Lets Talk Boat Prices - 2025

[Paradox]

I remember when Miller’s Landing (in Bass Lake) use to sell their 2 year old rental Tige ski boats for $18,000 each.

 

[spectras only]

I've always loved your boat. Really like the scoops. Can you post a photo of the engines? I don't think anyone even makes a twin engine boat under 30 feet anymore.

My boat was built for the owner of Mirage Boats in Washington. Less than 10 257's Trovares were built. Older 27 Intruders had twins, not many of those either. I've made and installed the scoops , thinking one time to install Superchargers this boat originally had B&M's with 383 trokers. The 6.2's are so reliable, I scrapped the idea of spending more $$$, albeit the scoops are great to keep the heat under the hatch controlled. You've probabaly noticed how straight up the hatch could be set by moving the ram to different positions to have more room to access . for maintenance.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Ya when you put it like that true. But people technically don’t need boats such as most of us have. You can get a Yamaha or scarab 22-24 ft for 50-70k new. Even the lower end axis wake boats are 90k

Just the price of the boat doesn’t take into account the cost of Insurance, fuel, maintenance storage? tow vehicles or any other toys or accessories associated with boating like lifejackets, ropes, fenders, beach stuff or anything else.

 

[JFMFG]

Just the price of the boat doesn’t take into account the cost of Insurance, fuel, maintenance storage? tow vehicles or any other toys or accessories associated with boating like lifejackets, ropes, fenders, beach stuff or anything else.

That’s true. When you factor in everything for us. Ours is paid off but between storage insurance and maint we are prob 8-10k a year just to own before any issues

 

[FROGMAN524]

That’s true. When you factor in everything for us. Ours is paid off but between storage insurance and maint we are prob 8-10k a year just to own before any issues

My insurance is about $1,500 a year and my annual service is about $3,000 a year if I don’t need batteries or anything special. Storage is at my house for free if you can call it that and I don’t have a payment. So before I even touch the water I’m at $4,500 and then you add in fuel and everything else. I mean it’s a lot of money per hour, but we all know that going in.

 

[Paradox]

We’re definitely too poor to owe money on the boat. I’m retiring later this year and the maintenance, storage, gas, insurance and supplies is enough to chock a horse.

 

[Outdrive1]

How are sales for you?

Not dead but not like past years.

 

[PlanB]

My insurance is about $1,500 a year and my annual service is about $3,000 a year if I don’t need batteries or anything special. Storage is at my house for free if you can call it that and I don’t have a payment. So before I even touch the water I’m at $4,500 and then you add in fuel and everything else. I mean it’s a lot of money per hour, but we all know that going in.

Adds up. My slip is 5k a year plus maintenance, insurance, detail and any repairs. Can't imagine not having a boat though.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

I was poking around RDP and found this from @SPECTRABRENT
April 1, 1976 Spectra 24 XS (Base Price velvet drive & 460 Ford) was $19,250.00. I am sure with all the options OTD would be @ $20,000.00+.

If you use the CPI inflation calculator that $20K in 1976 is valued at $113,754.72 in 2025.

 

[JFMFG]

My insurance is about $1,500 a year and my annual service is about $3,000 a year if I don’t need batteries or anything special. Storage is at my house for free if you can call it that and I don’t have a payment. So before I even touch the water I’m at $4,500 and then you add in fuel and everything else. I mean it’s a lot of money per hour, but we all know that going in.

Insurance for us is 3200 storage is 4020. Service on the motors was 1300+ a mid season gear lune change at 400 ish. Like you said we all know this going in. In my opinion it’s worth it to me and my fam.

 

[JFMFG]

Not dead but not like past years.

Hopefully it’ll start to pick up as we go into warmer months.

 

[gqchris]

For example, is this market at 36k?

https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/2002-ultra-21-stealth-jet.306365/

 

[attitude]

For example, is this market at 36k?

https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/2002-ultra-21-stealth-jet.306365/

With only 105 hours I’d say closer to $30k would be a good deal. Ultra jets demand all the money in the small bow rider market.

 

[gqchris]

With only 105 hours I’d say closer to $30k would be a good deal. Ultra jets demand all the money in the small bow rider market.

