November Boat Sales Exceed 5-Year Average

With 1,858 boats sold in November, U.S. brokerage sales were 1 percent (11 boats) less than the same month in 2015 but 34 boats above the average for the past five years, Trade Only Today reported.

Sales were farther below 2015 benchmarks in September and October, but the November results appeared to be in the same range as recent norms, according to reports by YachtWorld members in their proprietary database, SoldBoats.

Six fewer powerboats were sold as 1,477 boats sold in November for $218.5 million, a decrease of more than $19 million in the total price paid during the same month last year.

381 sailboats were sold, down five from the previous November, but they collected $38.3 million — $5 million more than last year.

Values were off $1.7 million ($48.1 million, down from $49.8 million) among sales of boats 56 to 79 feet, but in all other categories the total value was higher than in November 2015, Trade Only reported.

Sales volume rose 2 percent in the high-volume size ranges of 26-35 feet and 36-45 feet, with 712 and 493 boats sold, respectively. The average value of boats sold in this size range increased  3 percent to 4 percent.

Sales through November totaled 27,884 boats, 2 percent below the 2015 volume. Year-end sales likely will be in the 29,300 to 29,500 range.