33 Popular Boats With High Resale Value (With Pictures)

Most people have a sentimental attachment to their boats. But sometimes, selling it is the most prudent choice.

However, you won’t get top dollar for your boat if it doesn’t have a high resale value as boats are notoriously depreciative.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive list of boat types and models with high resale value. At the end of this piece, you will have a better understanding of boats to buy if you want to resell after a few years.

Which boats have the highest resale value?

A boat will have high resale value if you kept it clean and well maintained. A pre-owned boat will have higher resell value as the depreciation level will be lower. It’s important to keep your boat in excellent condition in order to keep the resale price high.

We have a section for each boat type:

  • 4 Bowriders
  • 4 cabin cruisers 
  • 4 catamarans 
  • 4 cuddy cabin boats
  • 4 deck boats 
  • 3 fishing boats 
  • 3 pontoon boats
  • 3 sailboats 
  • 3 speedboats 
  • 3 trawlers 

Now, let’s look at the different boat types and models with outstanding resale value.

4 Bowriders With High Resale Value

These boats are one of the most popular boats for families. They are ideal for fishing, partying, water sports and everything in between.

Because they are trailerable, bowriders are the perfect size for people who love relaxing weekends on the water.

Here are some of the best models with good resale value on the market.

1) Four Winns H180 OB

  • LOA: 17’11”
  • Beam: 7’7″
  • Fuel Capacity: 24 gallons
  • Weight: 2,150 lbs.

This affordable runabout has been a winner since it was first introduced in 2010.

It comes with excellent features such as a tilting steering wheel, full-sized walk-across swim platform and a premium set of engine gauges.

There is a Bluetooth-enabled iPod/MP3 port with two speakers, a swing-away tongue and a welded-tube trailer all under $25000.

Despite being low cost, the H180 OB comes with premium trims and you can customize the color to match the trailer.

RELATED: Are Four Winns Boats Reliable?

2) Bayliner Element E16

  • LOA: 16’2″
  • Beam” 7’5″
  • Fuel Capacity: 12 gallons
  • Weight: 1,570 lbs.

At less than $15,000, the Bayliner Element E16 is one of the most affordable and beloved Bowriders among families. Featuring Bayliner’s innovative M hull design, the Element delivers exceptional stability.

The boat is roomy, has swim platforms, two-tone vinyl cushions and a 25-quart Igloo cooler to keep your drinks chilled for longer.

This boat sits six passengers comfortably and has 60HP Mercury outboard and a trailer.

3) Sea Ray 220 Sundeck

  • LOA: 22’6″
  • Beam: 8’5″
  • Fuel Capacity: 45 gallons
  • Weight: 4,200 lbs.

The Sea Ray 220 can sit 12 passengers comfortably. It comes with a powerful MerCruiser 5.0 MPI engine for impressive cruising speeds.

The boat is spacious, luxurious and comes with all the frills you expect from a Sea Ray product.

This big boat even comes with an enclosed toilet, high-end entertainment system and more.

If you want something more luxurious, the 220 Sundeck from Sea Ray is an all-time favorite that won’t lose its value soon.

4) Larson LX 225S IO

  • LOA: 23’1″
  • Beam: 8’4″
  • Fuel Capacity: 36 gallons
  • Weight: 3,100 lbs.

The 225S sports a solid VEC construction, a 300-hp MerCruiser engine, and canvas bow and cockpit covers.

It has an iPod-MP3-enabled entertainment system and a Shorelander trailer with disc brakes.

There are ample space fore and aft, an extended swim platform and exceptionally comfortable cushions.

This boat can seat 10 passengers and its sleek design makes for bump-free cruises.

4 Cabin Cruisers With High Resale Value

For people who love to spend extended time on the water, cabin cruisers provide almost all the convenience of a small home. There is accommodation, cooking and every facility you need to have a swell time with family and friends on a night cruise.

Here are some of the most popular models.

