QLD
1197 posts
I was talking to the guy in the next pen and he said he brought his motor cruiser (no sails) for about $180K (got a good bargain at the time) spent about another $300K over the years but if he were to sell it he would probably get $160K for it. I thought this pretty well sums up the situation for most boat owners. It seems that the only guy who won't make money out of the boat is the owner. I was never too concerned about recovering the money I spent on my boat but I thought it would be nice to at least get somewhere near the original purchase price back when I sold it. But after seeing what other yachties are now buying for similar money 'I've been dreamin'. Maybe that's why they call boat ownership "Living the dream"
I am very comfortable with the fact that the best way to get the $ value out of your boat is to use it. Feel a bit sorry for the owners of boats you see in marina's and mooring that never seem to go anywhere. Just remember that who every buys your boat at what you believe to be a real bargain price will most likely be in the same situation as you when they go to sell it.
QLD
122 posts
Buying boats is not about making money, its about spending it in a way that gives you fun (most of the time). Some have $5K TVs, I have a $5K boat and a $150 TV. I am happy with this arrangement.
My experience is that most of the time its cheaper to buy the boat in good nick that someone else has spent the money on. Bargain boats are usually only cheaper if you have an unusual amount of time to spend on them at no cost, or your standards are pretty low.
TAS
2446 posts
I think the problem with boats is when you buy them and spend money on them to get them how you want you don't really consider whether you will get your money back
With my Sailmaster I paid $30,000 and have probably spent $5,000 to $10,000 (my wife assures me it is the upper amount but I try not to add it up) on it in maintenance and bits and pieces to make it to the standard I want and make it reliable but I haven't really done anything major to make it worth more in the eyes of a buyer
But I doubt if I would get any more than $30,000 for it if I were to sell it (I might not even get that)
Regards Don
NSW
2711 posts
I paid $34000 for my S&S34. It now owes me $77500. Not including $45000 over 9 years in general maintenance, fuel, anti fouls, mooring, insurance, registration etc. I might be able to get $60000 for the boat, more likely $50000.
It has given me great satisfaction, but so might a historic race car which would have cost half what I spent on the boat.
TAS
2446 posts
I wonder if catamarans hold their value better than mono hulls because I never seem to find any cheap cats advertised
Regards Don
QLD
12365 posts
Yacht ownership. It is equivalent to standing in a cold shower wearing a rain coat whilst tearing up $100 notes.
It requires a certain (some might say insane) mindset to weather it. Pun intended.
TAS
2446 posts
I read that crew are people who get to go sailing each weekend but are smart enough not to own a boat
Regards Don
NSW
818 posts
Well iv handed my Valkyrie over to the young owner and he has stored her in a yard until Xmas before setting sail
on his and girlfriends adventure.
me! 4 months now iv been off her and I don't miss the lifestyle, i hear the wind blowing in the trees above my caravan and smile.
money ! Paid $50,000 for her and must of spent more than half that again.
sold for $25,000 and not once have I thought about it! 9 years use and a head full of memories.
my advice!!!
Sail and sail some more, use it as much as possible while the passion is there.
i done 15,000 miles and wish I done 30,000. Things always change and we just move on,
so live it up.
I am sure your wifes would whip you up a" to-do" list 
to get you off the couch
