Powerboat Brokerage Sales Pick Up in October

Sales of brokerage boats in the U.S. rose in October to 2,318 boats, a 4 percent gain compared to October 2012. Powerboat sales were the key to the increase, according to YachtWorld member brokers reporting in SoldBoats.com—a total of 1,861 powerboats changed hands, an increase of 7 percent. Sailboat sales, on the other hand, decreased by 6 percent, with 457 boats sold.

The aggregate price of boats sold in October increased to $290 million, a 19 percent gain that substantially out-paced the 4 percent rise in unit sales, indicating a higher average sale price than in the previous October. The total price paid for powerboats rose 23 percent, to $253 million, lifting the average price from $119,000 to $136,000. The total price paid for sailboats declined 1 percent, to $37 million, yet the average price paid climbed from $76,000 to $80,000.

The bulk of the market’s volume gains were in the 26- to 35-foot segment, which rose from 888 boats sold to 975. Among boats 36 to 45 feet, sales were up 3 percent, with 539 boats sold, and in the smallest size, under 26 feet, sales increased 1 percent, to 589 boats sold.

Among larger boats, the 56- to 79-foot segment showed the only growth compared to the previous October, but it was substantial, at 20 percent with 54 boats sold. The 46- to 55-foot range was down 11 percent, with 150 boats sold, and superyacht sales, over 80 feet, were even, with 11 boats sold.

Valuations tell a different story for the larger and smaller halves of the market. Average prices were down slightly among boats 35 feet and below, while they increased in all size ranges above 35 feet. The largest gains in aggregate price were among superyachts, up 46 percent with sales of $71 million, and for boats 56 to 79 feet, up 61 percent, with sales of $39 million.

Source: soldboats.com