5) Bayliner 285 SB

  • LOA: 28’7″”
  • Beam: 9’11”
  • Fuel Capacity: 89 gallons
  • Weight: 8,056 lbs.

The 285 SB has dwellings for up to 6 people.

This 28 footer is trailerable and comes with a dining area for a small family or group.

While it has been continued, the 285 SB commands a good rating on the market thanks to its sub $100k price. If you need a budget cabin cruiser that will hold its value for many years to come, the 285 SB is worth trying.

6) Four Winns V375

  • LOA: 37′
  • Beam: 12′
  • Fuel Capacity: 216 gallons
  • Weight: 14,750 lbs.

At 37 feet long, the V375 from Four Winns is oozing with comfort and luxury. Thanks to its durable and solid hull design, the boat handles well in choppy waters.

This boat offers a spacious cockpit and an entertainment area with a fridge to keep food and drinks in top condition.

The V375 has a mid-cabin girth that allows children separate playing ground. The ruggedness and impeccable quality of Four Winns will keep this watercraft going for many seasons.

7) Cobalt A36

  • LOA: 35’11”
  • Beam: 11’2″
  • Fuel Capacity: 189 gallons
  • Weight: 16,000 lbs.

This 35 footer is optimized for comfort and performance. Though there have been issues with cobalt boats (check this article).

It features a large cockpit, dwellings for a family of six and a standard swimming platform.

Whether you are fishing for extended periods or want to enjoy a cool weekend on the water, the A36 provides a home-away-from-home experience.

This watercraft is comfortable, roomy and will deliver high resale value if you keep it in good condition.

8) Boston Whaler 285 Conquest

  • LOA: 27’10”
  • Beam: 9’6″
  • Fuel Capacity: 200 gallons
  • Weight: 7,300 lbs.

If you need a versatile and durable cruiser to take long fishing trips, the 285 is a legendary boat with exceptional residual value.

This boat offers an impressively smooth ride even on rough waters.

It comes with plenty of storage and can sleep four comfortably.

It has a private heads compartment and a proper galley for a homely experience. There is a lot of seating space and its Mercury Verado outboard allows for decent cruising speeds during night and day.

3 Catamarans With High Resale Value

If you love fast and spacious boats, nothing beats the roominess and mind-blowing speed of catamarans.

These double-hulled come in various sizes and continue to grow on many boat lovers. Here are a few samples.

9) Lagoon 380

  • LOA: 37’11”
  • Beam: 21’5″
  • Fuel Capacity: 2 x 26 gallons
  • Weight: 16,005 lbs.

The 380 is one of the most popular cruising catamarans. Since its debut in 1999, over 740 of the design have been built and many are still in the works.

The 380 has a solid build, plenty of space and delivers exceptional speed and performance.

It features 3/4 cabins and 6-8 berths with a 79.3-gallon fresh water tank and a big headroom.

The boat can carry 10 passengers during the day and will sleep 8 comfortably at night. If you want a clutter-free deck with a smooth and zippy movement on the water, the Lagoon 380 is an all-time favorite.

10) Hobie 16

  • LOA: 16’7
  • Beam: 7’11”
  • Fuel Capacity: Sail
  • Weight: 320 lbs.

Over 100,000 Hobie 16 have been built and sailors can’t help but love these speed freaks. Introduced in 1970, this cat has asymmetrical fiberglass hulls and trapeze harnesses which give it excellent agility in the water.

This model and the diminutive Hobie Wave are perfect for new sailors and have proven to be resilient for over 40 years.

Whether you are preparing to race in the Olympics or want to experience pure sailing, this design is the epitome of catamaran designs.

11) Seawind 1000

  • LOA: 32’81”
  • Beam: 19’36”
  • Fuel Capacity: 31.7 gallons
  • Weight: 8,818.48 lbs.

For over 30 years, the Seawind tops the chart of Australian-made catamarans and delivers with finesse. This 33-foot cat is ideal for cruising and comes with a lot of room.

