Anyone Trade Up Boats Every Few Years? 2024
tcbass reply :
I know this is common for people to do with cars, especially leases, trading them up for a new one every few years. Does anyone do this with boats besides tournament fisherman?
BassinLou reply :
That's a great question. I follow threads on other boat forums and some guys have barely broken in their new boat's sort of speak, before they are pulling the trigger on the newest model several seasons later. To each their own i guess.
BassnChris reply :
I don't have that kind of dough!
I just paid my boat off last Friday and l do want to buy another boat........but i fully expect it will be my last boat.
This boat is a 2001 that I bought a little over 3 years ago.........and the next one I buy, I expect will be a used boat too.
The only reason I want another boat is my current boat is a dual console and I want a single console.
Like already stated....to each their own.
zachb34 reply :
Plenty of guys do it, but its really not the smart way to do it economically. Even if I had the money I wouldn't do it.
basseditor reply :
If you get a "memo" boat, you have to sell it every year so you can get a new one.
I use to get one every couple years when I had team deals. With good discounts, you could sometimes sell it for more or at least what it cost you.
My last boat, I decided it would be my last, but I could sell it for not much less than I paid.
If you are earning money through tournament finishes where manufacturers pay additional winnings (Triton, Phoenix or Skeeter for example), the boat can't be more than a couple years old.
slonezp reply :
A lot of guys have the mentality to trade in once the motor warranty is up. I'd take a guess these guys are running ballzout all the time.
slimshad reply :
I would love to get one every 4-5 years. Boats have out priced the working man in my opinion. I have a 2002 19' with a 200hp. I gave around $30K new. This boat now is up near and with a 225hp over $50K. I can't do that. Even if the payment was affordable, I can't let myself pay $50K or more for a fishing boat. Won't do it. I look at them all the time, kinda like a wish book like when I was a kid. Only in my dreams will have a new Z520C Ranger.
tcbass reply :
On 12/16/2014 at 8:40 AM, basseditor said:If you get a "memo" boat, you have to sell it every year so you can get a new one.
I use to get one every couple years when I had team deals. With good discounts, you could sometimes sell it for more or at least what it cost you.
My last boat, I decided it would be my last, but I could sell it for not much less than I paid.
If you are earning money through tournament finishes where manufacturers pay additional winnings (Triton, Phoenix or Skeeter for example), the boat can't be more than a couple years old.
What is a memo boat?
ww2farmer reply :
I've seen guys around here do it, and it's just insane to me. Either they have way way more money than I think they do, or a bad case of "keeping up with the Jones's" syndrome. To me a boat is a toy, and unless I am making money with it, I will try to do the best I can with the least amount of financial burden to me and my family, if that means a rubber inner tube, so be it..........lucky for me I can afford slightly better. LMAO
A-Jay reply :
On 12/17/2014 at 12:08 AM, tcbass said:What is a memo boat?
That may be a typo for Demo ~
A-Jay
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
^^ I agree. I won't even buy a brand new car anymore. The depreciation is throwing money down a hole.
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 12/17/2014 at 3:10 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:^^ I agree. I won't even buy a brand new car anymore. The depreciation is throwing money down a hole.
Here's an interesting thought. If we all bought used cars, the auto makers would go out of business, and in a few short years, we would run out of cars.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
No, what would happen is the prices of used cars would increase as supply diminished and demand increased. At the same time new car prices would lower for the opposite reason. Eventually the benefit of buying used would lessen as the price between new and used narrowed. This exact scenario would never happen of course anyway.
boostr reply :
I don't even have a boat yet, but will next year. I will probaply get a tin, and make payments for about 5 years maybe 4. When I'm done making payments I will have that boat till I die... unless something tragic happens to it... I'll get another one... Just sayin'
basseditor reply :
On 12/17/2014 at 12:08 AM, tcbass said:What is a memo boat?
If you are on a pro staff, the manufacturer "gives" you a boat to use for about a year. Then you either sell it to get another one or you have to buy it yourself. Either way, you owe the money for the boat. However, you may get the boat at 10-20% below dealer cost so you can use it all year and maybe even make money when you sell.
Hence, memo is shorthand for long term invoice. Do you notice a lot of pros listing their boats for sale near the end of the season?
Watch as they start showing off their new boats now being rigged for next season.
A lot of the pros presell the boat during the season with the caveat that the new owner can't take delivery until the pro is done with it for the season. Happens all the time. If you are looking for a good deal, you might be able to buy a pro's used boat around dealer cost or even under.
A-Jay reply :
Good Info ~ I stand corrected.
A-Jay
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 12/17/2014 at 11:15 AM, basseditor said:If you are on a pro staff, the manufacturer "gives" you a boat to use for about a year. Then you either sell it to get another one or you have to buy it yourself. Either way, you owe the money for the boat. However, you may get the boat at 10-20% below dealer cost so you can use it all year and maybe even make money when you sell.
Hence, memo is shorthand for long term invoice. Do you notice a lot of pros listing their boats for sale near the end of the season?
Watch as they start showing off their new boats now being rigged for next season.
A lot of the pros presell the boat during the season with the caveat that the new owner can't take delivery until the pro is done with it for the season. Happens all the time. If you are looking for a good deal, you might be able to buy a pro's used boat around dealer cost or even under.
Have these boats typically been beat to death? I'm sure they're maintained to get through the year but knowing they don't have to make it last a lifetime I can see them being run HARD.
J Francho reply :
Looking to buy one of Ike's boats, Mike? Lol.
WIGuide reply :
On 12/18/2014 at 12:13 AM, J Francho said:Looking to buy one of Ike's boats, Mike? Lol.
He wants the one that ended up on the bank haha
Logan S reply :
On 12/17/2014 at 11:05 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Have these boats typically been beat to death? I'm sure they're maintained to get through the year but knowing they don't have to make it last a lifetime I can see them being run HARD.
The ones I've seen haven't been abused. I've known several people who have bought them over the years, one of John Crews' old boats is still in our club 
I also know a guy that will 'pre-sell' his staff boat every year...He will order it however the buyer wants so the buyer gets to customize it. Pretty good deal if you ask me, 1 year old boat customized exactly how you want for a significant discount.
bassinhole reply :
On 12/17/2014 at 6:33 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:No, what would happen is the prices of used cars would increase as supply diminished and demand increased. At the same time new car prices would lower for the opposite reason. Eventually the benefit of buying used would lessen as the price between new and used narrowed. This exact scenario would never happen of course anyway.
Thank you effective marketing, Those damned Jones's, and the scare tactics used by dealership service centers.
Imagine, you take your car in for its 100k mile service....
Service Manager: Your warranty just run out? Oh that's too bad, you're going to need xyz repairs or this things going to kill your family. You may want to talk to Salesman Illtake Yourmoney over there about getting this thing traded in...
Salesman: Yeah we can take this as a trade, but as our service manager already told you it's going to need some work. So for us to make anything off of it we can only offer you a fraction of what it's actually worth. We can get you in this brand new, top of the line, ultra safe, Luxury (AKA cheaply manufactured foreign POS), for only two arms a leg and your left one. Yeah I know your really attached to your left one, but that's what it's going to take to ensure your family's safety.
Wife: We should do this! I mean if we don't the old car is going to kill us!
You to Salesman: Shut up and take my Money. Just make it quick.
(10 hours and 187 signatures later on the way home)
Wife: Wow, I'm so glad we traded in our 5 year old car for next to nothing, and borrowed all this money to have a new one! I feel so safe! And Mrs. Jones doesn't have anything this new...
(Pride gone, frustrated beyond belief, and generally in a fowl mood)
You (in a sorrowful voice as the separation anxiety really takes hold): Yep
(From the dark dank desk draw of Salesman)
Left One: (shedding a single tear of sorrow) I'll miss you too buddy! we had some good times you and I...
LuckyGia reply :
I just think it is a matter of priorities. To some people, it is the main priority. To others, it is not that important.
I can tell you that quite a few people I met that fish, and guide on Okeechobee have $70,000 bass boats , and live in single wide trailers in the trailer park. Is that wrong to me ? Not really. It is their priority.
Could I do it, no way.
gulfcaptain reply :
My job being what it is, if I didn't have kids I can tell you there would be an SUV with a bassboat attached to the back sitting in the parking lot of where my boat docks and everything I would need for those two weeks I have off would be in there. But then I wouldn't have rent to pay nor the expenses of a family either so having those two toys parked waiting for me on my two weeks off to fish all over the south would be worth the investment. But not at this point, I'm more interested in finding an older bass boat that i can afford without going broke to enjoy.
