Center Consoles Third Quarter Market Report

Sales of center consoles in the third quarter of 2017 were down slightly over the same period in 2016, most likely due to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, which dramatically affected yacht sales across the industry, occurring during the third quarter of 2017.

Notable center console sales by Denison brokers in 3Q 2017 include a 37’ Boston Whaler 370 Outrage listed with Drew Offerdahl, a 37’ Intrepid 375 Walkaround listed with Stanley Castro, a 36’ Contender 36 Open listed with Conrad Vanderlely, a 35’ Scout Boats 350 LXF listed with Blake Nichol, a 34’ Midnight Express listed with Brian Ragsdale and a 33’ Deep Impact LS listed with Juno Prudhomm.

The Southeast region of the U.S., where the bulk of center console sales traditionally occur, accounted for 40% of the quarter’s sales in 2017. However, fewer boats sold in both the Southeast and Northeast, the two most popular regions, and more boats were sold than last year in the Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, West Coast and Great Lakes regions.

As in 2016, the majority of center consoles sold were 20-29’, followed by center consoles under 19’ and 30-39’.  

The most popular brand by far is Boston Whaler, followed by Grady-White, brands known for their quality of construction, and Regulator, Sea Hunt and Key West. However, 10% fewer Boston Whalers were sold in 3Q 2017 than the same period the previous year, and Intrepid saw a significant decrease of 70%, falling from 23 to 7 sales.

More center consoles built after 2010 were sold this year, but fewer center consoles built from 2000-2009 and 1990-1999 were sold.

No center consoles over $750,000 were sold in the third quarter of 2017, compared with two last year, however there was a 300% increase in center consoles that sold for between $500,000-$749,000 (from 3 to 9) and a 42% increase in center consoles that sold from $250,000-$499,999.

For more information about recent center console sales, contact center console specialists Conrad Vanderlely or Max Parker: