Guys, I've been searching around for a used 06-08 Sailfish 218. There doesnt seem to be a lot of options out there and when they do come up theyre gone quick. I dont want to ship something from way down South. Now ive looked at a couple 2012-2013 22CC and the more i look the more I want. I always said I wouldnt buy new with all the deals on boats nowadays but Im rethinking.

Any of you guys with new sleds regret buying brand new? When you went to sell were you WAY upside down?

I bought my boat new and never regretted it. Of course the market (and the economy) is different these days.

I have owned a dozen or so boats in my lifetime...none were new and I never regretted any buying decision (so far). Some I even made money on after using them for a year to two most cost me something (all had some sweat equity in them) I almost bought a brand new hydrasports a number of years ago but I just could not pull the trigger.

I think if you have the cash (no boat loans) and really want everything new, then go for it. You can get just what you want and be very happy.
If however, you think you might end up selling it in several years and don't want a big loss then you should seek a low hour, lightly used, non-fished distressed sale that you can use and re-sell later without much of a hit. If you buy a new boat and get forced into selling it in a couple years...you will take a big hit. A guy like me will move in and take it off your hands and you will absorb quite a hit. Borrowing money to pay for a rapidly deprecating asset that consumes large quantities of fossil fuel is a bad move unless you know you are going to die soon and will not have to pay it back.

BB- when I came to Texas, i looked for months for a used bay boat. One time, I drove 4 hrs (one way) to just see one. I always prefer used. down here, boats get a lot of use due to the year round weather and the price on used boats 2008-2010 was pretty freakin high. After months of looking I opted for new. The main driver for me was the warranty on the boat and motor. I paid about 10K more for a 2013 vs. a used 2010 and I feel pretty good about it. Im covered for 3 yrs on the motor, lifetime on the hull. All electronics are my choice and all other options. The peace of mind was worth it for me.

Hi
Went down the same road last year. Started looking about the same time and ended up end of July before finding 20' CC.
I figure buying a good used at a fair price is the way to go IMHO. If you run her for 1-2 yrs,,, and sell for fair price,,,,, low (average ?) cost to own.

I'm just finishing up re-wire and ready to go!

Good luck and if I hear of something I'll post

Gup

i went new and it was the right call for me at the time. was new to boating and just wanted to turn the key and fish every time. i dont enjoy boat ownership - it's just a neccesary evil. next boat will be used. buy what you can afford to run

I went new as my first boat, glad I did! No that I did anything wrong to my knowledge but practically have a new re-built boat under warranty!

As you say there are great deals on used boats which also means brokers MUST deal on new ones to compete.

If can't neg lower $$, accessories and longer warranties are nice.

Patience..... Over four years, I looked at 34 hulls, and actually had three surveyed before I found my current ride. I did not want a project boat. One previous owner. Knowing the person or how it was really used is important info if you can get it. Check out how he keeps his car/truck.... Mine is a 1993 Grady with 93 Yamaha 200. Solid get me home hull. I use Yamalube and fuel additives as recommended. Mechanic said it shows inside. Looks clean, no burnt metal or buildup. Hulls are important, but are almost considered throw away compared to the powerplant when you consider what the replacement cost would be. Don't fall in love with a boat until you've had it around the block a couple of times, nevermind during the buying process..... Just my two cents.

I have a boat I love right now. Potter built seacraft thats my baby. Just not wife freindly at all. so were looking for something a little bigger that I can get bloody and she looks forward to going out on with freinds. and I love the 22 sailfish. If I cant find a low hours used one, new might be a good option. Thanks for feedback.

I also bought new back in 95. Still using her, but compared to what I paid back then to the price of that same boat now....HA. Prices have not followed cost of living. It is totally out of control.

I worked the NE boat show a couple of nights for my club and looked at loads of boats while I was there.. Talk about sticker shock !!!
Boat manufacturers should be ashamed of themselves.
Oh wait !!!! I forgot all boat owners are rich.

In this economy and with fuel prices... I would look until I found a boat under 3 Y.O. and steal it for less than 1/2 of what someone paid. There are tons of boats out there.

