07/16/2014

Boat Sales Down 2 Percent in June, Values Slightly Higher

By John Burnham, YachtWorld editorial director

The number of brokerage boats sold in the U.S. in June 2014 was 71 boats, or 2 percent, below the number sold in June, 2013. According to reports by YachtWorld member brokerages in SoldBoats.com, the 3,505 boats sold delivered a slightly higher total price of $485 million, up $3 million.

Powerboat sales, which comprise more than 80 percent of brokerage sales, declined by 3 percent for the month, with 2,953 boats sold. Sailboat sales were 4 percent higher, with 552 boats sold. The aggregate price paid for powerboats was 1 percent lower, at $442 million, while the sailboats delivered a 16 percent higher total price of $44 million.

Sailboat sales improved in all size categories except 26 to 35 feet, where sales were down by 9 percent. Among powerboats, sales were down for all boats below 35 feet, but were 12 percent higher among boats 36 to 45 feet, with 506 boats sold.

At the halfway mark in the year of 2014, the number of brokerage boats sold in the U.S. was behind 2013 by 4 percent, with 15,815 sold, down from 16,522 a year earlier. In the second quarter, when seasonally most boats are sold, the number was 3 percent lower, with 10,130 boats changing owners.

The total value of all boats sold in the year to date was down from $2.14 billion to $1.96 million, an 8 percent decline. Excluding superyachts (boats over 80 feet), however, the total price paid was up from $1.40 to $1.42 billion, a value gain of $22 million for the rest of the market. Among superyachts, which range widely in price depending on size and age, the total price paid was down $179 million, even as sales increased by 1 percent.

Note: A version of this article first appeared in Soundings Trade Only Today.