The boat accommodates eight passengers in its 4 double cabins and has one shower and one toilet.

There are 2 single berths, a fully fitted galley and plenty of deck space. This boat comes with a full panoply of entertainment system including an iPod dock, CD player, TV/VCR, deck BBQ and more.

3 Cuddy Cabin Boats With High Resale Value

A cuddy cabin is lightweight, versatile and makes for enjoyable weekend getaways on the water.

For people who don’t have the budget of cabin cruisers, these boats offer impressive dexterity and modest accommodations.

Below are samples of these lovely boats.

12) Finnmaster T8

  • LOA: 26’6″
  • Beam: 8’9″
  • Fuel Capacity: 66 gallons
  • Weight: 4,850 lbs.

This boat is the award-winning flagship of the Finnish boat builder’s popular T series. The T8 exudes luxury and power with its innovative design and industry-leading performance.

This boat comes with 4 berths and can accommodate 10 passengers, making it a top choice for large families and groups.

It features a posh dining area which you can convert into a comfortable sundeck. There is a lot of space fore and aft, with easy-to-access storage areas and a large toilet.

The T8 has a clutter-free design, high-end navigational equipment and every creature comfort you crave in a boat.

If you want a more affordable and alternative, the smaller T7 is an excellent option.

13) Bayliner 642 Overnighter

  • LOA: 21’4″
  • Beam: 8’0″
  • Fuel Tank: 33 gallons
  • Weight: 3,084 lbs.

The Bayliner 642 is one of the most affordable family cuddy cabins ever made. Despite its modest pricing, the boat boasts a luxurious finish, a superb engineering, and exceptional performance.

This small boat has space for eight passengers, an innovative and roomy cockpit and versatile seating arrangement.

It comes with lots of space, a standard 135hp engine with an automatic fire extinguisher and many luxurious features.

If you want something bigger and newer, the Bayliner VR5 is an improved person of the 642 but the latter is still the more popular with the buying public.

14) Stingray 220SX

  • LOA: 21’6″
  • Beam: 8’1″
  • Fuel Capacity: 38 gallons
  • Weight: 2,827 lbs.

If you want a sporty boat with a cuddly cabin, Stingray’s 220SX is one of the most popular in its class. The boat comes with the company’s Z-Plane hull, allowing it to zip through the water with reduced friction.

Despite being performance-biased, the 220SX has a comfortable cabin with twin seats convertible to V-berths.

The cockpit comes with a full array of gauges, CD player, and ice chest. With this boat, you will be far ahead of other family cuddy cabins while getting a good pampering.

4 Deck Boats With High Resale Value

Unlike other runabouts, these boats offer humongous deck spaces and storage facilities.

Deck boats feature wider beams and deeper cockpits and have homely comfort so you don’t miss land.

If you love boat parties, these platforms provide every recreational facility you need to enjoy fun-filled moments on the water.

15) NauticStar 223 DC

  • LOA: 22’7″
  • Beam: 10’2″
  • Fuel Capacity: 62 gallons
  • Weight: 1,854 lbs.

The 223 DC from NauticStar can seat 10 passengers comfortably and boasts a roomy and comfortable deck.

This watercraft has an ergonomic design with flip-up bucket seats and Bimini top. It has LED courtesy lights, a pump-out head, and recessed shower.

There is also a panoramic walk-through windshield. And the lounge cushions are positioned to maximize space.

It even has 11 cup holders at strategic locations and seven storage compartments.

The boat has a four-speaker MP3-compatible Infinity JBL entertainment system to keep the music blaring. There are facilities for watersports, fishing and more.

While this boat is pricy for its size, it is one of the most popular in its class.

16) SunDeck Sport SS 188

  • LOA: 18’10”
  • Beam: 8’5″
  • Fuel Capacity: 36 gallons
  • Weight: 2,425 lbs.

