New or Used???

Broadway · July 2013

I know I want a Hurricane FD or SD. Dillema is a good used one with low hours can be half the price of a new one. What is the benefit is getting a new one? The Hull and Engine warranties should be transferable, and everything else is generally only a year warranty any way. Any thoughts appreciated.

nquirk · July 2013

@broadway. You've pretty much summed up the biggest difference.

With new, you have full warranty but as you've stated the existing warranties are usually transferable.

What you get with new that you don't with used, is knowing exactly what condition it is in, plus you now know its been properly maintained and cared for. Some people like the feel of new and peace of mind knowing exactly how its been treated since day one.

I've bought 3 boats in the past 7 years. First 2 were used, 3rd was new. Given the opportunity for a used boat, with low hours and in great condition, I'd have no problem going the used route again particularly if its 1-3 years old and low hours.

It really is a matter of preference.

servmgr64 · July 2013

We bought new because we could not find a used one close to me that would have been a good deal. We ordered our new boat & it took longer to get than we expected but it was the color & had the options that we wanted. If we could have found a used one even for sale that was in good shape we would have bought it & saved the higher price of the new one. This is our 3rd boat in the last 22 years & our 1st new one.

2013 Hurricane FD226OB
2013 Mercury 150 4 stroke
2014 Shorelander trailer

BWH · July 2013

Agree with above comments. I am generally not a fan of buying anything used, but budget drove me the route of a used Hurricane. Depending on your requirements and timeline, availability may force you to go new. In other words if your requirements are very specific, a used Hurricane may not be avialable when you are ready to buy. What I found when shopping recently is that used Hurricanes sell VERY quickly. I am a novice so I paid for a marine survey before I purchased it. Not a 100% guarantee, but did provide some peace of mind. Obviously with used, there are probably going to be small things that will need work. If going used, do your research and be ready to pull the trigger if you find what you are looking for at the right price. GOOD LUCK!

Capt_Steve · July 2013

@BWH ... here's a copy of the Hurricane warranty statement, just so you have it.

Broadway · July 2013

Thanks CAP'n....reading through that was an education. Looks like Godfrey warranties are generally not transferrable and that may be a good reason to buy new.

BWH · July 2013

Capt Steve, how do I access the warranty info you just posted?

Capt_Steve · July 2013

Hmmm...it should be visible on the post...let me try again.

BWH · July 2013

got it, thanks

Ernest_T · August 2013

Good luck finding a used one. That was my original plan. Unfortunately there were few used Hurricanes in my area, and all the boats we looked at had either been "rode hard and put away wet" or were way overpriced. One woman, who hadn't used her boat in a couple of years, took us for a test ride, remembered how much she had missed using the boat, and refused to sell it at the end of the day.

We ended up getting a new one, and have been happy.

CaptainChris · August 2013

I would recommend buying a well cared for used one. Having said that, it is harder than it sounds. We bought our 2001 SD 2100 this summer. It had been cared for very well, and we are loving it. It has the Volvo Penta 5.0GL with the SX outdrive. There are always little things that need to be done. That is just part of boat ownership. I've spent a good deal of money on a new trailering cover and a 4 blade prop, plus a few other odds and ends. I'm still well below the cost of a new one by far, but if I had ordered it new, I could have had everything delivered to me as I wanted it. I had a bad toggle switch, if it had been new, no problem, it would have been a warranty issue. But, in my case, it was $6 at Radio Shack and self installation. It depends on how interested you are in figuring things out as you go, or wanting to be covered by the warranty for a short while.

The interesting thing is that I haven't come across a boat online that has given me buyer's remorse. I feel like we kind of got a steal on our boat. For what we paid, and the condition it was in, I don't think we could have done much better. And, we bought it from a marina, to boot. So, in short, if you can find one that is in terrific condition, go for it; don't hold your breathe though. If you buy a new one, just be 100% sure you will use it and love it for many years to come. I've learned quickly that Hurricane owners are very happy boaters. I just ran into a fella with an 80s model that he is still in love with.

Good Luck

Chris

New or Used???

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