[C320-list] Call For C320 Pricing Help

[jonvez at comcast.net]

Jeff,

You are right. I was really referring generally to the 'big three'. I believe PS did a comparison a while back and in terms of initial price it was: Catalina, Bene and then Hunter. I've tried to like the Bene's, but for me, I just can't get used to the styling--particularly below. They feel very dark and cavelike to me. Oh well, will get to see a whole lot of boats in Newport this weekend that are a wee more expensive than these :)

Regards,

Jon

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Jeff Church" <jjemail at comcast.net> 

> 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" 
> 
> > 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 
> > 
> > 
> >