I cant wrap my head around that! Which is what screws my ability to get a gauge on this market. Is this like classic cars now I suppose?

 

[NicPaus]

I cant wrap my head around that! Which is what screws my ability to get a gauge on this market. Is this like classic cars now I suppose?

River neighbor bought a LX not nearly as nice. Purple green for over 40 during covid.

Try to buy that 1 new now. Probably 85k otd.

 

[brgrcru]

For example, is this market at 36k?

https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/2002-ultra-21-stealth-jet.306365/

That’s a great boat

 

[MonkeyButt70]

For example, is this market at 36k?

https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/2002-ultra-21-stealth-jet.306365/

Finding a clean maintained low hours boat is worth all the money they are asking in my opinion. I do not mind paying above “market” when they are truly turnkey.

 

[BHC Vic]

Finding a clean maintained low hours boat is worth all the money they are asking in my opinion. I do not mind paying above “market” when they are truly turnkey.

That was the approach I took with the rv but never knew how to put it into words.

 

[gqchris]

Finding a clean maintained low hours boat is worth all the money they are asking in my opinion. I do not mind paying above “market” when they are truly turnkey.

So we can blame you for this boat inflation? And where are these 100% Turnkey boats? I have yet to find this mythical creature!

 

[MonkeyButt70]

So we can blame you for this boat inflation? And where are these 100% Turnkey boats? I have yet to find this mythical creature!

I might be to slightly blame only because I was one of those always looking for a bargain because I can fix and repair most anything and I have a full home shop at my disposal with lifts, machines, tools...., At the end of the day I got tired of always fixing the junk I brought home, parts and time are getting really expensive. I have found much more happiness in my life buying something used that is not such a project and just needs some tinkering and personalizing.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

For example, is this market at 36k?

https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/2002-ultra-21-stealth-jet.306365/

Yeah, that's priced about right for that boat. Big following for these on the Lower River.

 

[JFMFG]

So we can blame you for this boat inflation? And where are these 100% Turnkey boats? I have yet to find this mythical creature!

Depends what your price point is. My boat was turn key

 

[attitude]

I cant wrap my head around that! Which is what screws my ability to get a gauge on this market. Is this like classic cars now I suppose?

Ultras have always been very sought after in the lower river crowd. I want to say back in 02 when my dad bought his 22 shockwave new it was $30k, the comparable Ultra was $40k. In 2019 Tahiti was selling that same ultra hull for under $50k.

 

[NicPaus]

Ultras have always been very sought after in the lower river crowd. I want to say back in 02 when my dad bought his 22 shockwave new it was $30k, the comparable Ultra was $40k. In 2019 Tahiti was selling that same ultra hull for under $50k.

In 2000 Ultra was 35k for a base model Stealth and 25k for a LX plus fees. Not including stereo, tower or many other available options. That included a 454 jet , or 350 alpha. The 350 mag was 5k or so more and the 454 bravo 1 was 7k + -. I went with the 454 B1. During covid I could of sold it for a few grand less than I paid new.

The seating configuration with the jump seats is best in its size. I regularly had 14 on my boat. 10 -4 was a good ratio when I was 21.

 

[Outdrive1]

Those little Ultra jets usually sell really fast. I think it gets mid 30’s no problem

 

[boatnam2]

1993 Ultra brand new, 350mag/alpha combo 17,999 OTD, pretty sure it would be close or worth more if I still owned it today.

 

[JFMFG]

1993 Ultra brand new, 350mag/alpha combo 17,999 OTD, pretty sure it would be close or worth more if I still owned it today.

You probably could for sure.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

1993 Ultra brand new, 350mag/alpha combo 17,999 OTD, pretty sure it would be close or worth more if I still owned it today.

In today's dollar your 1993 $18K = 2025 $39,883.03

@NicPaus
In 2000 Ultra was 35k for a base model Stealth and 25k for a LX plus fees
2000 $ 35K = 2025 $65,194.80

@attitude
I want to say back in 02 when my dad bought his 22 shockwave new it was $30k,
2002 $30K = 2025 $53,239.49


I think the inflation calculator normalizes some of these prices. What role has the EPA or CARB played in the cost increases? What role has the lack of efficiency in production played? I don't necessarily see a lot of R&D and marketing costs.

