Make sure when you compare pricing from the past you are comparing like cost boats. As others have mentioned pricing on new boats is much higher. The Moorings flagship boat a 50 Beneteau back in 2000 was 300,000. The 4700 Cat was 450,000 in 2003. The M5000 catamaran is over 1 million today. The boats are also larger today relative to length. A 45 foot cat today has the room of a 50 footer in years past. The same can be said for monohulls. Generators, AC, Watermakers, Electric winches inverters ect. all drive up costs.
There are options for lower cost boats. Conch charters always does a good job. Keep in mind you can also try negotiating a lower price. Business at the moment is not booming!
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