Brokerage Sales Improve Four Months Straight

Yacht brokerage firms reported improved results to SoldBoats.com, for the fourth month in a row in September as sales rose 2 percent from the same month a year earlier to 2,473 boats.

Powerboat sales led the way, gaining 4 percent in volume as 2,004 boats were sold for $228.4 million. Sailboat sales, which had been strong in August, lagged in September, declining 6 percent as 469 boats were sold.

The total price paid for all boats sold in September increased by $38 million to $260.5 million, a gain of 17 percent from the previous September. The total value increased in all length segments of the market with the strongest gains taking place among boats 56 to 79 feet. The number of boats sold in that category increased by 37 percent from 49 to 67, but the total price paid increased even more, by 79 percent, from $29.1 million to $52.1 million.

The only segment to record a lower volume of sales for the month was boats 36 to 45 feet, down 2 percent with 587 boats sold. This is an important category in sailboat sales and, although powerboat sales increased 2 percent, sales of sailboats of this length declined 10 percent.

Average sale prices increased in most market segments, the exception being boats 46 to 55 feet; although volume increased 4 percent with 173 boats sold, the total value rose only 2 percent and the average sale price declined 2 percent.

For the third quarter, which ended Sept. 30, the U.S. market gained 2 percent in volume, as 8,763 boats were sold, and 6 percent in value, as $871.6 million changed hands.

Source: TradeOnlyToday