whatever happened to affordable fast boats?

**David** · 03-09-2023, 10:49 AM

Performance Boat Revolution: What Happened to the Affordable Performance Boat? — Wave To Wave

I suppose this is not a new topic, but it's a good article so I posted the link.

We used to have a bunch of small Ontario builders: Canadian Edition (Hydrostream under license), Panther (Checkmate under license), Sidewinder, J-Craft, Charger, and Scorpion come to mind. I may have missed a couple. The only one left is J-Craft, which has been re-formed and is now making a 21' outboard water ski boat.

One could buy a new Hydrostream or SRV from John Spaeth, but few do. Lack of advertising or lack of demand?

**David - WI** · 03-09-2023, 11:42 AM

Because putting an $18k motor on an "inexpensive" boat kind of ruins the mood?

**Pulse186** · 03-09-2023, 12:37 PM

2 things:

1: Not enough money in it, not that there is no money but for larger manufacturers there isn't enough.

For those guys "shareholder value" takes precedence in the manufacturing decisions so that means bigger boats with lots of LED lighting, electronics, gizmos and as much useless crap they can pack in to bump the MSRP.

2: Fewer buyers for smaller closed bow speed boats. Back in the day that was a big percentage of the market, not so much today.

**mikesufka** · 03-09-2023, 01:29 PM

That really was a great era - the 1980's and 1990's with Allisons, Hydrostreams, STV's, Mirage's, etc...

MDS

**John S** · 03-09-2023, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by mikesufka

That really was a great era - the 1980's and 1990's with Allisons, Hydrostreams, STV's, Mirage's, etc...

MDS

Is there anything under 24' out on the chain performance wise? Or even any sub 24' boats other than bass boats?

**mikesufka** · 03-09-2023, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by John S

Is there anything under 24' out on the chain performance wise? Or even any sub 24' boats other than bass boats?

It's all big Tritoons and wake boats - like 25 footers. Several "toons" with twin 300 or 350's or single 400 or 450. The wake boats are monsters.

A buddy of mine has a 32 Fountain, another buddy has a 38 Donzi, another a 33 Baja. I have my Skater 28. The owner of C & C has a new 22 Liberator with a 450 - seen it once. Then I might see a random Hydrostream or Allison a couple times a summer. That's about it.

MDS

**FUJIMO** · 03-09-2023, 04:24 PM

...define affordable...

**David** · 03-09-2023, 04:41 PM

I think my brother and his wife paid $25K Cdn for their 18' Charger DL/200 Johnson in 1989. That would be about $60K Cdn today.

**JBS** · 03-10-2023, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by mikesufka

That really was a great era - the 1980's and 1990's with Allisons, Hydrostreams, STV's, Mirage's, etc...

MDS

The good old days.After that era most of the guys down here went to big offshore CCs.Over at the lake, the guys are doing toons with big motors.Im still flying in the V21.
I'm 66 years old and I'm still living in yesterday's prices.

**donmac** · 03-10-2023, 07:25 AM

long ago but as I recall, selling new mercury and mercruiser at hi-perf. dealer 86/87
modvp 10K
320EFI with alpha/ss drive 16.5K

80/81- 21 challenger with blue printed bottom,twin 235's,hoss props and trailer sold for 25K in imaculate condition!

**Instigator** · 03-10-2023, 07:47 AM

Similar happened in the offshore market.

Everything grew.

A lot of the costs are fixed.
Hardware, rigging etc.

Normally profit percentages are similar as well, small hull to large hull.
10% of $50k = $5k
10% of $200k = $20k

I think people are also digging deeper in their pockets and/or financing is easier.
I am shocked at number of people in my social circle that have no idea about living on a budget.
If they can get financing for a $200k boat instead of a $50k boat, they buy the big one.

On Lake Erie it was rare to see an Offshore boat over 35’, now they’re all 40’+.

Same w\the cruisers and center consoles.

Unfortunately I think the days of the blue collar guys w/a 2.4 Bridgeport on a new A Bote are dead and gone!

My attitude is, w/new motors at $25k per, a hull at $50k+, CNC props at $5k….., I like my 36 yr old 25’ Checkmate w/it’s 23 yr old motors, that I can maintain, even rebuild……, I’m liking the shiiit out of that!

What was a burden to maintain, is now the shining city on the hill!

**donmac** · 03-10-2023, 08:02 AM

interest rates have a lot to do with that! I remember 20+% times, you wern't borrowing money for a boat then and likely wouldn't be selling homes on every street for .5M!

$10gl. for fuel,$80 for a jug of oil!! my sled is expensive to run now! can't imagine what my carbed 2.4's will eat now!

**mikesufka** · 03-10-2023, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by FUJIMO

...define affordable...

That is a great question .... I'll have to ponder that a bit for the year 2023

MDS

**Sutphil** · 03-10-2023, 08:36 AM

A lot of young people I know today are house poor. They make good income but not enough to afford a $100,000 toy let alone have the vehicle to tow it or a place to store it. Kayaks, tin boats and Sea-Doo's are about the extent of their reach. There are used performance boats that are affordable but the mechanics that worked on them have since retired so you're on your own when it comes to repairs, maintenance or upgrades and that's not everyone's strong suit.

**JBS** · 03-10-2023, 09:17 AM

Trying to think back on new motors I purchased years ago.....
1978-235 rude ,2800.
1985- 200 Merc 5500.
1986-200 rude 6000
1989-140 rude 6200.
2003 Merc 250 efi 8500.
2005 Yammy 50 3500