This is something I was thinking about the other day and was interested to hear everyone's opinion.
So it's pretty common to be able to pick up a fairly nice, bone stock 80's Supra Sunsport (for example) for around $5-6K. We all usually have to put towers on them and stereos and lights and ballast and accessories and on and on and on. What I'm curious about, what will Used Boat Buying be like say 28 years from now? (I used 28 because that's how old my boat is).
I don't have the answer, thus why I'm asking the question, and I'll try to post some thoughts about it below:
In 1985 a brand new Supra didn't cost as much, relatively, as a brand new Supra does today. I know there's been inflation and all, but the price of the boats has been inflating much faster than the inflation of the US dollar. So what will used boats cost in 28 years?
In 1985 brand new Supras came with pretty standard, mechanical dash instruments, usually in circles. Today, every boat manufacturer has custom made LCD touch screens with hundreds of functions and crazy complicated ECU's. Boats deteriorate faster than cars, relative to their use, and so it's necessary to buy worn out parts over time. What will parts buying be like in 28 years?
What will the dynamic of brand loyalty be like in 28 years? Right now, I feel pretty brand loyal to Supra and Moomba, however I don't know why? My boat was made probably under a different set of management, with probably different tooling, nothing is the same anymore. I suppose the brand loyalty comes from my involvement on this forum, but SC barely even pays attention to the two forums, and it seems much more so the Moomba. So, I have a boat that shares exactly nothing in common with the boats that Supra is constructing today, I receive zero support/recognition in my ownership of a 28 year old relic, and yet I feel brand loyal. What will it be like in 28 years when the pinnacle of water sports boats has risen even further, and lowest point of old used boats has dropped further in the past?
I know I'm rambling, it's early, but I think it's an interesting topic. Thanks for entertaining me.
If you think I'm wrong about anything, PLEASE, correct me or let me know why.