Boat prices in Bermuda move with the season. Be flexible on timing and you can save 10 to 20% by buying in the right window. Here are the four moments in the calendar when the deals get noticeably better.
Late October through November: post season cleanout
Bermuda owners who didn't sell during peak season now have a decision to make. Pay for winter storage, or drop the price and unload. This is the single best window for buyers. Sellers are motivated, the boat's fully kitted out (everything that stayed on board through summer comes with it), and you've got all winter to commission a survey, do refits and get ready for next May. Discounts of 12 to 20% off August or September asking prices are normal.
Mid January through February: tax year resets
Owners who wanted to sell before the new year but didn't move at summer prices often drop in January. Less inventory than November, but the boats listed are listed seriously. Good window if you want a specific boat that you missed earlier.
Late March through April: pre season scramble
Owners who haven't sold yet and don't want another season of ownership costs sometimes drop prices in the 4 to 6 weeks before May. Lower inventory than October or November but the remaining sellers are motivated. Buyers who close in April are usually on the water by Memorial Day weekend.
Avoid: May through July
Peak Bermuda boating season. Sellers know buyers are emotional. Asking prices are at their stiffest, and you're competing with every other buyer who waited too long. Listings often pull off market mid summer because the owner decides to keep enjoying the boat. If you want to use the boat THIS summer, you're paying full price.
The US import angle
Source from the US for import to Bermuda and the calendar flips a little. Florida sellers are most motivated in October and November (their season is also ending) and again in late spring (they're upgrading before hurricane season elsewhere). We typically place 60% of our imports between October and March.
How we time it for buyers
When a buyer tells us they want a boat for next summer, we usually start the search in October and aim to close by February. That gives us the best deal window in Bermuda inventory, the best deal window in US inventory if we go that route, two months for survey, refit, shipping and BMA, and a fully ready boat sitting at your dock by April or May.
If you want to start the conversation for next summer, October is the right time to get on the list. WhatsApp Sean at +1 (441) 518-7077 or email info@bdaboats.com. We'll send shortlists as listings hit.
