Haul-Out Time: What It Means for the Market
And we've got some killer sales updates you won't want to miss...
Ahoy BoatFools crew!
The end of the sailing season is nearly upon us here in New England—and in every northern harbor where the leaves are starting to fall (I saw one on the lawn the other day) and the travel lifts are starting to get busy hauling boats onto the hard. It’s the bittersweet time of year when we stow our sails away (away from mice!), winterize engines, change that oil and filter, and dream of next summer’s cruises. But for those in the market? This is prime-time boat buying season.
When the tarps go on, the “For Sale” signs come out. And this year, there are a lot of them. We’re seeing more listings pop up as owners face storage bills and decide they’d rather cash out than carry another winter’s worth of expenses. Prices, too, continue their slow slide downward. From Cape Cod to Camden, from the Chesapeake up through the Great Lakes, asking prices are softer than they were even six months ago.
Translation: if you’re looking for a deal on a classic cruiser, right now is the time to start kicking keels.
Market Watch: Slipping Prices, Rising Opportunities
We’ve been tracking the used sailboat market closely all year, and the trend appears to be holding steady: more boats on the market, lower prices, and motivated sellers. So if you’ve been waiting for a signal, consider this your green light.
Asking prices are down across most size ranges, especially the 30–40 footers that make up the heart of the cruising fleet.
Condition matters more than ever. Good boats—well maintained, with newer sails, low-hour engines, or recent refits—still move quickly (see Sale Updates below).
Projects are languishing. Buyers are wary of taking on tired boats unless the price is a steal. But if you’re a DIY person, don’t let ease be your new disease! Get your hands dirty on a deal and learn the pleasures (and frustrations) of fixing up an older boat…
So if you’ve been sitting on the fence, wondering if this is the year to make your move—the fence might just be tipping in your favor.
Sale Updates: Three Boats, Three Stories
Now for the fun stuff. Some big movement on boats we’ve recently profiled - but remember, we’re not brokers…we just want to get more people out on the water sailing:
Custom John Alden 47-foot Modern Classic @$159k
This beauty, a head-turner if there ever was one, found her match. After some serious interest and dock-walking admiration, she’s officially off the market. A happy new owner now gets to call this modern classic theirs. We couldn’t be more jealous…
Allied Seawind II
Another solid bluewater cruiser, and this one sold for its full asking price. That’s right—sometimes a boat is so clean, so ready-to-sail, that buyers don’t haggle. They just write the check. Proof that condition sells, even in a softening market.
Pearson Triton 28
This one’s a saga. She sold…then sold again. The first sale unraveled (long, tragic story), but the good news is she’s landed on her feet. A new owner has taken her back to Connecticut, where she’ll hopefully get the fresh start she deserves. Second time’s the charm, as they say…
Check out The BoatFools Market Report for updates on all of the boats we have profiled.
Looking Ahead
As more boats come on the market this fall, we’ll keep tracking the trends and spotlighting the gems. For buyers, it’s shaping up to be an exciting winter. For sellers, it’s a reminder that presentation, condition, and realistic pricing are more important than ever.
Stay tuned—we’ll be digging deeper into some deals in your neck of the woods in upcoming issues.
Until then, keep dreaming, keep scheming, and remember: spring will be here before we know it.
Fair winds,
—The BoatFools Crew ⚓
Here are a couple of possible local sailboat deals:
FOR THE DIY SAILOR: Meticulously maintained Pearson 34' sailboat. Main, Furling Genoa, & Asymmetrical sails in good shape. Upgraded electronics including Garmin wind/speed/depth/auto-pilot/ chart plotter-radar. Yanmar 3GM in good working order. Hot/cold pressurized water, propane stove. Boat was recently grounded. No water intrusion. Damage to keel, small areas of fiberglass grid, bulkhead, etc. Full damage assessment available upon request. Vessel is sold "as is". Buyer responsible for transport. A great boat for someone to fix up to use or sell. Vessel is fully capable of being repaired. Owner using insurance to upgrade. $9000 or "best offer". Owner contact = sailcamden@gmail.com
A SWEET DAYSAILER: Classic Bulleye with trailer. Fiberglass hull 1359 from 1958! New bronze outboard mount (not pictured). Sails and boat in good condition. New tiller. Nice teak-grate sole. Pretty boat. Bullseyes have a heavy keel and are the perfect combination of fun and safe. New ones retail for $34k. Classic one's like this are highly sought-after. Get out there now for some fall sailing!
Image is linked to the listing
Nicknacks - and Possible Opportunities
There have been a number of boating accidents in the news lately - here and elsewhere around the country. Be safe.
Based on a tip from a viewer/subscriber to our YouTube channel, we’re investigating a fraudulant online boating business out there that you all need to be aware of. More to come…
Hey guys, Maia the awesome Gulfstar 37 in Belfast is still available and she must go! I'm moving to the west coast and she isn't coming with me! All offers are considered.......