Tuesday, March 02, 2010
A New Boat and a Big Bag of Chips
There is good news if you are a Costco member and in the market for a new boat. Costco and Sea Ray just announced that they have expanded a partnership they started on the west coast early last year.
Depending on where you live, the promotional website states that you may receive "members-only pricing" on select Sea Rays, plus $3000 of dollars in "incentives" and a $500 Costco gift card; it also mentions you would still be eligible for other Sea Ray incentives and that this offer lasts through September 2010.
If you are in the market for a new boat and happen to be a Costco member, it is probably worth your time to first get a quote as a non-Costco member. Once you've negotiated your best price it is time to whip out your membership card and see if you can actually save even more money.
Feedback is welcome from anybody who has taken advantage of this or a similar offer.
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Labels: Boat Buying, Economy
Monday, February 08, 2010
Fill Up and Save
First, for the recreational or commercial boater, there is the FuelDockPrices service, which allows you to enter an address online and find all the current fuel prices on marine gasoline and diesel within a selected radius. A quick search of fuel prices in Miami, for example, showed a range of prices from $3.16 to $4.45. With that much disparity, it's easy to see how even a small deck boat or express cruiser could save hundreds of dollars or more over the course of a boating season.
Next, FuelBidDesk allows members to access wholesale prices when purchasing at least 1,000 gallons of marine fuel. This service is helpful for any large boat, organization or even a gathering where a large quantity of fuel is needed. Obvious examples include marinas and yacht clubs. But this service offers opportunities for savings to less obvious groups as well, including organizers of fishing tournaments, charter fleets, tug boat owners and even boat clubs.
Access to the FuelDockPrices search tool is free for now, and the FuelBidDesk system is available for what looks like a nominal fee compared to the savings one can enjoy with access to the club. Given the current state of the economy and the opportunity for savings, why wouldn’t every boater use these tools?
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Labels: Auctions, Economy, Florida, green, On the Web, Products
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Boaters Welcoming Winter
It is so cold in New England today that it’s hard to believe winter doesn’t officially start until Monday. Florida (because they can) is kicking off the season with several boat parades this weekend, including some rescheduled due to rain last weekend. But the big one is in California, where they are welcoming winter with a bang - despite the fact that the weather won't really even change for folks in SoCal. The 101st Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade kicked off on Wednesday and runs nightly through the 20th.And while there are no boat shows this week, there has been plenty of boat show news. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which is behind more than a dozen boat shows all over the US, will own and manage Boston’s annual New England Boat Show beginning with this February’s event. With the NMMA in charge, the Boston show may include two programs that will help you out if you’re a new boater. First is the NMMA’s long-running Discover Boating program, which strives to introduce people to the joys of recreational boating (Just like FirstBoat, only bigger). Second is the NMMA’s new Affordability Pavilion – a special area on the show floor featuring boats that can be financed for $250 or less per month.
If you were making plans to attend the 49th annual Vancouver International Boat Show (April 8-11, 2010), you’re going to have to find something else to do. The show was canceled, allegedly because of construction. However, other boat shows have been canceled recently due to the economy. Just saying.
In Texas, the 2010 Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show, which boasts sixteen acres of boats and campers on display, has announced it will be held January 8-17 at Reliant Center.
Details and links for all of these boat parades and shows can be found on the FirstBoat boating events calendar.
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Labels: Boat Shows, California, Economy, Florida, News, Parades, Things to do, Weather
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Bigger Boat
Think the boat you're considering is big enough? Think again. Throughout the next several days, we're going to post our top ten reasons to buy a bigger boat. Remember: In the end, it's all relative and you should buy the boat that's best for you.
Reason # 10: It's the economy, stupid.
In this recession you can get a lot more boat for your money than you may ever be able to again. History and economic trends tell us that the prices of boats are going to rise significantly once they start selling again, as are the interest rates on boat loans, or the cost of money.
