What a crazy summer. First the hurricane is hitting Brownsville then all of sudden it’s coming for us. Well it did go south of here and we had some high water over the dock,
but we survived. I also figured out that next month is my 12th year to be at
Sea Lake and my 19th to be in the business. Now only one more and I’ll have that
20 in and I can retire. Yeah I wish! In reality I enjoy this business too much to ever quit
as long as y’all keep me busy!

The new and used market continues to improve while rates seem to stay down. How long will rates stay down? Contrary to what most people think, the boat-financing rate does not always follow the mortgage or prime rate. When the lenders see the market picking back up, like they have in the past 3-4 months, they sometimes elect to start raising the boat loan rates some. The bottom line is don’t wait too long.

After 20 years we have dropped the national BUC listing system. The system was antiquated by today’s standards and the owner of BUC was never willing to get it into the 21st century. We are still on Yachtworld but we are currently in the process to switching all of our full listings to www.yachtcouncil.com. This is an industry owned site that I believe will surpass every listing service out there in a few years. For now you can find our listings on both yachtworld and yacht council.

The dates for the Watergate In The Water Show are set. October 2-5. Look for more details in next month’s newsletters.

New brokerage listings

I have some great new listings this month and some good reductions.

’95 Beneteau First 42s7. The last one of these I had lasted 3 days as there are just not any listed in the US. Before I list this boat on the web, I’m offering it to you now. This boat is really really nice. She has the shoal draft and standard rig. Great electronics including an autopilot, A/C and a recent gen-set round out the boat. Down below she is a very clean and not raced. Her owner just completed his tour of the Caribbean and the boat is back here now. The asking is a VERY reasonable $159,900.

’80 Hans Christian 38 MKII. The MKII means it has the more popular Pullman berth up front and the head in the “V”. This is by far the most popular layout of this model and this was the first year you could get it. This engineer owner’s previous boat was totally redone, better than new and he has done the same type of upgrades and refitting on this boat. Asking is $105K.

’84 Ericson 381. I sold this boat two owners ago, and another broker in my office sold it for me to its current owner. She was a nice boat then and is nice now. Asking is $57K. It’s hard to find these upper 30’ boats for decent asking prices.

’95 Beneteau 265. Just listed. Great starter with tiller and diesel for only $27,900.

The Custom built 2001 Contour 50 Trimaran should be up here by the middle of next week. I had the opportunity to sail this boat ½ up for the trip and can attest that it’s a super boat with every amenity; A/C, gen-set, furling boom, watermaker every piece of electronics, bow thruster. At $499K the asking price is over $200K below the invested price. This boat is not like most “tri’s”. It has a real center hull and aft master cabin. All with standing headroom and A/C. Her cockpit is center and there are even small berths in the amas. The boat has every option down to watermaker, gen-set, SSB, and dual 10” color radar displays.

Reductions in price

2002 Beneteau Oceanis 393—$270 invested. This boat has everything. Gen, A/C, dive compressor, water maker, flat panel TV, Radar pilot, Davits, dingy, out board. Was $220K Now offered a realistic 199,999.

’80 Endeavour 37 A plan open interior. Nice boat. Asking was 49,995. NOW $44,900. What a terrific large, safe full keel cruiser for under 45K ASKING! On my dock.

’80 Cape Dory 33 with new diesel was $59K, lowered to 55K, now a really reasonable $48,500. This is a terrific full keel cruiser from the hand of Carl Alberg. Nothing can get much sweeter. Located in Corpus, but worth the trip and I have tons of digital pictures.

’98 Pacific Seacraft Crealock 37. Was 249K lowered to 229K then 219K now 215K. MINT. On my dock and loaded with great gear and barely 75 hours on the engine. Owner’s plans drastically changed and he wants to sell.

New Boat News

The 2004’s are on their way for the fall show!

The 04 Catalina 387 is in stock, ready to be sailed. This is a huge boat, bigger than the 380 it replaced! I also have a 470 in stock and the Catalina 36MKII we have is under contract. The New Catalina 22MKII (swing keel) and Catalina 250 (wheel steering and wing keel) are now in stock. These smaller boats start out at $15K. Perfect for anyone wanting to get into the sport and wanting some dealer backed warranty.

I just ordered a 2nd specially priced Beneteau 331 as we sold the other one I mentioned to you last month very quick. This boat with a/c is $99,500. This is the last one of these I can get. I also have a 361, 393, F36.7, and a 473 in stock. The 423 we just delivered can be seen by appointment. The Beneteau 50 I just delivered can also probably be seen by appointment.

Our ordered 04 Catalina 310 and Catalina 350 with in mast furling are due in late next month.

I was also able to get one more Beneteau 423 before the fall show. This boat has really taken off here with 3 sold. The current lead-time on this boat is now out till Dec ’04.

The new Albin 28 Flush Aft Deck should be here by mid August and we have moved the Albin 36 Fast Trawler and the Packet Craft 360 back to our office to make them easier to show. I am offering the Packet Craft at near cost to move it and the Albin has a similar “incentive” to move it as does the Island Packet 380. Call me for the special deals on these boats.

Summer is always crazy for me with business and family travel. For right now, I know I will be gone again July 26-August 3rd. In my absence, if you need anything you can email Dorinda at Sealake@sealakeyachts.com and reference this newsletter or pick up the phone and call 281-334-1993 and ask for Dorinda or Vince.

Remember I can help you with any brokerage boat, anywhere. Right now I am working on a 42’ Trawler up on the east coast and a large sailboat on the west coast.

Have a great late summer and thanks so much for your continued support.