Are all boat brands in each category comparable :
The short answer : NO
It is always difficult for a broker to tell boaters that certain manufacturers do not represent a good deal—especially financially—a few years after purchase.
To understand why, you should read the following article in full.
Let’s start with manufacturers that are no longer in production—specifically, those that have gone out of business. In the very short term, there won’t be major issues, but after a few years (more than eight, or sometimes even fewer), boaters may hesitate to buy—unless it is an American manufacturer. Indeed, replacement parts are relatively easy to find, particularly in South Florida or the Great Lakes region—the two best markets in North America.
However, the situation is quite different for European manufacturers.
Also, before making a purchase, you must ask yourself a very important question: does the manufacturer have an excellent or very good reputation? Is the brand known for aging well?
Are the onboard systems well-designed and durable, especially for saltwater use?
And, of course, is the asking price inflated, and how does that affect the market?
This is where an independent broker—one who does not represent any specific brand—becomes a valuable resource.
After all, it would be difficult for a broker or salesperson to give you a negative assessment of one of the brands they actually stock…
There are, of course, fairly popular boat brands that struggle to maintain good resale value—particularly on the US market—but boaters often only realize this after a few years of ownership.
Here is a list that every boater should have on hand before completing a transaction. It is relevant whether the boat at the dealership is new or pre-owned. Summary
Several factors should be considered before making a purchase:
1- Manufacturer’s reputation (very important)
2- Is the manufacturer still in business?
3- How the warranty works (manufacturer vs. dealer)
4- Onboard systems (ease of maintenance, upgradability)
5- Ratio of the boat’s dry weight to its engine power
6- Complete history of the boat since the original owner
7- Logbook and/or complete record of maintenance invoices
8- Conduct a thorough inspection and a sea trial
9- Request insurance quotes before purchasing
It is certain that a purchase cannot be based solely on technical or theoretical criteria; there also needs to be an emotional connection—that “love at first sight” feeling.
However, a balance must be struck between all aspects (technical, cosmetic, and emotional), as the reality check can be harsh after a few months or years.
That is where the challenge lies: resisting the urge to buy based purely on an instant, overwhelming attraction. Sometimes a boat’s aesthetics are striking—or particularly appealing to less experienced boaters—but one must not forget that it is, first and foremost, a boat. It won’t just be a floating second home permanently tied to a dock; you also need to consider its sailing capabilities and operating costs.
Technical aspects and seaworthiness are equally important. An experienced broker will be able to put you at ease and offer the best advice.
Of course, every boat undergoes some degree of depreciation, so buying a boat that is more than a year old is often a more cost-effective choice. After three years, standard depreciation is around 30%. However, this figure is heavily influenced by availability and the reputation of both the manufacturer and the specific model; in short, many factors come into play.
Boats also incur annual expenses that can vary significantly depending on where you sail. For instance, the cost of a slip in Montreal, on the Richelieu River, in South Florida, or in the Caribbean differs greatly—and that is without even factoring in insurance.
If you have the opportunity to attend an international boat show, such as the one held in Fort Lauderdale (FLIBS) every year in late October (click here for a direct link)—it will allow you to view a wide range of boats and define your criteria (identifying what you like and, more importantly, what you don’t). Here is a good piece of advice: do not sign anything at a boat show without first obtaining all the necessary guidance—such as understanding the procedures for resolving disputes under Canadian or U.S. law.
The best advice is this: think before you act.
Brokers at Ita Yachts Canada and its ProprioBateau division have decades of experience with transactions both within and—especially—outside Canada, so do not hesitate to reach out.
DISCLAIMER
The article presented on this page is for information purposes only. This information is provided as editorial (i.e. opinion). The information presented in this article is presented in good faith and, while believed to be correct, is not guaranteed. Ita Yachts Canada does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information and/or images displayed, as they do not suggest anything in relation to this article, indeed no association can be made with respect to the images and the article. All information in this article is subject to change without notice and is without warranty. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify the descriptions and statements contained in this article. The brokers at Ita Yachts Canada assume no responsibility for any conclusions the reader may draw. The purpose of this article is to promote boating in all its forms. It gives one point of view among many. Any reproduction of this article is prohibited.