RHuff reply :
I'd be happy to be able to afford a good used boat lol. Muchless trade every few years.
Further North reply :
On 12/16/2014 at 5:21 AM, BassinLou said:That's a great question. I follow threads on other boat forums and some guys have barely broken in their new boat's sort of speak, before they are pulling the trigger on the newest model several seasons later. To each their own i guess.
I love those folks. They provide a never-ending stream of nice used boats (and cars, trucks and other stuff) for people like me to buy at a fraction of the cost and not 1) take a beating on the resale value, or 2) chuck money down the financing hole.
...while I did go through several (used) boats in a short time frame in the last few years, it was with the goal of zeroing in on what I liked and didn't like, finding out how I like to fish and paying cash for toys.
Further North reply :
On 10/17/2015 at 12:23 PM, bassinhole said:Imagine, you take your car in for its 100k mile service....We can get you in this brand new, top of the line, ultra safe, Luxury (AKA cheaply manufactured foreign POS), for only two arms a leg and your left one.
By "...cheaply manufactured foreign POS..." you mean Fords, Chevy's and Chryslers?
Ever look at the content info for a lot of "American" vehicles? https://www.howtobuyamerican.com/content/db/b-db-autos.shtml
BTW, there's 3 Fords in my garage...
Further North reply :
duplicate...
bassinhole reply :
On 10/20/2015 at 9:35 AM, Further North said:By "...cheaply manufactured foreign POS..." you mean Fords, Chevy's and Chryslers?
Ever look at the content info for a lot of "American" vehicles? https://www.howtobuyamerican.com/content/db/b-db-autos.shtml
BTW, there's 3 Fords in my garage...
You got it...
Personally I drive a Toyota, they are typically very dependable.
K_Mac reply :
This thread has taken an unexpected turn. I like that. You guys can talk about the "pos" quality of vehicles all you want. We have come a long way in nearly every measurable element of quality over the last 25 years. 200,000 miles is not unexpected anymore, and materials, safety, milage, emissions, comfort, and dependability are far better than it's ever been. With both vehicles and boats, that is what makes buying used a good value for those of us who don't have the deep pockets required to buy new every few years.
PourMyOwn reply :
On 10/20/2015 at 11:15 AM, K_Mac said:This thread has taken an unexpected turn. I like that. You guys can talk about the "pos" quality of vehicles all you want. We have come a long way in nearly every measurable element of quality over the last 25 years. 200,000 miles is not unexpected anymore, and materials, safety, milage, emissions, comfort, and dependability are far better than it's ever been. With both vehicles and boats, that is what makes buying used a good value for those of us who don't have the deep pockets required to buy new every few years.
I'll argue that a lot of the deep pocket crowd gets that way by not buying new stuff every two years. They buy the right car/boat and hang on to it for a long time. As far as cars go, I agree with you. It's impressive that cars last as long as they do with the general public knowing essentially nothing about maintanence.
BassinLou reply :
On 10/20/2015 at 8:39 AM, Further North said:I love those folks. They provide a never-ending stream of nice used boats (and cars, trucks and other stuff) for people like me to buy at a fraction of the cost and not 1) take a beating on the resale value, or 2) chuck money down the financing hole.
...while I did go through several (used) boats in a short time frame in the last few years, it was with the goal of zeroing in on what I liked and didn't like, finding out how I like to fish and paying cash for toys.
That's true....
Catt reply :
I have a dozen or so friends do this & no they do not take a beating, used boats & trucks resale high. But they do have a constant truck/boat note!
Most of them change out rods & reels every couple years as well.
As for me a boat is a tool that gets me from point A to point B & back, the money I save not having a boat note I spend going to the lake!
Further North reply :
On 10/20/2015 at 11:15 AM, K_Mac said:This thread has taken an unexpected turn. I like that. You guys can talk about the "pos" quality of vehicles all you want. We have come a long way in nearly every measurable element of quality over the last 25 years. 200,000 miles is not unexpected anymore, and materials, safety, milage, emissions, comfort, and dependability are far better than it's ever been. With both vehicles and boats, that is what makes buying used a good value for those of us who don't have the deep pockets required to buy new every few years.
