now and get the boat in time to enjoy it this summer or you’re found one in stock, then basically your choices are used boat or NO boat.
And even if you could get a new boat, the chances of finding everything you want to get it rigged and fitted out by, say, June/July… well it’ll be a challenge. Let’s put it that way.
Questions:
Are you going to be personally happy buying a used boat???
Will the thoughts of, its not what I wanted but settled for less going to haunt you?
Will you be happy knowing that you only have a couple of years left on warranty when you could of had more?
Are you going to be happy ordering a new boat and be willing to wait up to or over a year for it because motors are as scarce as hens teeth??
Are you going to be happy knowing that you will spend big bucks updating electronics that are on the used boat because they dont suit you??
On the same hand, last I knew fish dont give a hoot if you spent sixty cents at a scrap yard buying an old bathtub with an antiquated trolling motor and used battery to propel it with.
Buying used can save a ton of money and I would have zero fear of that year of motor as long as it has been maintained properly.
16 grand is more than what I made in years past and it just as well be a million if you cant swing it, that and it would buy a lot of resort time, fuel to and from, drinks, treats, the list goes on.
Is that extra length really going to be that big of a plus to you?? and that depends on where you are going to spend the majority of your time.
A large water trip can be planned if you pay attention to weather, heck, I have been out in three foot rollers with a 16 Jon boat with a twenty horse Merc in thirty MPH winds and never once felt unsafe, but that also comes with a ton of experience of knowing my abilities and what that boat could handle on occasion.
I will end this with what my dad used to say,, son, its up to you to make a choice and its up to you to suffer the consequences good or bad.
I certainly wish you the best of luck in your decision sir!!
Sheldon
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