Put a price on it

MASTERCARD tell us certain things are priceless and some things may well be. Uplifting experiences from the benefits of privilege seems to be the thrust of that campaign, but we are talking about boats and there is nothing priceless about them.

In fact, many people are concerned about boat prices: buyers, sellers and owners who are looking at the next refit or annual cost of ownership. Throw in brokers, insurance companies, finance types and marine service providers and we have a small army of price-concerned people.

So the big question is, how much is it worth? The short answer is probably too much or not enough, which will depend entirely on your position in a boating transaction. A tricky question to be picked apart.

BUYERS (TYCOONS EXCLUDED, REGULAR FOLKS ONLY APPLY HERE)

From a buyers perspective most boats will cost too much. What most people want from a cruising boat is a well-found vessel, adequately equipped and reasonably ready to sail away. Project boats will always be much cheaper, until they are completed to the same standard as the one we turned down.

This ready to go product is