[C320-list] Call For C320 Pricing Help

[Jeff Church]

Jon,

I think you are right about the 5% annual increase. 

After doing some shopping recently, my impression is that CY prices aren't "...relatively low when compared to most production boats." I spoke to a dealer that sells both CY and Beneteau. He seemed to prefer Catalinas in general, but he said that they are a bit more expensive than Beneteaus. Then I got a quote on a C387 from a different CY dealer, and a Beneteau 40 from a different Bene dealer. The boats are very comparably equipped, and the Catalina is almost 15% more expensive than the Bene. In addition to that, my impression is that the Bene's price is a bit more negotiable. I think the 387 is the better boat and might have a better resale value, so maybe the extra cost is justified, maybe. 

JeffC
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: jonvez at comcast.net 
  To: C320-List 
  Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 2:47 PM
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] Call For C320 Pricing Help


  I think it's helpful to understand Catalina's pricing strategy, which I think ultimately helps all of us at one point or another.

  I believe they try and price their new boats around 5% higher than the previous year's model and as we know the starting prices are relatively low when compared to most production boats. This helps bouy the price of older models because they become attractive when compared to new boats, but also creates a floor from which an older boat will hit a certain cost point and pretty much stay there.
  I've experienced this both ways--my first boat was a '88 C30TR that I bought used in '95 for $35K--if you search for that boat now, you will find it for around the same price.

  I bought my 320 new in '99 and when I compare what I paid for it to replacing it today, the cost difference is big enough where it starts to support the resale of my boat slowly creeping up--

  I agree with others who posted--it is a personal decision that works out either way. I certainly agree with Orlando that there is no way a boat or boating can be discussed in the same breath as financial prudence--

  BTW Orlando, never did hear what the 440's PHRF is in the previous thread ;)

  Regards,

  Jon Vez

  -------------- Original message -------------- 
  From: "Dave Moores" <dmoores at cogeco.ca> 

  > Why only look at a "newish" one? Check out a ten-year old example just for 
  > comparison's sake. Depreciation on an earlier boat will obviously be 
  > minimal and if you are persistent you will find one in truly excellent 
  > condition that you will be entirely happy with. That has been my experience 
  > and I'm sure glad I didn't go for a "newish" one. After all, even an early 
  > 320 is hardly an old boat when you consider that most of the sailboats in 
  > marinas around the country are 20+ years old, and many are in just super 
  > shape! 
  > 
  > Dave M 
  > 
  > 
  >