June 2010 unit sales in the United States yacht-brokerage market showed single-digit gains compared to sales in June 2009, the total valuation of those sales fell by 7 percent. According to reports by YachtWorld.com member brokers in the proprietary database SoldBoats.com, unit sales increased 6 percent, from 3176 boats to 3371, but sales valuation slipped from $307 million to $285 million.
Among boats over 55 feet, unit sales improved 21 percent compared to June ’09, but the total weight of the dollars changing hands for big boats lightened up considerably.
By comparison, all other size ranges reported higher sales volume in June ’10 over June ’09, especially in the 36- to 45-foot range and the 46- to 55-foot range, which were up 18 percent and 23 percent, respectively. Sales valuations were also up modestly in all sizes 26- to 55-feet, from 7 to 20 percent.
Compared to a five-year average for unit sales, which for June 2006-2010 stands at 3513 boats, last month’s numbers are significantly better than the two previous years, but well short of 2005-2007 when 3750-4000 boats were the norm. For the year to date, 2010 continues to show improvement over 2009, but as the economic recovery has flattened, the dramatic double-digit gains of the first quarter have now dropped to single digits.
Even with the flat economy, Paradise Yachts contiues to attract customers. Last month we had over 18,000 visits to this website. Many of you are going to buy, but are taking a wait and see with the economy at the moment. Others are taking advantage of the low prices out there..
Here at Paradise Yachts last month, we sold a 46' Grand Banks, a 58' Monk Roughwater trawler and currently have contracts on two other boats expecting to close on them within the next week. We are also searching for boats in the 40-48 foot range for 4 Buyers. There are still some good deals on boats out there; if we do not have what you are looking for, we'll find it.
We would like to hear your opinion about how this economy if affecting your boat buying.
