posted 12-10-2012 01:29 PM ET (US)
I was talking to my brother in Pine Beach, NJ, the other day about selling my 2007 170 Montauk, and we were speculating on what impact Super Storm Sandy may have on sales of used boats originating from the NY/NJ area. My brother owns a 1985 Montauk w/70 hp Johnson 2-stroke that he is thinking of selling and thought I may have a better chance of selling my boat for “asking price” in his area than he would with his as a few folks mentioned “good luck with that” to him due to possible/probable fear of storm damaged motors flooding the market (figuring the boat hulls that survived were easy enough to inspect for [lack of] damage but motors may cause some buyer queasiness [or ‘ageda’ as we say] ). We kinda joked about me selling his boat for him down here and him selling mine up there (For clarity, I live in North Carolina). I’m just wondering what folks on this board would think of purchasing a boat or motor from the NJ area, and if storm damage would be a major concern or possible put-off if seeing one posted for sale on line (eBay or Craig’s list or whatever). In other words, if two boats were listed for sale on a web site, would you be more inclined to the one not from the storm’s impact area, and do you think folks in the market in the NY/NJ region would be more inclined to purchase a used boat/motor originating from a different region of the U.S. themselves? Would the amount of damage in the region cause a decline in buyer interest or perceived market value for boat sales emanating from the region?
Even though his boat sat on the trailer in his driveway and received no damage what-so-ever, we were just speculating on whether the devastating damage to the region itself would turn potential buyers away from boat sales originating in that area, or cause a loss of perceived value, due to perceived/potential damage. (i.e. Hurricane Katrina flood damaged cars). What are your thoughts?
*Side Note* - Pine Beach, NJ, is located on the Tom’s River and is “sheltered” from direct impact of the Atlantic by the island in the area of Seaside Park/Heights which as we have seen was completely devastated. My brother was extremely fortunate as he lives right above the beach itself and flood waters came to within about 70 feet of his house creating a little island that is his home – his neighborhood, including his direct neighbors were flooded out but he received no damage at all – not even water seeping into the basement!! Talk about dodging a bullet - WOW!!