I'm sorry if I gave the impression I think any vehicles these days are a POS...That wasn't my intent. I know people who drive all makes and brands of vehicles, and they are - almost without exception - well built, durable and long lasting...it's pretty hard to find a bad one any more (like outboards and boats).
We really are in "the good old days"!
Are there rare "lemons"" Sure. And there's a lot of problems caused by poor maintenance and general abuse.
Bout a month ago I was following a car into town, and it had a blackened bumper and the distinct smell of a car burning oil...and the thought struck me that I could not remember the last time I saw one like that...when I in my twenties you couldn't go a day without seeing at least one or two like that....and I live in NW WI, in a fairly rural area where vehicles get used long and hard...and I still don't see many like that.
Further North reply :
On 10/20/2015 at 9:56 PM, Catt said:I have a dozen or so friends do this & no they do not take a beating, used boats & trucks resale high.
I guess it depends on what we consider high resale.
In January, I bought a Ford Escape that had been on the road for 1 year and one week, had about 26,000 miles on it.
The original owner paid about $36,500 for it...I paid $23,250. That's ~36% off a vehicle that'll last me years, $13,250 more for retirement and waaay less interest on the loan...and for a shorter period.
Yes, it was a private owner, not an off lease vehicle.
About a year and a half ago, a friend bought a new Crestliner Raptor 1850...by the time he was done, he had over $55K in it, The very same week, I bought an older Crestliner CMV with 3 hours, 34 minutes on the motor (verified by my dealer, not his) for $16,250. My boat was virtually unused and I paid less than 30% of what he paid. I did move my electronics over to the new boat, so we can add another $7,500 to mine...but still...that extra $31,250 in the Further North Charitable and Benevolent Fund, invested for retirement sure feels good.
I honestly don't feel like there's any one way to do this that is better - everyone is different and they should do what works best for them and how they live their lives. I'm...ah..."frugal"...by nature and getting the best value for my dollar is a big deal to me - I enjoy it as part of the process. Other guys love that new boat/car/truck thing and that's what they should do.
Catt reply :
Friend of mine back in December bought a 2015 BassCat Panter II with a Merc 200 Pro XS, hyd jack plate, hotfoot, i Pilot 112#, two Hummingbird 899c.
Paid $47,250
Sold it for $42,500
Made over $8,000 in bonus money & winnigs
After doing this for 12 years how much ya think he actually paid for the Pantera?
Further North reply :
probably still woulda won the $8K + without the new boat.... 
...so it looks like a $5K loss to me...
Catt reply :
On 10/22/2015 at 4:42 AM, Further North said:...so it looks like a $5K loss to me...
Huh!
I see a $42,500 trade in plus $8,000 down on a new Pantera which will have100% warranty on every thing.
slonezp reply :
On 10/20/2015 at 8:39 AM, Further North said:I love those folks. They provide a never-ending stream of nice used boats (and cars, trucks and other stuff) for people like me to buy at a fraction of the cost and not 1) take a beating on the resale value, or 2) chuck money down the financing hole.
...while I did go through several (used) boats in a short time frame in the last few years, it was with the goal of zeroing in on what I liked and didn't like, finding out how I like to fish and paying cash for toys.
I have a friend that buys the 1 season old boats, uses them until the end of the motor warranty and sells them at a minimal loss. He gets an almost new boat every few years. He just sold a basscat for 3k less than he paid for it 3 years ago. That's roughly $100 a month in, as he calls it, rental fees. He's looking at 2015 Basscat Caracal's right now with less than 50hrs on the motors and 2-6 years of motor warranty left on them.
Further North reply :
On 10/22/2015 at 6:06 AM, Catt said:Huh!
I see a $42,500 trade in plus $8,000 down on a new Pantera which will have100% warranty on every thing.
Sure...but the $5K is still gone. The $8K has nothing to do with the new boat...it's like one of those algebra story problems from high school...unimportant info to the solution of the equation...
If he hadn't spent the initial $47,250 he'd have had that to spend on the new boat rather than just $42,250...
