One of the unexpected consequences of the covid pandemic has been a boom in boat sales, particularly cruising boats both new and used. So many couples and families that faced being stuck at home for weeks on end decided that the best option was to buy a boat and get out on the water together. They could stay in their own covid bubble and sail or power to new anchorages while eating aboard and relaxing in relative safety. After a year, the inventory of used boats has been picked pretty clean so you have to look long and hard to find a suitable brokerage boat that is not a total fixer-upper. As for new boats, the lead times for the most popular brands can be as much as two years, which puts a bit of a damper on the urge to buy a boat and get out on the water. Still, there are plenty of folks who are planning to buy a boat and go cruising this summer and surprisingly about a third of these buyers are getting into boating for the first time. A lot of boat buyers scan websites like Yacht World to get a handle on what’s out there and available. That’s a great place to start. But, in this market, I’d also suggest that buyers, particularly those new to boat ownership, engage a certified yacht broker to act as the buyer’s agent. You will benefit from his or her years of experience, vast knowledge of boats in the market and will get an inside track on new listings. To find a certified professional yacht broker near you, you can log onto their association’s website: www.cpyb.net. See you on the water this summer!