 

[gqchris]

Depends what your price point is. My boat was turn key

I wont call out names on here. But i have bought a few members boats that were advertised “turn key” , paid top dollar, and all needed things.

Its all good, its a boat, shit happens. My standards are way higher I guess.

 

[JFMFG]

I wont call out names on here. But i have bought a few members boats that were advertised “turn key” , paid top dollar, and all needed things.

Its al good, its a boat, shit happens. My standards are way higher I guess.

I get that. Part of the fun is dialing it in making it yours. I’ve been very happy with this one not touching it minus regular maint and wants not needs to it lol

 

[Runs2rch]

I wont call out names on here. But i have bought a few members boats that were advertised “turn key” , paid top dollar, and all needed things.

Its al good, its a boat, shit happens. My standards are way higher I guess.

One man's turn key is like one man's 10/10 hahaha!!!

 

[Bpracing1127]

In today's dollar your 1993 $18K = 2025 $39,883.03

@NicPaus
In 2000 Ultra was 35k for a base model Stealth and 25k for a LX plus fees
2000 $ 35K = 2025 $65,194.80

@attitude
I want to say back in 02 when my dad bought his 22 shockwave new it was $30k,
2002 $30K = 2025 $53,239.49


I think the inflation calculator normalizes some of these prices. What role has the EPA or CARB played in the cost increases? What role has the lack of efficiency in production played? I don't necessarily see a lot of R&D and marketing costs.

My dad and mom paid 72k for their 1999 Dayton with trailer 502 bravo with external steering. My dad then paid 5k for top of the line Sony stereo at the time. And another 9k for the pro charger.

All in it was 86k.

I recently a year ago had eliminator quote me on a 255 Daytona with a Teague 1050 and scx drive top of the line RF stereo and triple axle trailer.


Get ready 315k….. wow

Boy boats sure got pricey. I see magics with 400 hours selling what they paid brand new who would have thought

Btw my dad sold his Daytona with a 540 in it for 28k many many years later. Boat had almost 1000 hours on it

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

My dad and mom paid 72k for their 1999 Dayton with trailer 502 bravo with external steering. My dad then paid 5k for top of the line Sony stereo at the time. And another 9k for the pro charger.

All in it was 86k.

I recently a year ago had eliminator quote me on a 255 Daytona with a Teague 1050 and scx drive top of the line RF stereo and triple axle trailer.


Get ready 315k….. wow

Boy boats sure got pricey. I see magics with 400 hours selling what they paid brand new who would have thought

Btw my dad sold his Daytona with a 540 in it for 28k many many years later. Boat had almost 1000 hours on it

Honestly, I would have thought that would be priced higher, with the Teague 1050 power. Why would you want to build a 255 at that price anyway when you can do a 27 with 450's for less.....

 

[Cole Trickle]

Honestly, I would have thought that would be priced higher, with the Teague 1050 power. Why would you want to build a 255 at that price anyway when you can do a 27 with 450's for less.....

I'm gonna answer for Ian...Because OB's are GHEY and don't go vroom vroom...lol

Personally i would go for a 255 walk thru with twin 300's

 

[Sportin' Wood]

My dad and mom paid 72k for their 1999 Dayton with trailer 502 bravo with external steering. My dad then paid 5k for top of the line Sony stereo at the time. And another 9k for the pro charger.

All in it was 86k.

I recently a year ago had eliminator quote me on a 255 Daytona with a Teague 1050 and scx drive top of the line RF stereo and triple axle trailer.


Get ready 315k….. wow

Boy boats sure got pricey. I see magics with 400 hours selling what they paid brand new who would have thought

Btw my dad sold his Daytona with a 540 in it for 28k many many years later. Boat had almost 1000 hours on it

1999 $85K = 2025 $165,108.62
Good example to the new quote but that seems like a lot more in the power package than the 1999 version.

No doubt there is engineering and development in the drive package. Bottom line I think custom boat builders learned during the great recession that selling less products for higher prices to a demographic that could afford it would be favorable to the previous business model, so the rest of us are forced into the used market, which was fine when the boats qualified for financing. Now we get pontoon boats.

