Carver Owners Forum

How many have purchased a brand new boat over boating life so far ?? No need to be accurate just close, also any brand not just Carvers. ....

Never bought a brand new boat!

I've worked on many new boats of different brands that were fresh from factory. I would not buy a new boat! Of course money talks, would I still feel that way if I had an endless supply? Maybe not It's like a car, I've had two new ones in my life. Haven't had a new one in decades and I doubt I ever will again. I'll let someone else cover the depreciation.

New 18ft runabout in 1985

My Carver is my 10th boat. In addition I am on my 3rd inflatable and last year I bought a jetski. Of my 10 boats 6 were purchased new and 4 used.

Not me. I almost purchased a new dingy a couple years ago when they were on a 'deep discount' sale, but ended up finding one only a couple years old for less (and it came with a motor and trailer).

I'm in Viper's camp. If I had one of those money trees in the backyard, I'd certainly consider new. I do understand new buyers who need to (or want to) rely on the warranty instead of taking on the repairs themselves.

When I purchased new, it was under special condition. The new owner of Carver facility had just bought Cruisers. Because my kids were 8 & 4 at the time, he wanted to make sure our boating hobby was free of vessel stress, and wanted to get some boats delivered. Through a dealer, I got a "special" deal that included a 6 year extended warranty, and an annual visit by a Cruisers field tech to inspect all systems. So, it was kind of a no-brainer. Gotta say, it was really nice having all the comfort of a new everything & warranty. Otherwise, I would not be inclined to take the depreciation hit on being the first owner. With today's prices, that would really suck! er

I bought a 19' Regal Bowrider new in 2018. Due to factory specials, it was only about 4k more than similar boats 2-5 years old.
Last year I was offered 2k more than I paid for it. But the wife wouldn't let me sell it.

Never had a new boat, depreciation on them is ridiculous. Got my existing boat for over $500,000 less than what the original owner paid for it 9 years prior. That is a serious amount of money to allow simply to fly away. Buying used and maintaining them properly will most likely allow you to sell it many years later for around the same price you paid for it in most cases. Have yet to sell one of my used boats for less than I paid.

There's an answer missing: none

the comparison with cars: different use I think, much more leasure and luxury and privacy. And less useful for common things like hauling stuff to the dump, moving kids, keeping up business image and so on.

I think you need to be a boater for a while to know what you look for in a new boat. Different from a configurator for cars.

I admit that I thought of a new car once or twice but usually buy a used one and modify it to suit my personal needs rather than paying top dollar for stupid package combinations that are marketing driven instead of my-needs-and-wants-driven. and then still having to add or change details.