New vs. used

[the one]

What is your opinion when it comes to buying new vs. used boats, particularly fiberglass? I'm looking at 1-2 yr. old Ranger 619/620. There seems to be a big price difference between new and used. Any real advantages to buying new? Thanks in advance!

[King Possum]

I have bought my last 3 Rangers used for the exact same reason you are speaking of, the huge difference in $$$$$. What you will be compromising are the little things in rigging, color, brand of equipment etc that you would have done different if you bought the boat new. The big difference in money helps you cope with these little things.

[Hawgeye]

I own "tin" and I don't think it is any different than glass. Last time I bought a new boat. I am not sure I would next time though. It is nice to be able to rig it the way I want to but the other thing is it would be nice to have all of the little rigging bugs wrung out before purchase like trailer set up, wiring, and any other little rigging issues. If a person can find a nice used boat fully rigged for less money, all the power to them. In fact, I may go used next time. One point though, I felt the price difference in the boats that I was looking at were so close between a "new" good used boat and a new "new" boat so I went new. That is Lund for ya.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[WalleyeJason]

I just bought a used boat, and saved about $3200. Blue book for my boat was $13,400, I got it for $10,200. Sometimes dealers take trades to make deals on new boats, and then they have these trades on their lots. This time of year a dealer may have a huge inventory of used boats If you dont have a trade, you can make a good deal, cause they are gonna want to move the used boats, especially if its not the same brand as they carry. Just keep looking and working on it.

The great part about my boat, is that I get to rig it myself, cause the previous owner took all his toys off of the boat. But I got them to throw in a fish finder.

Good luck
WJ

[Jim Ordway]

A lot of folks buy boats that they don't use as often as they thought they would, which leaves a lot of equipment that is 2 or 3 years old that has very little use. If you can live without the exact color and motor you had in mind, used can offer like new boats at huge savings.
It does require some patience to wait out what you are seeking, but it can pay dividends. IF you got the yips and spring fever and have to own exactly what you dream of, it comes at a price.
Happy shopping,

[Calif Bill]

I have bought both. My 14' Aluminum I bought new. Was not much difference than used prices. People were very proud of a 10 year old abused tin boat. So for about $300 more I bought what I wanted, new. My 21' boat I bought used as could not justify almost $34,000 for a new boat so bought a 4 year old model for $20k. More expensive boat, I look at used as there is a hugh depreciation on them the first couple of years. You will sacrifice choosing the exact color and some other items and may have to put some money into the boat in a few years for some cosmetic / gear replacement. But less than the new price differential. I am having my 1991 boat repainted at the present time and a new top made for it. Probably $1200 for this part. Course I am changing to a T-8 kicker, so a few extra $$$ are going in to this part of the project.
Bill

[Doug Burns]

My 619 is listed in the classifieds here on WC, so I will use it as an example. Asking price is $32,500. A new 619 similarly rigged after sales tax will be in the $40,000 range. That is a savings of $7000-8000. On a six year loan you have $140 per month difference. That is approxiametly three fishing days per month savings. Is that enough savings to compensate for not getting to pick the colors or not putting the first fish over the side? I don't know, only you can decide that.


Doug Burns

[Nordicron]

You can't count that you saved on sales tax. Doesn't a person pay that regardless if new or used?

[Doug Burns]

Not in Iowa. Maybe in other states.

Doug Burns

[Jim Ordway]

In Wi. they get you every time it is resold. Iowa should get with it. Think of all the taxes they are missing:)