*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
Notices
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
Ready to purchase and been looking at hundreds of new and used boats in the 22'-25' range for the past few months. I noticed a significant price difference in similar used models between east and west coast. The east can't be that much more economically depressed than the west. Right? Maybe the shear glut in volume of eastside boats is driving the prices?
RE: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
I'll try.........making boats in California would be (is) very difficult based upon the environmental issues, cost of land, labor costs (especially with workman's comp) and other overhead that makes the boats more expensive to manufacture. Thus, when a boat is made on the East coast, the boat needs to be "shipped" and so the cost is increased. Once a boat is here, owners try and recoup the higher cost(s) but are not always rewarded. Even though the cost is "out-of-balance", I'm sure it's a good time to negotiate a lower price. Good luck (OH and BTW, I could be totally wrong on this!!!)
RE: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
Sounds reasonable to me. Unfortunately, I live about 4,500 miles west of CA and the pickings are slim and even more expensive here, so I've been looking to ship from the West coast. I've searched several angles to get a boat from the east but there goes the savings. So, I guess I'll keep looking as my sea legs are shriveling. Can't wait to get back in the deepblue.
Re: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
There are just way more fishing boats for sale in Florida/Alabama/Carolinas etc. I know . I have hauled 3 all the way up to Alberta and BC Canada.
Most low mile sports cars are cheaper in Florida also. I have purchased 2. Maybe retirees buy their dream boat/car and just do not use it. Hopefully sales are not just on account of economic conditions.
Count $4 to 5 K for shipping a 28 across the country.
RE: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
Have noticed the very same thing and as soon as i sell my current boat i will be heading east to pick up a large (used) center console. Based on my experience and talking to the dealers here locally they are unwilling to take any trades due to not being able to move their current inventory. One of the reasons their inventory isn't moving is due to the unrealistic $$$ they are asking. It would seem there are a lot more dealers and boats in the southwest and thus alot more compitition to help keep $$$ down. Had even considered trailering my current boat across the country to find a dealer who might be willing to trade.
Re: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
My last two boat buys were both from as far east as you could be. I am on the west coast and there just are a lot more boats back east then out west, I looked and looked for over a year at boats. Its a pain and its very hard to try and do being so far away you have to have a level of trust and then you have the fun part of trying to get someone to haul it for you without the trailer or the hauler breaking down in the process.
Location: Los Angeles, FL.or Georgia, depends. In Fl now.
Posts: 5,979
RE: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
Quote:
squibblips - 3/5/2008 12:30 PM
I'll try.........making boats in California would be (is) very difficult based upon the environmental issues, cost of land, labor costs (especially with workman's comp) and other overhead that makes the boats more expensive to manufacture. Thus, when a boat is made on the East coast, the boat needs to be "shipped" and so the cost is increased. Once a boat is here, owners try and recoup the higher cost(s) but are not always rewarded. Even though the cost is "out-of-balance", I'm sure it's a good time to negotiate a lower price. Good luck (OH and BTW, I could be totally wrong on this!!!)
There is also the point that more sailboats are sold on West coast than East coast. Demand for center consoles is not in the western mind as way more sailboats and high speed inboard river boats are sold than Center consoles. The attitudes being quite different. Right about now, in the west coasts, it is cheaper to build out of epoxy resin than fiberglass resin due to demand for material.
Blasting through the waves (55 degrees) in an open boat, with wind (50 degrees) blowing through your hair is not a lot of fun..
It may be hot in the desert but it is freaking cold 20 miles offshore.
Re: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
Squibblips has it. The initial cost of the boat is not just the fiberglass & labour at the plant. Shipping is usually done on a per foot basis so on an otherwise inexpensive boat, the shipping portion of the overall cost will be high compared to an expensive boat at location of build.
All of that will be reflected to a degree at the time of each resale.
The idea of going east to get it yourself won't save much. What is your time worth? Vacation time used to go get it? If you have the truck to pull it, what will the round trip cost in fuel, hotel bills, food enroute etc? It all has to be figured into the final cost in your driveway.
Re: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
Quote:
Wahzoo - 3/6/2008 12:21 PM
What kind of boat are you looking for new or used? I have one for sale below what the East Coasters are asking for the same rig...
If that's your 31 contender in the for sale section it's beautiful. Thanks but more boat than I need or can afford. I'm looking for an easily trailerable 22'-25' in the $40-$60 grand range, multi-purpose (fish, dive, crab pulling), with lots of aft deck space. Most of the center consoles are out since they provide such limited space behind the seat. Too hot here for a full pilot cabin so that's out too. That Davis cortez 22 with half tower is just about ideal but super pricey. So the search goes on. http://www.davisboats.com/cortez.htm
Re: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
Quote:
GhostShip - 3/6/2008 3:50 PM
Opae, Have you checked out Arimas? Pretty much designed for what you're looking for. There's a 22' w/ twin Hondas*for sale right now in HA.
Thanks for the recommendation. I actually rode a 22 footer back in the early 90's. Beat the hell out of us, it pounded so bad. I'll check and see if they changed the hull since then.
Re: used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why?
Quote:
Opae - 3/6/2008 2:40 PM
Anyone here know the cheapest way to ship a boat from FL to HA ?
Ping THT member Kerno, he is very knowledgeable about shipping to Hawaii..
Many of us West coast guys go to Florida to buy boats.....and it's not just for the cost. The pathetic selection out here is (for me) the primary driver. I don't know about all that business of land, environmental laws and shipping. Cabo builds here (in the CA desert) and ships some 80% of the production to the East coast so it can't be all that bad.
Nobody cares what you do in the desert, and the town of Adelanto is very greatful for the jobs and tax base.
Without starting a controversy around brand loyalty, how many East coast boats do you see out here on the West coast (a lot) and how many West coast boats (Cabo aside) do you see on the East coast (not many). Same distance same shipping costs.
used west coast boats more expensive than east coast, why? 
