On 2008-09-18 07:55:14 -0400, "Roger Long" said:

"Gogarty" wrote

So you may be able to buy a boat cheap but you might have to pay cash for
it.

You may be *able* to pay cash for it!

We helped sell a sister-boat which was in better shape than Xan, with a
nearly unused 2GM20F, for $3,500 (or less). Having surveyed her, I
wouldn't have hesitated to throw on some bottom paint, splash, and head
nearly directly to the Caribbean -- going slow at first to stay near
the plethora of parts stores on the Chesapeake as we discovered things
not working.

Under 40' boats are going for a song of late; the volume will increase.
Under 30 have been nearly pocket change for most of the last decade.

I expect some larger boats will be "exchanged" for smaller, but that
won't be but a blip on the chart.

At probable prices, that shouldn't be a problem for anyone who can afford
the upkeep and maintenance. Used sailboats are going to be like some of
those cell phone deals or how Gillette became big in razor blades. The boat
will be essentially free but it's still going to cost a lot to keep and
maintain them. Yard and dockage costs are the same for the 32 footer I
bought for 15 grand as they would be for a brand new, 250 grand, 32 foot
Morris.

Normal upkeep and dockage for boats our size is about the same as a
one-week vacation at the shore or mountains around here. If we want to
get cheap, we could go to a mooring (which I actually prefer) for $2k
less.

Those who can't afford that belong in trailer-ables (though the costs
don't actually drop much if you have to get a new tow vehicle.)

It's all choices.

OTOH the stock of used sailboats got dramatically reduced last week except
for those interested in restoration projects.

Not *that* much. The trio of storms that smacked Florida a few years
ago did a better job.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-à-Deux -- Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD
Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/