With a price tag of around $20,000, the SS 188 from Hurricane is one of the best value for money deck boat around.

This budget boat does not compromise comfort with its plush trimmings, large recreational space and seating for 10 passengers.

There are myriad customization options to choose from including entertainment systems, fish finders, seating arrangement among others.

It has chrome cup holders, premium textured vinyl and a super maneuverable Italian-styled steering wheel.

The boat sports a swimming platform, plenty of storage and can reach plane speed under 4 seconds with a 150 HP Yamaha engine.

For fast decks boats that do not sacrifice luxury, the SunDeck Sport SS 188 is the top choice.

17) Stingray 212SC

  • LOA: 21’11”
  • Beam: 8’5″
  • Fuel Capacity: 57 gallons
  • Weight: 3,100 lbs.

The 212SC is ideal for family outings and parties.

It can seat 12 passengers and provides ample deck space for more.

Despite plenty of storage and legroom, this boat delivers legendary Stingray performance with its exceptional dexterity and performance.

It has a retractable Bimini top, a four-speaker Bluetooth stereo system, an in-floor cooler and a stainless steel boarding ladder.

There are two port-side steps, an enclosed head/changing room, and a freshwater faucet and sink.

Its powerful Yamaha or Mercury four-stroke outboard engine delivers 150HP for exceptional speeds up to 50 miles per hour under five seconds.

The 212SC is a speed freak with solid construction. Despite its sporty performance, it doesn’t skimp on comfort and versatility.

18) Tahoe 195

  • LOA: 19’11”
  • Beam: 8’6″
  • Fuel Capacity: 36 gallons
  • Weight: 3,050 lbs.

The 195 is one of the most versatile in terms of performance and comfort in the deck boat category.

This boat comes with a beastly 220HP V6 MerCruiser motor that pushes it past the 50 mph mark.

It features a spacious and luxurious deck that can sit 8 passengers and there is plenty of storage below deck.

The best part is this jewel goes for around $34,000, making it one of the most affordable in its class.

It has a Bimini top, Bluetooth-enabled stereo with plenty of deck space.

Whether you love to party, fish or race; this highly dexterous watercraft will fulfill all your aquatic fantasies without breaking the bank.

3 Fishing Boats With High Resale Value

Fishing boats come in a variety of styles, sizes, and quality. Below are some of the most durable designs on the market.

19) Boston Whaler 230 Outrage

  • LOA: 23’0″
  • Beam: 8’6″
  • Fuel Capacity: 110 gallons
  • Weight: 3,800 lbs.

If you want a fishing boat with a massive resale value, the classic Boston Whaler 230 0utrage has no competitor.

The Outrage 230 provides a reliable fishing platform and the comfort of a cabin cruiser.

This boat features Boston Whaler’s unsinkable hull technology, and the cabin has air conditioning.

It seats 10 people with ease and has a lot of deck space thanks to its wraparound forward seating arrangement.

There is ample storage space including twin built-in fish boxes, a 54-gallon cooler and a 16 gallon live well on the transom.

The 230 Outrage has a transom door for easy access to the swim platform, under gunwale rod racks and vertical rod holders.

It boasts an impressive endurance with its 110-gallon fuel capacity and can reach up to 52 mph at full speed.

This iconic design from Boston Whaler is one of the most durable fishing boats that will hold its value for a long time.

20) Lund 1600 Rebel

  • LOA: 16’5″
  • Beam: 6’5″
  • Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
  • Weight: 710 lbs.

If there is anything Lund excels at, it is making durable purpose-built fishing boats.

The company’s 1600 Rebel has all the features to help anglers find, catch and haul in fish with ease.

It has a live well, rod stowage, and a fish finder. There is an electric trolling motor pre-wiring and three fishing seat bases.

Noteworthy is its side console with a tall windshield to protect the skipper.