And right now, boat dealers are making deals and individuals are putting boats up for auction to make a quick sale. Sooner or later, sellers won't be looking to make a deal to move inventory or to convince you that it's okay that a brand of boat is on the brink of bankruptcy. Interest rates won't be nearly zero for long. It's a buyer's market, so grab all you can if have the means.
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Reason # 10: It's the economy, stupid.
In this recession you can get a lot more boat for your money than you may ever be able to again. History and economic trends tell us that the prices of boats are going to rise significantly once they start selling again, as are the interest rates on boat loans, or the cost of money.And right now, boat dealers are making deals and individuals are putting boats up for auction to make a quick sale. Sooner or later, sellers won't be looking to make a deal to move inventory or to convince you that it's okay that a brand of boat is on the brink of bankruptcy. Interest rates won't be nearly zero for long. It's a buyer's market, so grab all you can if have the means.
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Labels: Buy a Bigger Boat, Economy
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Lot of Bull
If you’re in the market for a new boat and you’d like to own a piece of financial-meltdown history, you have just eight weeks to get to Florida for the auction of the year.
On November 17, 2009, National Liquidators of Fort Lauderdale will be auctioning off three boats that were seized from Bernard Madoff, the 71 year old financier serving a 150 year jail sentence for ripping off a lot of people.
Madoff's largest yacht for auction is a 55 ft Rybovich named "Bull" (pictured). Built in 1969 and recently renovated, it is said to be worth over $2 Million. Additional boats on the block: Madoff’s 23 ft center-console boat named "Little Bull" as well as a 38 footer named "Sitting Bull," a Shelter Island Runabout Sport.
Not on the block at this time: Madoff’s $7 Million, 88-foot yacht, also named “Bull”, which was seized near Nice by French authorities in April according to the London Times.
Shopping around? You'll find plenty of boats for auction online at FirstBoat.
On November 17, 2009, National Liquidators of Fort Lauderdale will be auctioning off three boats that were seized from Bernard Madoff, the 71 year old financier serving a 150 year jail sentence for ripping off a lot of people.
Madoff's largest yacht for auction is a 55 ft Rybovich named "Bull" (pictured). Built in 1969 and recently renovated, it is said to be worth over $2 Million. Additional boats on the block: Madoff’s 23 ft center-console boat named "Little Bull" as well as a 38 footer named "Sitting Bull," a Shelter Island Runabout Sport. Not on the block at this time: Madoff’s $7 Million, 88-foot yacht, also named “Bull”, which was seized near Nice by French authorities in April according to the London Times.
Shopping around? You'll find plenty of boats for auction online at FirstBoat.
Labels: Auctions, Boat Names, Boat of the Week, Economy, Famous
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Cash for Boat Clunkers
Got an inefficient boat? Mercury Marine is apparently trying to capture the spirit of the wildly successful Cash for Clunkers car program with a promotion encouraging boat owners to upgrade to more fuel-efficient outboard engines.
Under what they’re calling the “Trade Up America – Mercury Repower Sales Event” some Mercury engines sold in the United States by Oct. 31, 2009 are eligible for rebates of up to $1,000.
Visit Mercury’s website to find a local authorized Mercury Marine dealer and learn more about the offer.
In an even closer approximation to the Cash for Clunkers car program, KRCG 13 in Missouri is reporting that an Osage Beach boat dealer - Surdyke Yamaha - is giving boat buyers a $4,000 credit for old boats that might otherwise be worth much less.
Under what they’re calling the “Trade Up America – Mercury Repower Sales Event” some Mercury engines sold in the United States by Oct. 31, 2009 are eligible for rebates of up to $1,000.
Visit Mercury’s website to find a local authorized Mercury Marine dealer and learn more about the offer.
In an even closer approximation to the Cash for Clunkers car program, KRCG 13 in Missouri is reporting that an Osage Beach boat dealer - Surdyke Yamaha - is giving boat buyers a $4,000 credit for old boats that might otherwise be worth much less.
