The dilemma sounds familiar. Is it better to buy a new boat or a used boat? While there is no single “right” answer that works for every boat buyer, certain factors may drive your final decision.

As with automobile purchases, some owners demand that new boat “smell,” comfortable in the knowledge that no one else has ever driven their new purchase before. Other boat buyers elect to avoid the initial value depreciation and may even acquire a well-maintained used boat for less that may also have a few more accessories.

If you are not sure which is the better option for you, here are some thoughts to consider while making your choice.

We can all attest to the allure of the new Beneteau powerboats, like the Monte Carlo and Gran Turismo models. They are sleek and powerful, like something out of a James Bond movie. Other models in the Beneteau powerboat line, like the Swift Trawlers and Antares, are incredibly roomy and functional. It’s no surprise that we sell a lot of these beautiful powerboats here at Cape Yachts, but I must confess, as a die-hard sailor, I think sailboats are also a good choice for many boaters.

If you have been around boating to any extent, you have undoubtedly heard the term “marine survey” in some context. A boat or yacht inspection conducted by experienced marine surveyors, a marine survey is appropriate for several situations.

In much the same way that a successful stock or real estate broker studies their market, experienced yacht brokers are continually analyzing theirs. To stay current with pricing trends, supply and demand, and notable transactions, they follow the international yacht listings closely. 

As the New Year begins, the team at Cape Yachts look forward to new challenges and opportunities for the coming year. In 2019, we put together a banner year that exceeded every expectation. Through our commitment to the community, extraordinary attention to customer satisfaction and teamwork, the Cape Yachts professionals enjoyed a highly rewarding year. With the arrival of 2020, it's a perfect time to reflect on those accomplishments.

The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 challenges the long-time idea that bigger is better. This sailboat is so incredible it was dubbed Performance Cruiser of the Year, which just happens to be the most competitive category of awards given to boats. We had the chance to show off the 30.1 at the Newport International Boat Show, and to be honest, the title of "best performance cruiser" fits her perfectly. So what makes the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 so special?

In the northern climates, the best time to shop for your next boat can be in the winter. Generally, the demand is down. And, if you are in the market for a high-quality used brokerage boat, know that many owners would prefer to eliminate storage costs sooner rather than later.

Congratulations to the Winners of Our Boating Lifestyle Contest

It's finally the time everyone's been waiting for. Today we announce our boating lifestyle photo-contest winner. We had so many amazing submissions, but two of them made us say, "they are living the life." The boating lifestyle isn't just about owning a boat, it's about so much more. It's about time with family, disconnecting from our crazy lives, and spending time in the simplicity of nature. The boating lifestyle is truly about enjoying the little things in life. We want to say, "thank you" to everyone who entered. We loved all of your photos and enjoyed reading about what the boating lifestyle means to you. Congratulations to our 2019 photo contest winners.

Ahhh the boating life! Why do people become so obsessed with boating? Even living in New England where there are only a few months of the year where you can truly enjoy boating, people still flock to marinas to have time on the water with loved ones. Why do you think that is? Is it the adventure of sailing the seas, or the need for some speed? I think every boater has a different reason for enjoying their life on the water and the Cape Yachts team loves to help fulfill those dreams.

Things to Consider When Buying a Boat

Whether you are an active angler, a veteran sailor, or one who has only dreamed of sailing from port to port, you may be planning to buy a new boat. A new craft might be a replacement for your current one, an upgrade, or the yacht of your dreams.