'08 vs. '09 Boat prices

How do you think 2009 boat prices will compare to 2007-2008 levels? Specifically on MC and Malibu. Any thoughts? Thinking about an '09 purchase and it seems that the dealers here in Utah are struggling to sell boats like they had 18 months ago. I assume that's true in most places. Wondering what people think will happen on new boat prices come boat show season.

I don't think it is any cheaper to build boats this year. I really don't have any idea what sort of margin MC or Malibu expect, I don't expect anyone (Mfg)to lower prices - but they could offer rebates (but this could really hurt resell prices). Dealers may accept lower margins, but most likely cannot afford this with the lower volumes and expect to remain in business. I would expect the best deals on remaining inventory or used boats.

I would completely agree - costs can't be lower to build new boats. I just think about simple laws of supply and demand and I can't believe that retail prices are going to be able to continue at previous levels. Something has to give. I have seen the local MC dealer slash prices on existing inventory prior to the arrival of the new year models. It would seem to me that in order for both manufacturers and retailers to survive in our new economy, they both might have to trim margins a bit. Yes this does hurt re-sale prices (which is a concern to me as the owner of a 2007 model) but the only way they make money is by selling new boats. I don't expect them to offer 2009 models at prices lower than 2008 models (although I know the local dealer has sold some 2008 boats at prices lower than 2007) but I would think that they might not push for the increases we have consistently seen for the last 3-4 years.

I guess the question is this: when new boat prices rise, it it ALL from cost of materials, or is the manufacturer and/or retailer trying to bump up their margin another few percent also?

The retailers are not bmping their margin each year. the price goes up to the dealer, along with freight and the cost to prep the boats. I have customers argue with me about prep fees all the time, but labor costs do go up each year as well. From a dealers standpoint carried over and used boats will be cheaper and new boats will remain the same. It is easy to say that rebates will help or should be offered, but we just had huge rebates on our Cobalts that came from the factory and did not sell 1 unit. We are a large store and for that to happen is just crazy. People think these rebates are going to last forever and they dont. They really do come from the manufacturer and usually have some cost to the dealer as well.

I think selling a used 2007 right now is very hard. It was purchased when the economy was firing on all cylinders and sold for a good price to the dealer. Now the dealer is looking to sell an 07 that has been on the lot for 18 months and blows it out for what you still owe on your boat. That hurts. The same will not happen, IMHO, with 09 boats because dealers will order less to accomodate the decreased demand and the prices of 09s will be buoyed up. To directly answer your question: don't expect any good deals on 09 boats.

Everyone has gouged everyone over the gas prices. Even the pizza delivery guy charged me an extra $2 the other day even though I know he used 50 cents in gas to get to my house, and for years it used to be 25 cents. So the cost of manufacturing has gone up substantially.

Tige has really stepped it up in every sense on their 09's. You should go see the guys at Wasatch Marine in Salt Lake. Top notch guys who understand service. You will be impressed by the fit, finish, and construction of the Tiges as well.

I actually have been somewhat intrigued by the 24VE - I have seen some great looking versions of that boat here locally.

I would look for about a 3-5% increase from the factory.

I think they will give big rebates and the 09s will be cheaper than 08 prices. Used market will suffer.

Some honest dealers sale there boats for a fair market value. The problem was, people were financing 100% on a 15yr. This is and will be a problem when they want to sale or trade. They will have to take a loss.