Labels: Economy, green, Hybrid Boats
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Is boating really a luxury?
An article in today's Chicago Tribune suggests waters are rough for boaters due to the economy. But is it really that bad for those who are fortunate enough to enjoy the boating lifestyle?
Sure, new boat sales are down this year, but that doesn't mean people aren't boating at all - they just aren't buying brand new boats. Guess what - people aren't buying new homes or cars either. Yes, boating is considered a "luxury good" but it's not easily abandoned.
First of all, boating is often enjoyed by people who can afford to withstand a dip in the economy - even as severe as our current recession. In fact, any shake out of boaters for economic reasons may have already occurred last year - those who survived $4 (or even higher at the marina) gallons of fuel in 2008 are surely able to continue their leisure indulgences this year with gas prices lower on the water and on the road.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, boating isn't a sport or hobby one "picks up" like racquetball or softball (no offense to you hardcore ballers). It's more than that - boating is in your veins, a passion often passed down for generations.
You know it if you are a born boater.
The Tribune article does provide one statistic that shows boating may be slowing. The article states that at one harbor in the Chicago area, "...someone who joined a 25-year wait list to moor a small powerboat will now discover the wait time has dropped closer to 20 years".
Yeah, I guess boating is really slowing down!
Sure, new boat sales are down this year, but that doesn't mean people aren't boating at all - they just aren't buying brand new boats. Guess what - people aren't buying new homes or cars either. Yes, boating is considered a "luxury good" but it's not easily abandoned.
First of all, boating is often enjoyed by people who can afford to withstand a dip in the economy - even as severe as our current recession. In fact, any shake out of boaters for economic reasons may have already occurred last year - those who survived $4 (or even higher at the marina) gallons of fuel in 2008 are surely able to continue their leisure indulgences this year with gas prices lower on the water and on the road.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, boating isn't a sport or hobby one "picks up" like racquetball or softball (no offense to you hardcore ballers). It's more than that - boating is in your veins, a passion often passed down for generations.
You know it if you are a born boater.
You've heard the call of the ocean as long as you can remember. You breathe better when you smell salt in the air You sleep better when waves are gently rocking you.
The Tribune article does provide one statistic that shows boating may be slowing. The article states that at one harbor in the Chicago area, "...someone who joined a 25-year wait list to moor a small powerboat will now discover the wait time has dropped closer to 20 years".
Yeah, I guess boating is really slowing down!
Labels: Chicago, Economy, Passion
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Happy National Boating Day
It's official, sort of. Today (July 1) has been declared National Boating Day in the United States after resolutions were passed by both the Senate and the House last month.
But can we really call it, officially, National Boating Day? I'm no political scientist, but when the bill was first introduced, it was reported by Boating-Industry Magazine that President Obama would have to "issue a national proclamation in observance of the day" after the bill passed through the house and senate.
As of 11:45 pm on the evening before National Boating Day, President Obama has not done so, leaving the day as sort of an unofficial boating holiday - not much different from any other weekday in the summer.
By some accounts, July 4th is the real national boating day. In fact, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) calls the 4th of July recreational boating's busiest traffic day of the year.
What's your official boating day? What one day do you make an extra effort to be out on the water? Is it the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or is it simply any day you can get away?
Maybe in the future, July 1 will be that day. Maybe boaters will make plans months in advance, take July 1st off from work, and hope for sunshine on National Boating Day - the day they MUST get out on the water. But not this year. This year, I'm afraid it's just another Wednesday.
But can we really call it, officially, National Boating Day? I'm no political scientist, but when the bill was first introduced, it was reported by Boating-Industry Magazine that President Obama would have to "issue a national proclamation in observance of the day" after the bill passed through the house and senate.
As of 11:45 pm on the evening before National Boating Day, President Obama has not done so, leaving the day as sort of an unofficial boating holiday - not much different from any other weekday in the summer.
By some accounts, July 4th is the real national boating day. In fact, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) calls the 4th of July recreational boating's busiest traffic day of the year.