All that said, good luck.
Your going to hear many conflicting opinions.
Just don't get "buyers" goggles and end up with buyers remorse. Take your time, make a calculated decision.

I'm toying with the idea of selling my low hour '08 Trophy 2103 this year. It specs out about the same as the Sailfish 218 and I suspect my boat would be a lot less. I can PM you more information, if interested.

I bought the boat new in October '09 as a leftover and it first hit the water in April 2010. You can do pretty well buying new but you have to be smart about it.

if you think you are going to sell in a few years, and you don't want to take a huge hit, think used and be patient.

I bought my first new boat over the winter (previous two were used), a Privateer 24 center console. I went new because I wanted something customized to make it more family friendly than a typical center console (basically, I made it into an ocean-going minivan). Also, this is my last boat, I cannot fathom wanting anything else. So I'm not worried about depreciation.

GF2020 shoot me the details in a PM. Worth a look.

Thats another reason im leaning towards new. The wife wants to customize a fishing boat to meet "a couple" of her needs to. Also i couldnt see myself selling the boat anytime soon. Think it could be the right move. Pluse I cant find SH** for used 218's anywhere. And when I do they sell the next day.

i went new and it was the right call for me at the time. was new to boating and just wanted to turn the key and fish every time. i dont enjoy boat ownership - it's just a neccesary evil. next boat will be used. buy what you can afford to run

couldn't agree more , got no use for pleasure boating , boat is just a tool for me , and for the money and aggravation i bought new with no regret ,i know the maintance and whats been done to the boat and trailer and how it was used , my vote is go new if possable

Sell the wife......keep the Seacraft.

I took a chance and purchased my McKee 196 CC sight unseen after finding an add on the internet. I did secure enough photos and service records on the Suzuki 4-stroke, to do the deal long distance before anyone else could step in at a very good price. I then drove to Lake Placid NY to pick-up after the sale, where they had just relocated from down south. I think I could have flipped that boat and made $5K, but I've invested in T-top and canvass and couldn't be happier.

Sell the wife......keep the Seacraft.


Happy to get rid of the wife and get a sweet Sea Craft.

Look out, Kevin Jackson!

Safe boating courses.

Safe boating courses.

Safe boating courses.

You get an ins bump if you take them also.

I thought It's mandatory in Ma now
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I thought It's mandatory in Ma now
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

NY, not MA yet as far as I know.

NY, not MA yet as far as I know.

in NY I believe that law only applies to residents of Suffolk county boating on Suffolk County waters.

Pulled the trigger on the 220. After negotiating for a while they gave me the price I wanted and I custom built the boat the way I wanted it. Should be delivering late May. Im pumped on the boat. Its a sweet rig. After a ton of research I chose the new Merc 4 stroke over the Yami. I cant wait. Now for the sad part.......

My Seacraft is goin up for sale. Shes my baby and I hope i can sell her to someone who will appreciate it. When i get her uncovered and unwinterized ill post it in the Classifieds if anyones interested.

Oh and thanks for the advice. Definitely got me comfortable buying a brand new boat.

Silver spring marine is a platinum service center for mercury and treated me well. It is also close to the mews.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile devicetell your insurance company you took the safe boating class

Thanks Ill give them a shout when the boat comes in. How much do you save on insurance if you "say" you took the class

Not sure I save anything,but when they ask, I nod. Same as when they ask if your vehicle is equipped with an alarm. Tony marine in Portsmouth is good too but are not as reliable. Good Luck with the new ride,you will love the verado!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thanks Ill give them a shout when the boat comes in. How much do you save on insurance if you "say" you took the class

Take one of the online courses and/or test, e.g. from BoatUS, then you don't have to "say" you took the course.

Nothing better than the smell of new fiberglass.

Should have it in hand by last week of may. So i'll get a couple last runs to the reef on the Seacraft for old times sake.

Heres a couple factory pics of the new ride. i went with the dark beige hull, tan-t-top, SS rocket launchers, delux leaning post, head, ect. Going to be a nice set up. Im psyched.

55615
55616

How much do you save on insurance if you "say" you took the class

I'll find out a real figure.

nice BB, I always thought those were good loooking boats