The Rebel comes with a 40hp Mercury outboard and weighs a mere 710 pounds, making it a trailerable beauty.

The best thing about the boat is that it costs only around $13,000, making it an excellently affordable fish catcher.

21) Mako Pro Skiff 17 CC

  • LOA: 17’2″
  • Beam: 6’11”
  • Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gallons
  • Weight: 1,210 lbs.

The Pro Skiff 17 CC is one of the most popular boats from Mako. This inland fishing boat boasts a powerful engine and the company’s innovative Advanced Inverted Hull (AIV).

The AIV delivers exceptionally smooth rides and mind-blowing performance.

Despite being affordable, this skiff is practically unsinkable thanks to its superior floatation engineering.

The Pro Skiff 17 CC comes with bow and aft casting decks, 5 vertical flush-mounted rod holders and molded-in grab handles.

There is a 65 quartz rotomolded, removable Orion cooler for exceptional ice-cooling at the helm seat and 19 gallon aft bait well with an adjustable aerator.

The boat comes with a hot-dipped galvanized trailer with Super Lube hubs for about $18,000.

If you want something bigger and sturdier, the 7’9″ Mako Pro Skiff 19 CC provides more stability in open waters but comes at about $4,000 extra.

3 Pontoon Boats With High Resale Value

Pontoon boats are the favorite of people who enjoy weekend cocktail parties on the water. They are large, spacious and can be surprisingly affordable.

22) Sun Tracker Party Barge 24

  • LOA: 25’8″
  • Beam: 8’1″
  • Fuel Capacity: 23 gallons
  • Weight: 1,750 lbs.

The Party Barge 24 is the flagship of Sun Tracker, the biggest maker of pontoon boats worldwide.

It features durable construction with extruded aluminum planks and marine-grade carpet to deliver an almost indestructible deck.

This pontoon comes with twin lounge seats that convert to sleeping or sun pads.  The aft has a wrap-around settee aft with under-seat storage.

It sports vinyl upholstery for maximum protection from moisture and a portable MSD with a privacy curtain.

There is a fully equipped helm console with a small windscreen and a 115hp Mercury outboard with electric.

Whether you want to party, laze around or enjoy water sports, the Party Barge 24 has something for everyone. And everything is for less than $27k.

23) Sun Tracker Bass Buggy

  • LOA: 16′
  • Beam: 7’1″
  • Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gallons
  • Weight: 1,175 lbs.

If you follow developments in the pontoon world, you can’t miss the Bass Buggy.

When it was first released, this workhorse retailed at $10,000 but is now a couple thousand pricier.

The Bass Buggy is a pontoon with a fishing bias. It comes with bow fishing chairs, an aerated live well, a molded live well unit and more.

There are rod and drink holders and a lid ruler to measure your catch. You can even opt for a fish finder and trolling motor for the optimal fishing experience.

24) Premier Pontoon Boats

Premier is one of the biggest names in the pontoon boat industry. The company offers everything from the luxurious, budget to fishing pontoons.

It’s Premier Diodici 310 is a comfortable and spacious party mover with posh interiors and superior performance.

You can also try the Premier Grand Entertainer 290 with its wide beam.  The Premier 220 Cast-A-Way is great if you love fishing in the company of family and friends.

3 Sail Boats With High Resale Value

Used sailboats are always in demand as new models can be atrociously expensive. If you buy a quality sailboat and keep it clean, chances are you will lock in most of its value.

Here are some of the best sailboats for the money.

25) Tayana 37

  • LOA: 36’8″
  • Beam: 11’6″
  • Fuel Capacity: 90 gallons
  • Weight: 24,000 lbs.

Designed by Bob Perry, the Tayana 37 was first built in 1976 in Taiwan and is one of the most popular sailboats on the planet.

It has a classic canoe stern and a well-balanced sail plan.

These boats were built to last with their solid fiberglass hull, balsa-cored deck, and spacious V-berth.

