Other: Selling or buying a boat in Florida

[tumblehome]

Is there a time of the year that is better than other times for selling or buying a boat in Florida? I ask because my experience is only from the perspective of a northern clime.

 

[Blissboat]

The answer depends on the type and size of boat, but in my experience there is little seasonal differentiation in market behavior. If a buyer has the money and wants what you're selling, it's not hard to find a good day for a sea trial.

 

[Donsan]

Maybe you should be a little more specific as to type of boat and size and also what you mean by "best time to buy or sell". I assume you mean when can you find the most boats but some people might interpret that to mean best price. The big boat shows are from late October thru April. After that, it is too hot for many people. Floridians boat all year long but July thru September is scorching hot and subject to afternoon thunderstorms and tropical storms. Mid December thru mid February can be very cold and damp unless you are in Fort Lauderdale or Miami or further south and of course the days are much shorter. FL is a big state and the differences in climate from north, central, and south FL can be quite noticeable.

So, I don't think there is a best time but a broker may have a more informed opinion.

 

[tumblehome]

I'm speaking of your typical average size used trawler. For example, in the north not much happens in the winter because boats are stored away and impossible to do sea trials. Difficult to even get to some of them because they are stored away inside a building or outdoors under shrinkwrap. I wonder if in Florida there is a time of year when boats are bought and sold with greater frequency; kind of a "boat buying and selling season" if you will. You both have mostly answered my question making me think any time in Florida is all the same. Thanks.

 

[FF]

Florida is Gods Waiting Room.

Many boats get to FL never to move till after the will is probated.

It is probably the WORST place to sell a boat in the USA , or the BEST to purchase a boat.

AS so many boats sit for years , perhaps a decade or more you can expect cosmetic work.

If you wish to sell, head up north where the money is ,

If you wish to buy use Craigs list and local papers like Florida Mariner as brokers are reluctant to list old low cost boats , that might need a bit of love.

 

[BandB]

Florida is Gods Waiting Room.

It is probably the WORST place to sell a boat in the USA , or the BEST to purchase a boat.

AS so many boats sit for years , perhaps a decade or more you can expect cosmetic work.

Actually well maintained boats in good condition sell extremely well and quickly in South Florida. Those not maintained as well, not in as good condition, are the ones that sit. They often sit too because their owner is asking what the quality boat was asking. Every broker I know in the area is dying for quality listings. I know this is true in both trawlers and in sports boats.

Neglected boats require work to be performed to make them marketable and most owners aren't willing to do that. I know a lady who recently sold a Luhr's that her husband was no longer medically capable of using. It had been sitting neglected and she tried to see to no avail. She engaged a management company that got everything into good working condition plus did some cosmetic improvements. The boat sold within 30 days after the completion and passed the sea trial and surveys with flying colors.

The South Florida buyer is a discerning buyer.