Don't get me wrong...if the guy is happy, it's what he should do; but I'd have trouble eating a $5K loss in one year just to fish. Other things make me happy.
Further North reply :
On 10/22/2015 at 7:53 AM, slonezp said:I have a friend that buys the 1 season old boats, uses them until the end of the motor warranty and sells them at a minimal loss. He gets an almost new boat every few years. He just sold a basscat for 3k less than he paid for it 3 years ago. That's roughly $100 a month in, as he calls it, rental fees. He's looking at 2015 Basscat Caracal's right now with less than 50hrs on the motors and 2-6 years of motor warranty left on them.
Your friend is a sharp cat. That's a good system.
Dye99 reply :
Im a yak guy, but I usually pick up a new kayak every few years to keep up with the industry....
I don't sell them off though, Ive found that owning a grip of boats comes in handy when you want to take friends out yak fishing...
Its good to be an admiral in a plastic navy!
Lund Explorer reply :
On 10/22/2015 at 8:31 AM, Further North said:Sure...but the $5K is still gone. The $8K has nothing to do with the new boat...it's like one of those algebra story problems from high school...unimportant info to the solution of the equation...
If he hadn't spent the initial $47,250 he'd have had that to spend on the new boat rather than just $42,250...
Don't get me wrong...if the guy is happy, it's what he should do; but I'd have trouble eating a $5K loss in one year just to fish. Other things make me happy.
You may want to re-read Catt's post.
There are a number of tournaments where ownership of that new boat, motor, anchor, etc., earns winning anglers extra cash over and above the regular prize money. Hence the use of the term "bonus" money.
Even the most simple kind of math would show that this person made a net profit of $3,000 by having the latest and greatest.
carlm01 reply :
I have a little 2014 Lowe 16ft Skorpion with a 20 Merc ELPT that I make short payments on , I love it ,It's comfortable and that little merc moves it along at 20-25 mph with just me in it ...I bought for fishing and it's fun ... I'll keep it until it falls apart ......
Spankey reply :
I wouldn't say every few years but I went from one Tracker to another a few times. Run a 19 footer with a 90 hp Merc. now. I like the aluminum because it is lighter and I fish alone for the most part. The old lady says I take this bass stuff too serious and nobody wants to fish with me. Oh well. I'll get the 19 1/2 footer the next time around. I like the deck space.
carlm01 reply :
LOL, Like my lil aluminum boat for the same reason , by myself a lot and it's easy to launch and fish
Further North reply :
On 10/22/2015 at 8:11 PM, Lund Explorer said:You may want to re-read Catt's post.
There are a number of tournaments where ownership of that new boat, motor, anchor, etc., earns winning anglers extra cash over and above the regular prize money. Hence the use of the term "bonus" money.
Even the most simple kind of math would show that this person made a net profit of $3,000 by having the latest and greatest.
Thanks for taking the time to explain - if that was the case, then yes, it was a $3K profit.
If not...and it's still not 100% clear the the bonus money was related to the directly to the boat...then I still think he could have won the money without the new boat.
...but I had no idea those kinds of deals were in play, and I appreciate the info. I like it when I learn new things!
slonezp reply :
On 10/24/2015 at 5:34 AM, Further North said:Thanks for taking the time to explain - if that was the case, then yes, it was a $3K profit.
If not...and it's still not 100% clear the the bonus money was related to the directly to the boat...then I still think he could have won the money without the new boat.
...but I had no idea those kinds of deals were in play, and I appreciate the info. I like it when I learn new things!
In my club, which is sponsored by Legend, anyone who wins a 60+ boat tourney, who is in a current or last years model Legend boat, wins $10k from Legend. I know Ranger and Skeeter have similar programs, not sure about other manufacturers.
Catt reply :
Some bonus money is paid just for placing in the top 5 in tournament with 150+ boats.
You can get bonus money from, MotorGuide, Minnkota, Hummngbird, Lowrance, Mercury, Yamaha, Evinrude, & numerious tackle companies.
And no we aint talking Pros! 
