[C320-list] Call For C320 Pricing Help

[Jeff Church]

Jon,

If you have a chance to check out the new Beneteau 37, let me know what you think of it, especially interior volume.

Jeff
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: jonvez at comcast.net 
  To: C320-List 
  Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 6:42 AM
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] Call For C320 Pricing Help


  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 
  > > 
  > > 
  > >