To Sell, Refit or Re-Power Your Boat?
Your boat should fill you with pride every time you look at her. That first-splash feeling can last throughout your time together. It is smart to stay on top of maintenance and upgrades, no matter her age or condition.
Now more than ever, you need to know what you want your boat to be when she ‘grows up’. In the post-pandemic era it is crucial to understand your place in the ownership cycle.
You may be ready to trade up to a new dream boat, for example. If it is now or never, you will have to work hard to get your hat in the ring, or to cut in line, in order to get that shiny, new sled delivered by next season.
Sometimes persistence pays off. Reaching out directly to the manufacturer by way of social media gets their attention. You might get a better contact referral or a nudge with a top-notch local dealer representative. Taking a jump at inventory brought to boat shows may also work, especially if the sponsoring dealer is advertising specific models on their social media accounts (which they often do).
If you want to avoid the sticker shock of a new boat, however, a technology refit can give handsome longevity. You should update accessories and components to your current boat such as steering, throttle and shift, cables, electrical harnesses, battery cables, and instruments. On the aesthetic side, you might consider new upholstery, galley cabinetry, and non-skid decking. Setting a realistic budget for system modernization (and sticking to it) can also provide better longterm value, too, given the skyrocketing prices of new and used boats in 2021.
“Make a list of all the features on your wish list, then price them out, and trim the list down to what you can’t live without,” says Online Outboards.
An engine upgrade, or repower, can also add a lot to the enjoyment of your boat, especially if your family demands have grown. According to Outboards.com, it can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $80,000+ to re-power your boat and engine. Find out the maximum rated horsepower for your boat (it if is not on the capacity plate, check the performance bulletins posted on your boat manufacturer’s website). For fuel efficiency and best performance, your new engine should be rated for that maximum. You need to be invested in several years of life with your boat to make these figures make sense.
No matter where you are in your ownership cycle, be sure to do your research to know the value of your boat. Seedeelercost.com is here to help you.
Outboard Repower Resources:
