What does a white interior do to value?

[SeaEric]

Many of us were attracted to our Hatteras yachts because of the beautiful wood interiors. My question is: On an otherwise extremely nice boat, how is the market value impacted by the interior being entirely covered with professionally applied white wall coverings and white paint finishes?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Many of us were attracted to our Hatteras yachts because of the beautiful wood interiors. My question is: On an otherwise extremely nice boat, how is the market value impacted by the interior being entirely covered with professionally applied white wall coverings and white paint finishes?

For me, whenever I see that I immediately throw it out of the mix. I wouldn't even consider it. The value is about the same as a sinker as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Fanfare]

It's dark down there! That's why my boat was ordered from Hatteras with the whitish pickled oak finish in the aft hallway and master cabin. When I figured that I coud not duplicate this finish (it was yellowing with age) I painted these parts Hatteras white awlgrip. It looks great in my opinion. Really brightens things up down below.

My guest cabin had a white plastic covering. When it aged I replaced it with an ultrasuede wall covering. Unfortunately I specified deerskin when I meant white buckskin. So it's tan, but still looks good after 20 years or so.

 

[Pascal]

I m sure a few buyers won't mind but like Sky I worl ably woudlnt look at the boat unless the price would cover th $10k it woudl cost to strip the trim and re veneer the plywood.

While the wood is a bit dark, it can be brightened up with light colored blinds/shades and improving the lights... Those box fixtures are awful.

Also, when you have a valance or some trim, you can briten uo the wood by installing rope lights to indirectly lit up th wood

 

[tom5518]

I am most curious what Sea Eric's opinion is of his own question. With his knowledge of the current market, my opinion would be the amateur hour compared to his.

 

[oscarvan]

Our personal preference is the dark wood. That said, I rather redo an interior one space at a time than pull one or two 8v71's out of the hole....... A boat that is mechanically sound and updated for the right price, but with a white interior would come waaaaay before a perfect interior with a pair of tired DD's. (Of course the wife would nicely complain about the interior to the broker...... lol)

 

[jim rosenthal]

I think most Hatteras yard buyers prefer the traditional Darkwood look but that's just my opinion. Why do you ask?

 

[Freeebird]

I'm assuming this is a trick question, but one man's (or woman's) idea of beauty is another man's abomination. While I personally prefer lighter interiors, all white is a bit much for my taste. I'd leave some of if and use ultrasuede or similar material to give it some contrast. That would be a lot less expensive than new veneer and be more modern as well.

 

[Fanfare]

I should add that Fanfare is brown Philippine ribbon mahogany in the salon, galley and forward cabin. Only white in the master. I'm not a fan of the all white boats.

 

[rsmith]

Add some mirrors and it's back to the Miami vice days.

 

[saltshaker]

The trend in homes is to have all white painted doors, woodwork and cabinets. Maybe some buyers like the fresh look of all white. I prefer a darker wood interior but many feel these old Hatts are too dark inside. The point about lighting making a big difference is spot on.

 

[SeaEric]

Not a trick question at all. I'm trying to separate my personal opinion from what the market may dictate.

 

[holtcl]

Like many things it's probably a matter of personal preference but I also wouldn't look at a boat with a light interior.

Cheryl
Cinderella
1971 53 MY

 

[Glory]

A few years back there was a 58YF on the market, much of the interior had been painted white. I didn't care for it at all.

The bigger question might be how could you undo the change if at some time you get tired of the look
or change your mind. If you stop liking carpet, couches, curtains or the coffee table the fix is easier than painted on or glued finishes.

JM

 

[MikeP]

For me, whenever I see that I immediately throw it out of the mix. I wouldn't even consider it. The value is about the same as a sinker as far as I'm concerned.

I think that's a bit extreme; it's an insult to sinkers everywhere.

 

[tellico]

I am a traditionalist and like the dark wood which means Hatteras to me. But, IMHO, there is a difference between those Hatts designed as light or white from the outset - i.e., "part of a look", and those painted out white as part of a redo. Former can be a really good look (Ft Laud) that some people prefer and I've seen a few that looked nice and I could live with. But I have a hard time with the latter - those painted out white. Not sure I could get over that aspect on a Hatteras because I like things the way they were designed to look.

OTOH, good friend had a big (leaky) trawler that I spent a lot of time on in the past. It came to him with the interior mostly painted out white because the interior wood was just too far gone from leaks. While I could never be the one to actually paint it, I will admit it was brighter and all around nice and cheery. Most everyone said the same once they got aboard. But, of course, it wasn't a Hatteras.

 

[Finalee]

I think of the interior of an Island Packet. Sure it's a sail boat, but the white interior with the tastefull use of wood trim is very apealing. With the number of sail boaters going power, I would think there is a market.

 

[krush]

I like lighter woods. The ash or light oak is nice. Really makes a huge difference on inside space. I prefer lighter woods in homes and RV's. My RV has solid oak all throughout...the "fancier" option was walnut. The walnut is much darker and the same size space looks/feels smaller.

With that said, painted all white would be gross.

 

[oscarvan]

I think of the interior of an Island Packet. Sure it's a sail boat, but the white interior with the tastefull use of wood trim is very apealing. With the number of sail boaters going power, I would think there is a market.

Sailors refer to that as the "Hereshoff look".

 

[jim rosenthal]

Right, and some Trumpys (Trumpies?lol) looked like that, too. Very handsome if done right. Very few power boats look that way anymore.