What's your official boating day? What one day do you make an extra effort to be out on the water? Is it the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or is it simply any day you can get away?
Maybe in the future, July 1 will be that day. Maybe boaters will make plans months in advance, take July 1st off from work, and hope for sunshine on National Boating Day - the day they MUST get out on the water. But not this year. This year, I'm afraid it's just another Wednesday.
Labels: Economy, Government, Holiday, Things to do
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Your first boat is hard to part with
I could totally relate to Paul Sullivan's saga of selling Sea Paws - his beloved first boat - as told in today's NY Times.
Of course, Paul faced the expected challenge of selling a luxury item in a product category that has by many accounts experienced a 50% drop in sales since he bought his boat two years ago. However, it sounds like he didn't anticipate that it would be as hard to emotionally give up the boat as it was to find a buyer.
I recall in selling my own first boat - and taking a similar financial loss due to engine issues (it didn't work any more) - that the void from not having the boat itself was much harder to bear than the bath I took in the sale.
Well, Paul, we still have our memories. You can also take comfort in knowing that the buyer probably will indeed love the boat as much as you did - he just hid his emotions better while negotiating. After all, what's not to love about a 30 ft express cruiser?
Of course, Paul faced the expected challenge of selling a luxury item in a product category that has by many accounts experienced a 50% drop in sales since he bought his boat two years ago. However, it sounds like he didn't anticipate that it would be as hard to emotionally give up the boat as it was to find a buyer.
I recall in selling my own first boat - and taking a similar financial loss due to engine issues (it didn't work any more) - that the void from not having the boat itself was much harder to bear than the bath I took in the sale.
Well, Paul, we still have our memories. You can also take comfort in knowing that the buyer probably will indeed love the boat as much as you did - he just hid his emotions better while negotiating. After all, what's not to love about a 30 ft express cruiser?
Labels: Economy, FirstBoat, Florida
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Safe Boating Week
As the weather warms across the country and boats get ready to launch, President Obama has made it official with a press release from the White House declaring this week National Safe Boating Week 2009.
Mr. Obama tells us that he encourages "all Americans to join in observing this occasion by learning more about boating safety and committing themselves to safe practices on the water." OK, he didn't actually tell us that, but he said it in his statement. And we were listening.
Maybe with gas prices down dramatically from last summer, more people will take to the water, spend more time on their boats and more money on all the things that go along with boating. For example, I don't know, maybe they'll spend money on boat name stuff. One can hope.
If you'd like to put the President's call into action, one place to start is FirstBoat's boating safety tips page.
Enjoy the season and be safe!
Mr. Obama tells us that he encourages "all Americans to join in observing this occasion by learning more about boating safety and committing themselves to safe practices on the water." OK, he didn't actually tell us that, but he said it in his statement. And we were listening.
Maybe with gas prices down dramatically from last summer, more people will take to the water, spend more time on their boats and more money on all the things that go along with boating. For example, I don't know, maybe they'll spend money on boat name stuff. One can hope.If you'd like to put the President's call into action, one place to start is FirstBoat's boating safety tips page.
Enjoy the season and be safe!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
See you in St Pete
If your wallet isn't affected by the current economic conditions, and you want an excuse to get out of the cold, you are in luck. There's a medium-sized boat show in Florida this coming weekend.
Can you think of a better time to go to a boat show? The economy is in the head, boat sales are down, fuel prices are probably going back up. Yet, I'm saying "YES, go to the boat show."
Why?
With the economy this bad, your chances of getting a great deal on a new boat are better than ever.
According to a news release on the show's website, "the St. Petersburg Boat Show and Strictly Sail Features Great Deals and Incentives on 250+ Power and Sail Boats. The Gulf Coast’s new super show running from Dec. 4-7..." The article goes on to explain that visitors to the boat show will find "best-value deals and incentives offered on a large selection of both power and sailboats for the ultimate Holiday gift."
