February Boat Sales Rise Again

U.S. brokers reported higher sales in February, the second month in a row, according to Trade Only Today.

They reported selling a total of 1,729 boats, up 117 (an increase of 7 percent) from February 2016. The total value of those boats rose $13.3 million as $233.4 million changed hands, according to YachtWorld member reports in SoldBoats, their proprietary database.

Brokers who sell sailboats had an especially good month, with 303 sales, a 14 percent jump from February 2016. Those boats sold for $23.1 million, up from $18.7 million.

Powerboat sales increased 6 percent for the month with 1,426 boats sold. The total value of the powerboats that sold was $210.3 million, a 4 percent increase.

The strongest volumes in the market were among boats from 26 to 45 feet, with double-digit percentage increases in the 26- to 35-foot and 36- to 45-foot ranges, Trade Only Today reported. The aggregate sales price in both categories increased more than 25 percent as boats sold for prices that were, on average, up 9 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

The only category that had a decline in volume was boats from 46 to 55 feet, where 93 were sold, down from 106 a year earlier. The total dollar value increased, however, from $31.3 million to $35.9 million, a 15 percent gain. Average sold prices rose substantially from $295,000 to $386,000.