The boat features a high aspect ratio rig and a teak interior. With over 650 built, the Tayana 37 has one of the highest resale values in the sailing world.

26) Hallberg-Rassy 35 Rasmus

  • LOA: 34’5″
  • Beam: 10′
  • Fuel Capacity: 74 gallons
  • Weight: 12,125 lbs.

This proven sailboat was designed in the late 60s by the Swede Olle Enderlein.

It enjoys wide popularity among sailors thanks to its full keel, large windscreen and center cockpit which provide exceptional handling in blue waters.

The boat has a 75HP diesel and the main cabin with a v-berth, galley, and a saloon.

It sports an aft cabin with a double berth and its durable construction compensates for its narrow hull. This dependable circumnavigator will never run out of fashion.

27) Tartan 37

  • LOA: 37’3″
  • Beam: 11’9″
  • Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons
  • Weight: 15,500 lbs.

With over 500 units built, the Tartan 37 is one of the most popular sailboats with blue water capabilities.

This boat features solid construction with balsa-cored hull and deck and external lead ballast.

It comes with teak trims and molded fiberglass headliners for increased durability.

While most of the 37s featured keel/centerboard for improved performance, some were offered as skews.

This boat is a fast cruiser that moves well in light wind.

3 Speed Boats With High Resale Value

Speedboats can be expensive despite their limited space. They prioritize performance over comfort and deliver astonishing speeds on the water. Here are a few popular versions.

28) MTI V-42

  • LOA: 42′
  • Beam: 11’6″
  • Fuel Capacity: 460 gallons
  • Weight: 15,000 lbs.

The V-42 from Marine Technology Inc. is a performance beast that has won the hearts of many boaters for years.

Now featuring four outboards and luxurious styling, these boats deliver a mind-blowing performance without compromising creature comforts.

29) Riva Aquarama

  • LOA: 21’4″
  • Beam: 7’1″
  • Fuel Capacity: 42.3 gallons
  • Weight: 2,910.1 lbs.

Since its debut in 1962, the Riva Aquarama continues to dazzle go-fast boaters with its unbridled splendor and breathtaking performance.

The boat oozes glamor and luxury with its high-end trimmings and stylish design.

Its cutthroat speeds at even modest throttle seal its place as a timeless boat that inspires boat builders and their customers.

30) OUTERLIMITS SL 41

  • LOA: 41’3″
  • Beam: 9’0″
  • Fuel Capacity: 210 gallons
  • Weight: 9,300 lbs.

This high-performance speedboat from Mercury Racing has won the hearts of racers since its debut.

It sports three Verado 400R outboards, V-bottom, and impressive agility to deliver astonishing speeds even in offshore conditions.

3 Trawlers With High Resale Value

Trawlers combine long-range performance with the luxurious comfort of yachts at affordable prices. While there are larger trawlers out there, the most popular models are the mid-sized and lower-priced types.

Here are a few ocean-capable trawlers that don’t skimp on comfort and speed.

31) Beneteau Swift Trawler 30

  • LOA: 32’9″
  • Beam: 11’7″
  • Fuel Capacity: 100 gallons
  • Weight: 13,000 lbs.

The 30 is one of the smallest trawlers in Beneteau’s Swift series.

Despite its modest displacement of just over 13,000 pounds, the 30 boasts a private stateroom and a full galley.

It has an extensive flybridge with an upper station and settee and an easy-to-access walkaround.

This trawler features a swing-open transom which connects the cockpit to the swim platform.

The 30 comes with one straight-shaft 370hp Volvo D6 diesel inboard and you can opt for a 7.5 kW genset.

At open throttle, this beauty can hit 21 knots but you’d rather cruise at six knots to maximize fuel efficiency.

32) Ranger Tugs R27

  • LOA: 27’1″
  • Beam: 8’6″
  • Fuel Capacity: 100 gallons
  • Weight: 6,200 lbs.

If you need a trailerable trawler, this is it.