If you can afford a boat, you might as well shop now while the dealers are struggling to move inventory. If you cannot afford a boat right now, it doesn't hurt to go have a look and dream about the day when you can!
To help you save, the show's website is offering a $2 admission coupon here, but the link wasn't working at the time of this post.
Labels: Boat Shows, Economy, Florida, Things to do
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Happy Columbus Day
Are you enjoying a long weekend thanks to Columbus Day? The folks at BoatNameGear decided that a great way to celebrate a nautical holiday like Columbus Day would be to offer 20% savings to their nautical-minded customers. Not a bad idea given our current economic environment.
Use coupon code UMBUS between now and October 15th to save 20% off any order at BoatNameGear.com.
BoatNameGear offers shirts, hats, welcome mats, towels and more - personally embroidered with your boat name. Unlike other sites that sell that type of stuff, BoatNameGear only focuses on stuff for boaters, and doesn't have any lofty minimum order amounts. And, your stuff is custom made and shipped within a few days - not weeks!
Hurry, this coupon expires October 15, 2008:
coupon code: UMBUS
Website: www.BoatNameGear.com
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Cannons 2.0
In a display of wealth that spits in the face of the current economic crisis, Russian ka-chillionaire Roman Abramovich is having a 350 million dollar, 550 foot yacht built (according to CrunchGear). I think he could have picked up an ailing financial firm on Wall St for only a few bucks more. Oh yeah, he's already in that business - better to diversify.
The ship will boost its own economic system on board considering it will require a crew of 70 to steer the vessel, manage the disco, pools and helipads, keep the submarine and jet skis tuned up, and, oh yeah, work the missle defense system built into the boat!
We sure have come a long way since old school pirates had cannons poking out of wooden hatches along the side of a ship.
Of course, this isn't too much of a stretch given that Mr. Abramovich already has an anti-missile system on his Boeing 767.
All I have to say is, cool toys! Spend it if you've got it.
The ship will boost its own economic system on board considering it will require a crew of 70 to steer the vessel, manage the disco, pools and helipads, keep the submarine and jet skis tuned up, and, oh yeah, work the missle defense system built into the boat!We sure have come a long way since old school pirates had cannons poking out of wooden hatches along the side of a ship.
Of course, this isn't too much of a stretch given that Mr. Abramovich already has an anti-missile system on his Boeing 767.
All I have to say is, cool toys! Spend it if you've got it.
Labels: Economy, Famous, Pirates, Yachts
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Skipping Liberty because of the Economy
The organization who runs the Liberty Boat Show, originally scheduled for later this month (September 25 - 28, 2008) has cancelled the event.
The NMMA says they are postponing the 2008 Liberty Boat Show until October of 2009, choosing to "wait to host the event in a more suitable economic environment".
The show will still be held near NYC at Liberty State Park’s Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, NJ.
More info here:
http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=42031
The NMMA says they are postponing the 2008 Liberty Boat Show until October of 2009, choosing to "wait to host the event in a more suitable economic environment".
The show will still be held near NYC at Liberty State Park’s Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, NJ.
More info here:
http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=42031
Labels: Boat Shows, Economy
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Repo Man Strikes Again
I can't believe this story resurfaced, more than two months after I covered it (well, actually the Wall Street Journal and a TV station in Cleveland covered it, but I covered them covering it.)
Anyway, here's my local hometown (is that redundant?) paper, infamous in the state for recently ridding itself of all those pesky reporters, spitting up a "feel-bad" story written for another city. And also a story that was already told by the WSJ in the same boating season.
I've got to admit, I like the way this newer version of the repo man tale contrasts the two personality types of the men they profiled - the first man is "soft spoken" and rarely confronted; the second wears a bullet proof vest and is "ready for a fight". Worth a read, even if you're not in Miami.
Anyway, here's my local hometown (is that redundant?) paper, infamous in the state for recently ridding itself of all those pesky reporters, spitting up a "feel-bad" story written for another city. And also a story that was already told by the WSJ in the same boating season.