 

[c_land]

1999 $85K = 2025 $165,108.62
Good example to the new quote but that seems like a lot more in the power package than the 1999 version.

Not to mention that our demands have changed significantly in the last 25 years. 1999 it was a boat with a stereo.

Now we have come to expect composite construction, elaborately stitched alacantra interiors, GPS, electric biminis, triple axle trailers, custom gel, underwater lights, etc, etc.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Not to mention that our demands have changed significantly in the last 25 years. 1999 it was a boat with a stereo.

Now we have come to expect composite construction, elaborately stitched alacantra interiors, GPS, electric biminis, triple axle trailers, custom gel, underwater lights, etc, etc.

Do we need or expect it or have the car/boat companies figured out how to give us stuff we don't need and charge crazy prices to increase profits?

 

[gqchris]

Do we need or expect it or have the car/boat companies figured out how to give us stuff we don't need and charge crazy prices to increase profits?

I DONT want any of that stuff in my boat, including the gay illuminated pep boys LED speaker rings. When did that become acceptable?!

 

[gqchris]

One man's turn key is like one man's 10/10 hahaha!!!

Kinda like Chicks!

 

[attitude]

Not to mention that our demands have changed significantly in the last 25 years. 1999 it was a boat with a stereo.

Now we have come to expect composite construction, elaborately stitched alacantra interiors, GPS, electric biminis, triple axle trailers, custom gel, underwater lights, etc, etc.

Don’t forget half/full caps and vessel view screens, that’s $40k in add ons with two common items.

 

[Cole Trickle]

I DONT want any of that stuff in my boat, including the gay illuminated pep boys LED speaker rings. When did that become acceptable?!

Bring back the simple foxbodies!!!!

 

[SJP]

Do we need or expect it or have the car/boat companies figured out how to give us stuff we don't need and charge crazy prices to increase profits?

The 4 stroke outboard with e - wire shifting / NMEA 2000 plug and play did this to the market. A few years ago I was grabbed to help customize a Cat boat that was being delivered for 450K at the time. They could not figure out how to sync the engines and calibrate the trim / startup screens - this was all done by computer. It was kind of eye opening.

 

[gqchris]

Bring back the simple foxbodies!!!!

Amen brother, Amen!

This 2001 Cobra is pretty damn analog also! So much fun to drive. So slow.

 

[oldschool]

I wont call out names on here. But i have bought a few members boats that were advertised “turn key” , paid top dollar, and all needed things.

Its al good, its a boat, shit happens. My standards are way higher I guess.

Don’t feel special, had the same thing happen to me.

 

[FlyByWire]

What could I get for mine?

 

[Sportin' Wood]

What could I get for mine?

View attachment 1487234

That is a beautiful boat.

 

[Outdrive1]

What could I get for mine?

View attachment 1487234

It’s worth 50/60 today When can I pick it up?

 

[JFMFG]

Honestly, I would have thought that would be priced higher, with the Teague 1050 power. Why would you want to build a 255 at that price anyway when you can do a 27 with 450's for less.....

I honestly think a 27 with 450s is prob over 400k now. I guess it would be 500s cause they don’t make the 450s anymore.


Side note a lot of haters in the new boats with nice interior, vessel view, outboards, underwater lights, mood lighting, half caps, guess that’s why builders don’t post in the mold anymore lol.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I honestly think a 27 with 450s is prob over 400k now. I guess it would be 500s cause they don’t make the 450s anymore.


Side note a lot of haters in the new boats with nice interior, vessel view, outboards, underwater lights, mood lighting, half caps, guess that’s why builders don’t post in the mold anymore lol.

You are probably right. Now that I think about it, it was 2019 when Jake quoted me $289k for a WTOB 27 with 400's.

 

[attitude]

I honestly think a 27 with 450s is prob over 400k now. I guess it would be 500s cause they don’t make the 450s anymore.


Side note a lot of haters in the new boats with nice interior, vessel view, outboards, underwater lights, mood lighting, half caps, guess that’s why builders don’t post in the mold anymore lol.

Who’s hating?