Craigslist Boats For Sale Long Island (2024)

FAQs

What time of year are most boats sold? ›

Based on historical sales data provided by the boating industry MLS service, May through August is the best time to sell your boat. On average there is a 15% increase in sales going from April to May, as well as a 10-15% decrease from August to September.

Boating is simply fun in its own right, and it's fun you can easily share with others. A new pleasure boat is unlikely to appreciate in value. Like an automobile or RV, a snowmobile or a motorcycle, a new boat begins to depreciate the moment you take ownership.

While fall may be the best time to buy a new or used boat, the winter months signify the boating offseason, which means the boating market slows down and there is a decrease in boat prices. Private sellers may not want to pay to store their watercraft in the winter, and boat shows are offering incentives to buy.

But sales of big, new, fun stuff fell in 2023 to the lowest level in a decade: boats down 5%-25%, depending on the type, and RVs down 20% year over year, according to Recreational Vehicle Industry Association and National Marine Manufacturers Association year-end reports.

As a result, some of the most reliable boat brands include Azimut Yachts, Boston Whaler, Ferretti, Princess, Sunseeker and Viking, among others.

Regular engine maintenance, low engine hours, and documentation of service records can enhance a boat's marketability and resale value. Buyers are more likely to invest in a boat with a well-documented maintenance and service history.

Opinions differ among boatowners and brokers on what constitutes a reasonable amount to spend on a yacht, but they seem to average around 5 percent of net worth as a good benchmark. That works out to $2 million in net worth if you want a $100,000 yacht.

Although there is never a bad time of the year to purchase a boat, you are guaranteed to get the most for your money in the fall once the boating season is over and boats are coming out of the water ready for storage.

Not only do they have to put out more money to winterize and shrink wrap their boat, but their chances of a sale during winter become slim. Sellers are usually eager to cut their losses and make a deal to sell their boat before winter. The other big boat buying opportunity is in early spring (March and April).

Similar to other industries, boat prices tend to be lowered in the fall and winter. Add in the fact that dealerships are trying to clear their inventory to prepare for next year's models and you're sure to find a few good deals.

What state has the most boat sales? ›

Florida boat sales also lead the fleet at $4.3 billion in 2020.