I've got to admit, I like the way this newer version of the repo man tale contrasts the two personality types of the men they profiled - the first man is "soft spoken" and rarely confronted; the second wears a bullet proof vest and is "ready for a fight". Worth a read, even if you're not in Miami.
Labels: Economy
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Free Boat Fuel
IBI Magazine just reported that Australia’s oldest and second largest boat builder Mustang Marine is going to offer new incentives to help increase their boat sales.
The incentives include free fuel, berthing, servicing, detailing and insurance.
Headquartered on Australia's Gold Coast in Queensland, Mustang's boats are available worldwide; but I'm not sure if the new offers are available outside of their local area. (Comments are welcome if anyone is in the know)
This is a great PR piece on the part of Mustang, as American boat companies may be offering similar incentives but the only thing that typically makes the news are their production and job cuts. I really appreciate Mustang's determination to continue to help boat buyers get into their boats.
The incentives include free fuel, berthing, servicing, detailing and insurance.
Headquartered on Australia's Gold Coast in Queensland, Mustang's boats are available worldwide; but I'm not sure if the new offers are available outside of their local area. (Comments are welcome if anyone is in the know)
This is a great PR piece on the part of Mustang, as American boat companies may be offering similar incentives but the only thing that typically makes the news are their production and job cuts. I really appreciate Mustang's determination to continue to help boat buyers get into their boats.
Labels: Australia, Boat Builders, Economy
Monday, July 21, 2008
Cutting back on boating
USA Today reports today that people are cutting back on their boating lifestyle. I've said all along that there is a core group of boat lovers who will not give it up no matter what the costs. My guesstimate is that we're probably talking the 80-20 rule here, where 80% of boat owners will keep on boating.
And, depending on your marina and neighbors, staying at the slip is sometimes as much fun as being out on the boat. So, a low-key summer could help you save on gas while still enjoying the boating lifestyle.
Let me know if you plan to cut back because of gas prices, or give up boating altogether this year.
Labels: Economy
Friday, May 23, 2008
Repo Boats
I'm not here to jump on the bandwagon of proclaiming the end of boating due to the poor economy and rising gas prices.
I AM here to point out good deals when I find them.
With Memorial Day weekend upon us here in the States, and thus the official start of boating season, the latest media trend is reporting about the boating industry being in the dumps.
First, it was simply about how boat sales are down and those who are keeping their boats are keeping them at the dock because gas prices are so high.
The new version of that story is even more sensational. The media has latched on to the story of the boat repo man. First, Neal sends me an article from the NY Times about a repo man in Michigan: Economic Tide Is Rising for Repo Man.
Catchy title.
Next, I see the same repo guy - in virtually the same story - on a website for NBC affiliate WKYC of Cleveland/Akron. This time, with video.
What irks me about all this media coverage is that it is a classic case of the news outlets trying to say, "ha ha, look at that rich guy getting his boat reposessed!". Meanwhile, it's usually a young family who thought they could afford that slightly bigger boat. Maybe they would have been fine if the economy were stronger, but they are getting screwed because their take-home pay is getting lost in the wake of not only rising gas prices, but also non-boating expenses that are increasing such as insurance and groceries.
Anyway, like I stated yesterday, this isn't the end of the boating world as we know it. In fact, there's never been a better time to get into boating. All those repo'd boats are being sold at rock bottom prices, many of them on FirstBoat's boat auction site.
Should you feel bad? The bank is going to sell the boats to somebody. It might as well be you! Just make sure you re-name your boat as soon as you get it so that the original owner doesn't hunt you down in an angry rage.
Related links:
Rename your boat to hide it from the repo man or to protect yourself from the original owner: Custom Boat Names
Shop for boat auctions, including repo'd boats, at FirstBoat.com
WSJ: Economic Tide Is Rising for Repo Man
WKYC: Repo man snagging boats in Lake Erie
Website of the repo man featured in all the news articles: www.harrisonmarine.com
I AM here to point out good deals when I find them.
