As we settle in to a second summer affected by COVID-19 restrictions, Robert Parton, MD of Aqueduct Marina, has been reviewing the pattern of our brokerage boat sales across the years. He took a specific look at our brokerage pipeline after the post-lockdown rush of May completions.

While the run rate is currently stable, looking forward it would appear our normal numbers of boats are now selling across the Brokerage. It is apparent that standard 58ft or less narrowboats are proving popular and are going under offer very quickly.

We are also seeing that these boats are also going from ‘offer accepted’ to ‘completion’ in less time, though thankfully nearly all boats are still having full surveys. This highlights that these buyers are very keen to be on the water this season. The side effect of this results in very few boats showing for sale at any one time on our website, giving the impression there are not many boats are available, which isn’t the case at all.

Many materials have experienced a steep pricing increase including steel, wood, and equipment. This will have a direct impact on new boat prices. We believe this will decrease the interest for new boat builds but will drive up or at least maintain the increased second-hand boat prices.

We are now back running at our standard number of boats selling a month. If we are able to carry on at this rate for the rest of this financial year it will mean, we sell around 20% less boats this year (which reflects the locked down period).

It is possible that we may make up the lost COVID months (Dec-March) with an Autumn surge, as boat owners take advantage of the higher prices, meaning we achieve nearer to our normal total number of boats sold through the brokerage. At this current time of writing, we have 3 boats for sale with many more ready to land on brokerage once the final papers have been signed.

With that being said, if you have made the decision to make this summer your last hurrah and are looking to hang up your windlass and sell in the autumn / winter, please get in touch. We know that making the decision to sell your boat has probably not been an easy one. Therefore, we will treat this decision with the utmost respect and give your boat the smooth sale it deserves.

Once we have discussed your initial requirements, we will arrange a free valuation of your boat. Our popular brokerage is never short of boat viewings, which means that your boat has the best chance of being sold here. Many of the boats that have come to us have been sold before they even make it onto the market!

01270 525040

www.aqueductmarina.co.uk

info@aqueductmarina.co.uk