Which brand of boat holds value the best over the short term

[HobeyBaker]

Any walleye boat with Lund in the name, LOL

It's amazing what the 16-18 footers sell for used especially the tillers. Probably the most cost effective to own with the smaller outboard and high resale.

[Cajunhunter67]

They all depreciate. From Nitro to Ranger the drop in value is probably nearly the same. Yes the Ranger will be worth plenty more used, but the new price was also a lot more.
Its a boat. Never a good investment. We buy it because we want one.

[fly by night]

I purchased a 2008 Triton Tr-186 bass boat with a Mercury 150 HP Optimax on Aug. 13, 2013 with 70 something hours and sold it last summer for $2500 more than I paid for it. At that time it had a little over a hundred hours on it. I probably spent $1500 on it with minor additions but needless to say I was well satisfied with the sale.

[DewRonInc]

If looking for holding value I would say stroker has shown it to be best in that class of boat. Contruction will begin on new ones very soon. NADA and Kelly Blue book does not have information on stroker, not controlled by outside group as far as value.....

[218_fishing]

Thats what they claim, but I tested the waters selling mine last year, I learned the market for 70k used boats is pretty slim.

Come to minnesota lol, 1998 lund pro v are still fetching like 20K.

[BMCD]

Buy a tin boat, those maintain there value better than any others, and the added plus is they are lower on initial costs.

[Jamie]

That is so easy to answer but if I say it I would just be another bias Ranger owner.

[ssmithboats]

you cant really count boat that arent currently built or build than 10 boats a year been in the used boat bus for thirty yrs never lost money on a ranger seems like there is always a buyer for a clean big one with a merc or yamaha on them.

[Mick2268]

91 361 bought $6,500, 5 years later sold for $6,500
97 R80 Bought $9,700 sold 5 years later $8,500
2008 Z-21 Bought new $40k, sold 10 years later $30k

Nothing holds value like a Ranger.

Also I think one reason you see slightly used boats so close to purchase price, is because that's what they owe! Too many guys put little to nothing down, and finance for 15 years.

[KennyVexus]

What ever one you own.....because everybody thinks their boat is worth more than its value.

[AggieBass]

91 361 bought $6,500, 5 years later sold for $6,500
97 R80 Bought $9,700 sold 5 years later $8,500
2008 Z-21 Bought new $40k, sold 10 years later $30k

Nothing holds value like a Ranger.

Also I think one reason you see slightly used boats so close to purchase price, is because that's what they owe! Too many guys put little to nothing down, and finance for 15 years.

You are correct about the financing. Even though money is cheap now, if you are going to finance a boat (or any toy) for 15 years, you better plan on keeping it a while.
The original post was to look at the first 3 years from "new". From what I see, Rangers take a big hit on year 1 and 2 from what you pay new. The thing about Skeeters, and maybe Bass Cats, is that you can get a well equiped tournament 20' fiberglass boat less expensive than a Ranger (new). 3 years later, you will not loose as much (percentage wise) compared to a Ranger.

Someone commented earlier that Rangers are not moving now on the used market. I had lunch with some friends last week and 3 of them are trying to sell their 521's. They have had no luck unless they give them away. Too many used boats on the market now, especially ones with 2-stroke engines.

This is more of a fun brain exercise anyways. Buying a bass boat (new or used) is stupid from a financial point, especially with this stock market. But what the hell, I usually do one or two really stupid things a year.

[22RangerZ520R]

That is so easy to answer but if I say it I would just be another bias Ranger owner.

+1

[Hunna]

Im going with Ranger.

[crank68]

If you have a regular brand glass boat it’s gonna fall like crazy in value that’s pretty much proven if bought new. Then if kept in great shape it’ll hold for a while. Tin boats seem to hold their value pretty good as well as the niche boats which are not mass produced... Depreciation has never really bothered me if I really wanted something.

[happykamper]

I would say Ranger but have to agree with the Bullet as well, especially since I have a brand new one on the garage.

[merc106]

Can’t believe nobody has told the truth and just said ALLISON BOATS

[Transom]

Can’t believe nobody has told the truth and just said ALLISON BOATS

I think this is the answer.

[Mark Perry]

So far no boats I have owned have held value like a Ranger Z520 and a Skeeter FX20 that I've owned. Both did very well for me come time to get a new ride.

[Bassin Bob71]

I was very pleased, in fact surprised with the trade in value I was offered for my 2012 Z520 Ranger I traded last November. Ranger resale/trade in value is very good.

[DewRonInc]

Yup Allison boats are another