Demographics

[Pete]

Sea Eric, on the current salvage thread you mentioned the average of vintage Hatteras buyers is 70. I am curious as to additional observations you and others have about the current boating market, both buyers and sellers. Not looking for a valid sample survey, just observations and opinions on the demographics.

BTW, observations and opinions on purchase finance trends and history are also interesting to me and perhaps others.

Thanks

Pete

 

[SeaEric]

When I started Bayport Yachts 27 years ago, I had young families with children coming to my office to look at boats. Not any more. About the only buyers under 50 years old that I see are those buying housing not recreational boats. Before the downturn, nine out of ten buyers financed some or all of their purchase. Today its one in ten. The rest are paying cash.

 

[Chasemmc]

Not to get too political,. But I'm sure most will remember the Carter years and the Reagan turn around just two years later. It's already started, my airplane has appreciated.20% since November.It's a shame that each generation can't learn from the former.I can tell u without the forum, I would not have purchased a boat, let alone a hat.

 

[RonNP]

I must be the statistical outlier. I purchased my Hatt at age 48 and plan to keep it way past the age of 70.

 

[sgharford]

Bought mine when I was 34 and 1 kid, finally growing into it 10 years later with 5 kids (same mother ). Man with a plan.

 

[bobk]

I bought my 48MY when I was 70. Now 11 years later, I'm starting to think about selling her. I had hopes my youngest would want it, but he is not yet ready.

Bobk

 

[Fish Tales]

I have 3 kids, one at home, 2 in school. When not at school events, we are boating.

My first Hatteras was a 1968 41c at 20 years of age. Had that boat for over 20 years. 3 engine changes, 2 paint jobs.

Second Hatteras was a 1985 45c at 50 years of age. It is for sale.

Third Hatteras is a 1989 65c at 52 years of age. Bought that one this past fall.

If I go for a fourth, I like the lines of the vintage 82c. That might make the wife mad.

I have always liked the looks and thickness of the older Hatts. Had a GT next to my 65, and I think I had the better looking boat.

Be good,
Boat safe,

Tim

 

[Seapig100]

I am 41 with one young child. Assuming she passes sea trial we will be closing next week on our first boat. We are paying cash and plan to fish, dive and cruise her.

 

[Seapig100]

Most of my colleagues have purchased houses that are a half million or more and drive brand new 50k cars it's no wonder they can't afford to buy a boat.

 

[luckydave215]

Bought our 60C 11 years ago at age 50 - paid cash. We had been boating for all our lives before that though, so our Hatt was hardly our first boat, nor our first one more than 50'.

 

[SEVEN]

I've owned big boats since I was 25. I bought my Hatteras when I was 63. However I still feel 25. Just saying. The

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Bought ASLAN for cash two years ago when I was 61; sixth and largest boat. Like my good friend SEVEN, I feel younger. So much so that I seem to be moving with increasing rapidity toward second childhoodism which is similar to dementia but with infinitely nicer connotations. My knees, however, qualify for septuagenarian status with 21 steps and/or rungs on the ladders. That, coupled with the aforementioned diminished mental capacity (many trips up and down for the stuff I forgot), works out to quite a lot of wear and tear.

The good news is I have less than two years to go before I can get Medicare to pay for my Detroit Diesel incontinence pads--assuming my personal requirements don't supersede those of the engine room and not to mention the possibility of Medicare's demise.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I was 36 when I bought my Hatt so some of you have me beat. Thirteen years later I love the boat even more than when I bought her. I've really come to realize that there is no better option for me and my family. Not newer, not bigger. She's just right.

 

[Summerfun]

I was 30 when I bought my 1986 45'C. Had it for 4 years and have seen the benifit of owning a Hateras. Not maried but with my girlfriend my sister her husban and and their three kids it's a good size. Bigger is always better. See what the future holds but I like the hats.

 

[krush]

I've really come to realize that there is no better option for me and my family. Not newer, not bigger. She's just right.

Needs more cockpit.

 

[Capt.Z]

Like Sky I was 36 when I purchased my 53 MY. I am 37 now and in the final cosmetic stages of rehab. She is a great boat and has opened doors to so many new walks of life and new and interesting friends. As for the rest of the demographics I am single with no kids and work in healthcare. I had a wife once... but then her husband came and got her back!

 

[Dan Mapes]

I was 46 when we bought Freedom which is an '85 43' M/Y. We financed it originally since the loan allowed us to itemize. We paid it off early and kept it 17 years.

 

[krush]

I had a wife once... but then her husband came and got her back!

People say boats and other toys are expensive (airplanes, cars, etc). I reply, "they may be expensive, but they are still cheaper than a wife" LOL

 

[kingsley_oasis]

Been boating all my life. 2ex,s, four loving daughters. Finally figured happiness is a dog and a boat. Live aboard since 2014. Oh and a fridge full of cold ones.

 

[SEVEN]

No matter what age you bought yours go out and enjoy her. As an old wise friend once told me "we aren't getting out of this thing alive"