WinterPg2

S. D. Marine Ltd UK Elan Dealers for Elan Yachts
2015— A difficult year for the industry
It has felt as though the world was working against us last year. Difficult to say the least. However, it’s
over with and we are feeling confident that 2016 will bring us better results in the yacht sales arena.
The overall boats sold in 2015 were up 8% against 2014 results according to Yachtworld.com soldboats
figures. Boats sold for more money in the 3rd quarter with totals over a million pounds. A useless figure
given is that the average price in 2015 was lower that that of 2014, £219,870—means nothing.
The trend on type of boats sold were that sailboats increased by 8% in the last quarter, power boats
decreased. Most popular sailboats sold were Jeanneau, Beneteau & Bavaria—well we have our own
thoughts about this! The major mass production companies have flooded the market with cheap factory
built boats, effectively, spoiling the secondhand market for 2015. Glad to get that off my chest!
Buyers are also changing, they have high expectations for secondhand boats, but want to pay rock bottom
prices. Difficult for boat sellers, difficult for the broker too.
One very interesting fact from the Yachtworld.com Quarterly Report is the average days to sale: in 2014 it
was 354, and in 2015 352. Again it’s an average so relatively meaningless, but an average of a year on the
market is somewhat surprising.
Just a few words from across the channel from one of the larger brokers who remark that there were more
boats sold, but more boats were on the market. Their summing up is as follows: ‘the market is promising
for secondhand boats, however the boats on offer are too expensive, poorly presented or lacking visibility
on the market (and) will not sell. Strong stuff considering how weak the Euro is compared to the pound.
To end on a positive note, we pride ourselves in presenting the boats here at HPM as best we can, so that
cuts out one of the above phrases, and we have as I said before high hopes for 2016, we believe the
economical recovery will strengthen and that will have a good affect on boat sales.
S D Marine Ltd
20 years of
Independent
Yacht Brokerage
Personnel changes at SD Marine Ltd
Sadly to say, Ian Buchele has decided to move away from sales and
left the company shortly after the Southampton Boat Show last year.
Ian was the face of Elan for the UK, but SD Marine will continue as the
Elan Dealers in the UK and Ireland. So please continue to contact us
for all your Elan/Impression yacht requirements.
We wish Ian all the very best!