The R27 has a compact body but delivers ample accommodation including a V-berth, a midship berth, and a galley.

There is also a dinette and head. Despite being 27’1″ long, this trawler is a capable blue water vessel that will cover 200 miles between fuel stops.

It features a semi-displacement design with a bulging keel to accommodate the diesel engine, which reduces shaft angle.

If you want a cruising trawler without hurting your finances, the R27 is one of the most affordable and solidly built boats in its class.

33) Mainship 350/390 Trawler

  • LOA: 39’9″
  • Beam: 14’2″
  • Fuel Capacity: 300 gallons
  • Weight: 22,000 lbs.

The Mainship 350/390 is one of the most enduring trawler designs of all time.

It comes with two staterooms and one head forward.

To starboard, there is a convertible sofa and a hi-low table. The port has an L-shaped galley with a refrigerator-freezer and a Corian counter.

The master stateroom comes with an island queen berth while the guest stateroom features twin berths.

You can enjoy extended visibility from the lower helm thanks to larger windows that provide natural lighting.

This trawler came with either twin 230hp Yanmar diesel or one 370hp Yanmar diesel for impressive cruising speeds.

While production stopped in 2005, the 350-390 trawlers continue to enjoy high resale value on the brokerage market.

8 Factors that Affect the Resale Value of Boats

Many of the things that can affect your boat’s resale value have nothing to do with the brand or year of production. Below, we list factors that can make you lose money on a boat sale.

1) Selling At The Wrong Time of the Year

It is a huge mistake to sell your boat off-season.

The natural laws of demand and supply dictate that buyers will pay more when supply is limited.

Most people are not looking to buy a boat during the winter so you won’t command a good price during that time.

2) Expensive Options/Electronics

The more you spend on a boat, the more you stand to lose when you sell it.

Most buyers don’t want to pay for the high-end equipment or limited-edition options in your boat. They consider it part of the whole deal.

If you spend out of pocket to add sophisticated boat gadgets, don’t expect to recoup your investment. To avoid such an experience, it’s better to buy the basics that work.

3) Dirty Appearance

Many boaters sabotage their own efforts by using pictures of their dirty boats in listings. When prospective buyers see a dirty boat, they assume the interior and engines may be in poor condition. You may not even get buyers to show interest with dirty photos.

The few that contact you will offer ridiculously low prices based on the shabby appearance of the boat.

Appearance matters so clean your boat thoroughly before listing it.

4) Maintenance

A poorly maintained boat usually commands an unattractive price.

Well-kept old boats can fetch you the purchase price or even higher, especially if the vessel is discontinued.

5) Outrageous Pricing

Even if your boat is in excellent condition, it’s difficult to get a high resale value if you don’t price it according to market trends.

Buyers will show interest but won’t close the deal when they consider more affordable alternatives.

6) Engine Type

Many people prefer outboards to sterndrives and other propulsion systems because they are more accessible and easier to maintain. When trying to sell your boat, this may be an issue, especially for smaller watercrafts.

7) Not fit for Geography

It’s important to consider the boating culture of your area when selling a boat.

Selling an aluminum pilothouse in a place like Florida can be difficult because of the low demand.

Likewise, a fiberglass boat may be difficult to sell in places with shallow, rocky waters.

8) Custom Boats

If you own a custom boat, especially an expensive model, you may not get a high resale value for the vessel.

This is because custom-built watercrafts are few so only limited numbers of people know they exist. 

They can also be maintenance-intensive and their parts may be difficult to purchase.

Final Words

When you are buying a boat, resale value may not be on your mind. But eventually, most boaters will sell their prized possession. And that’s when they think about its potential return.

This article has tried to cover some of the most popular boat models. Many of the boats mentioned above will still command high prices for many years to come thanks to their solid construction.

However, the most important factor is how well you keep the boat. A well-kept boat from an obscure brand will command a better price than a badly kept superstar.

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