Way2slow reply :
Looks like most on here fit right in my income bracket. I have to buy used junk and make something out of it. My Javelin R20DC with 225 ficht I bought at auction probably 10 or more years ago with a lot of the motor sitting in the storage compartments, for $5,000. At the time it would have been a $15,000 $18,000 boat had it been running. I spent approx. $1,100 fixing it and have been using it trouble free since. My pickups I buy the same way. The one I'm driving now is a 2001 4WD Silverado 2500HD I bought for $1,000 with excellent body and interior. It had be sitting in a field near San Antonio TX for eight years and I had it shipped to GA. I spent $2,500 on shipping, fixing everything and new tires so now I have a nice truck worth about $8,000 for $3,500. I sold my 1998 4WD pickup for more than I paid for it about 10 years ago, I bought the same way. Pretty much the only thing I buy new in the way of boats, motors, and vehicles is my wife's car. She gets a new Toyota Highlander about every four to five years.
However, ya'll have to remember, there's a lot of people out there that can spend thousands of dollar as quick as we spend $10 and think nothing of it. There is a guy I used to fish with sometimes that traded for a new Stratos 201 every three years and went by the Chevy dealer and traded for a new pickup that matched it. He's been doing that for close to 20 years now. Other than in about 2000, he got a 21SS, and traded it the next year because he didn't like it.
I could go in debt up to my ears and buy all this new, high dollar stuff like boats and vehicles, but I'm kinda old fashion in that, I like for my money to be mine, and not give over half of it away each month in interest, so if I can't pay cash for it, I wait until I can. Been doing that about 40 years now, and kinda like that way.
A-Jay reply :
On 10/25/2015 at 6:08 AM, Way2slow said:Looks like most on here fit right in my income bracket. I have to buy used junk and make something out of it. My Javelin R20DC with 225 ficht I bought at auction probably 10 or more years ago with a lot of the motor sitting in the storage compartments, for $5,000. At the time it would have been a $15,000 $18,000 boat had it been running. I spent approx. $1,100 fixing it and have been using it trouble free since. My pickups I buy the same way. The one I'm driving now is a 2001 4WD Silverado 2500HD I bought for $1,000 with excellent body and interior. It had be sitting in a field near San Antonio TX for eight years and I had it shipped to GA. I spent $2,500 on shipping, fixing everything and new tires so now I have a nice truck worth about $8,000 for $3,500. I sold my 1998 4WD pickup for more than I paid for it about 10 years ago, I bought the same way. Pretty much the I buy new in the way of boats, motors, and vehicles is my wife's car. She gets a new Toyota Highlander about every four to five years.
However, ya'll have to remember, there's a lot of people out there that can spend thousands of dollar as quick as we spend $10 and think nothing of it. There is a guy I used to fish with sometimes that traded for a new Stratos 201 every three years and went by the Chevy dealer and traded for a new pickup that matched it. He's been doing that for close to 20 years now. Other than in about 2000, he got a 21SS, and traded it the next year because he didn't like it.
I could go in debt up to my ears and buy all this new, high dollar stuff like boats and vehicles, but I'm kinda old fashion in that, I like for my money to be mine, and not give over half of it away each month in interest, so if I can't pay cash for it, I wait until I can. Been doing that about 40 years now, and kinda like that way.
Clearly you (along with many of our esteemed forum members) have Advanced Skills & Experience when it comes to repair & refurbishment in many aspects of Boats & Vehicles.
The enjoyment & satisfaction you get from that comes through here loud & clear. And I for one appreciate your willingness to share any & all of it whenever the mood strikes you.
I, however, do not possess much beyond the basic maintenance skill level and leave everything beyond that to the "professionals".
So I buy new gear, and take very good care of it.
A man has to know his limitations.
A-Jay
carlm01 reply :
You know Way2slow, At some point all those things you bought used had to be bought new , So thank all those peeps who buy new and take the hit .. 
Way2slow reply :
That's why I also say, if you can't work on them yourself, try to buy newest thing you can, with the longest warrantee and the best insurance you can get, take good care of it and sell it, (don't trade it) and buy a new one when the warranty runs out. They are just way to flipping expensive to have repaired now. I tell my wife every time I make a trip to the parts store, it's about to get too expensive for me to even buy the parts for fix them myself now, and that's getting the parts wholesale and not having to pay todays ridiculous labor charges. I recently bought a Ford Explorer for my granddaughter with a bad engine, thinking I was going to have it running for about $500. I did have it running, but it was $1,100 later.
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