With Memorial Day weekend upon us here in the States, and thus the official start of boating season, the latest media trend is reporting about the boating industry being in the dumps.
First, it was simply about how boat sales are down and those who are keeping their boats are keeping them at the dock because gas prices are so high.
The new version of that story is even more sensational. The media has latched on to the story of the boat repo man. First, Neal sends me an article from the NY Times about a repo man in Michigan: Economic Tide Is Rising for Repo Man.
Catchy title.
Next, I see the same repo guy - in virtually the same story - on a website for NBC affiliate WKYC of Cleveland/Akron. This time, with video.
What irks me about all this media coverage is that it is a classic case of the news outlets trying to say, "ha ha, look at that rich guy getting his boat reposessed!". Meanwhile, it's usually a young family who thought they could afford that slightly bigger boat. Maybe they would have been fine if the economy were stronger, but they are getting screwed because their take-home pay is getting lost in the wake of not only rising gas prices, but also non-boating expenses that are increasing such as insurance and groceries.
Anyway, like I stated yesterday, this isn't the end of the boating world as we know it. In fact, there's never been a better time to get into boating. All those repo'd boats are being sold at rock bottom prices, many of them on FirstBoat's boat auction site.
Should you feel bad? The bank is going to sell the boats to somebody. It might as well be you! Just make sure you re-name your boat as soon as you get it so that the original owner doesn't hunt you down in an angry rage.
Related links:
Thursday, May 22, 2008
NPR Says You Are Not Boating
National Public Radio is the latest media outlet to claim that boaters are boating less due to high gas prices. They say the economy is even forcing some folks to sell their boat, or at least leave them in storage this season.
I believe this is probably true on the fringe of boating. The folks who bought boats because they thought they could afford them - only to find out that the costs to maintain and enjoy a boat are usually a larger expense than those "low monthly payments".
Boats cost more than the price of the boat. It's easy to see the price of a boat broken down into low monthly payments, but before you say "I can afford that" you need to think about your entire financial exposure - just like any investment.
First Boat has been responsibly explaining this issue to new boaters for years, but there is only so much one website could do.
Don't mean to sound all preachy on you.
Anyway, here's the NPR story - take a listen and if you're really concerned, buy a sailboat.
I believe this is probably true on the fringe of boating. The folks who bought boats because they thought they could afford them - only to find out that the costs to maintain and enjoy a boat are usually a larger expense than those "low monthly payments".
Boats cost more than the price of the boat. It's easy to see the price of a boat broken down into low monthly payments, but before you say "I can afford that" you need to think about your entire financial exposure - just like any investment.
First Boat has been responsibly explaining this issue to new boaters for years, but there is only so much one website could do.
Don't mean to sound all preachy on you.
Anyway, here's the NPR story - take a listen and if you're really concerned, buy a sailboat.
Labels: Economy
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Brunswick Tightens Ship
If you own or were thinking of buying a Sea Pro, Sea Boss, Palmetto or Laguna brand of boat, you might be interested in this.
Those brands, along with Bayliner, Maxum and Cabo yachts - to name a few - are all part of the Brunswick family of boats.
At least, they were.
As of July 1 2008, Brunswick is closing the factory that makes Sea Pro, Sea Boss, Palmetto and Laguna, which are all part of what they called their Bluewater Marine line of boats.
My guess is that dealers carrying those lines of boats that are being discontinued are going to be having fire sales, so you can probably get a good deal if you look for one.
Those brands, along with Bayliner, Maxum and Cabo yachts - to name a few - are all part of the Brunswick family of boats.
At least, they were.
As of July 1 2008, Brunswick is closing the factory that makes Sea Pro, Sea Boss, Palmetto and Laguna, which are all part of what they called their Bluewater Marine line of boats.
My guess is that dealers carrying those lines of boats that are being discontinued are going to be having fire sales, so you can probably get a good deal if you look for one.
Labels: Economy
