What is the Best Month to Buy a Boat?

When Should I Buy a Boat?

So what is the best month to buy a boat? Each month and season comes with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of boat you are looking to buy, your budget and its purpose. Whether you are looking to purchase a boat in the ice-cold winter or the warmer months of summer it’s important to know how each month of the year can impact boat prices.

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Contents:

  1. When is the best time to buy a boat?
  2. Is there a best time to buy a boat? 
  3. Can boats go up in value? 
  4. How long do most people keep a boat? 


When is the best time to buy a boat?

The best time to buy a boat is usually within the autumn months of September, October and November, due to boats coming down in price for these months as for many the boating season is over. However there are many advantages to purchasing a new boat in the winter and the summer depending on the type of boat you are searching for. Whether you are looking to buy a powerboatsailing yacht or fishing boat there are many things you should consider.

Here we are going to offer our expert advice on the best month to buy a boat to help you get the most boat for your berth.


Spring and Summer

For most buyers, the spring and summer is the best time to buy as it gives the opportunity to get out on the water straight away and enjoy the best of the weather.

It is also the time that most sellers are looking to put their boats up on the market so there is plenty of choice when it comes to buying a second hand boat.

Although during the spring and summer months second hand boats go to go for a premium as the demand is higher. 


Autumn

Autumn is often one of the best times to buy a boat. The boating season is almost over and the weather is getting colder meaning there are fewer buyers on the market searching for a new or used boats. There is also Southampton International Boat Show to consider, where buyers can meet with our fantastic and enthusiastic team of brokers to help navigate the market and find your next ideal boat for the best price. Not only is buying a boat in the Autumn a popular season due to there being a decrease in boat prices, but purchasing a boat within these months allows you plenty of time to get any retrofit work completed by the summer.


Winter

For many, winter may seem like an unusual time to buy a boat due to the boating season being limited to the few beautiful, crisp, clear days. The winter can in fact be one of the best times to buy, this is due in part to boats decreasing in price over the winter months due to the drop in demand but also there is the ability to attend the Dusseldorf Boat Show, again allowing buyers the time to see the models they’re interested in as well as spending time with our brokers.  

Picture 1 What is the Best Month to Buy a Boat?


Can boats go up in value?

If you are looking to buy a boat, new or used, you may be curious as to whether it can decrease or increase in value over time. Although inflation drives an increase in chargers for boat users, overall, boats tend to not lose a significant amount of value. Generally, after 10 years of ownership boats can lose up to 36% of their value depending on the condition and maintenance of the boat. 


How long do most people keep a boat?

On average, boats are replaced every 5-10 years making them a fantastic long-term investment. Depending on how you intend to service and maintain your boat they can live longer.


So, is there a best time to buy a boat?

So, you may be thinking, is there a best time to buy a boat? And the answer is yes! The best time to buy a boat is Autumn due to the many great deals that manufacturers announce. Although there is never a bad time of the year to purchase a boat, you are guaranteed to get the most for your money in the fall once the boating season is slowing down. 

This is when the boating industry sees a slight decline due to buyers stopping to search and purchase boats until April and May, meaning it’s easier for you to get the best price and negotiate with sellers who are looking to remove their boats from the marketplace before the winter.

For further professional advice on when the best month is to buy a boat or to find the perfect boat best suited to your requirements, chat with our yacht brokers today.

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