Boats For Sale In Michigan

The Michigan boat buying market and pricing for boats, which went off the charts during the COVID pandemic, is returning to normal. Boat demand in Michigan also decreased with the big increase in loan rates. Bottom line, Michigan boat sales and boat prices have cooled off a bit. The pandemic rose prices 20% and higher in our opinion. Today, you can expect to negotiate hard with a Michigan seller. Dealers are not selling as many boats today, the number of buyers decreased, and inventory is stacking up, so we grade Michigan as an A- for a time to buy.

Tip: Winter is the best time to find your best deal in Michigan. The boating season is dead, boat sales are slow, and many owners do not want to pay storage fees or winterizing expenses.

Buying Report Card: A-

Selling Report Card: C-

Trade-In Report Card: D

Financing Rates Market: D

Buying a used boat can be a stressful process, especially if you are buying a used boat for sale by owner in Michigan. Typically, when you buy a pre-owned boat from a dealer, you can have some confidence that that boat was maintained and certified for a resale. However, buying a used boat for sale by owner...how do you know this is true?

A private seller may be more motivated to sell the boat and give you a better price than a dealer would have. Buying a used boat for sale by owner in Michigan requires you to be a little experienced and "boat savvy" to see possible issues that may arise. Because once you leave that parking lot with a used boat for sale by owner, you're on your own with no warranty.

With all that said, download the Michigan Used Boats For Sale By Owner Buyers Checklist to assist you on buying your boat with confidence.

Download Michigan Boats For Sale By Owner Buyers Checklist

Michigan has an incredible number of lakes—in excess of 11,000 inland within the state. Most notably, Michigan borders four of the Great Lakes—Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. Wherever you travel in Michigan, you’re never more than six miles from lake access.   

Great Lakes The Great Lakes is one of the first options you’ll likely check out when boating in Michigan. Public harbors are located in every county that borders the Great Lakes, including Luce, Keweenaw, Alger, Marquette, Huron, and Ottawa. There are over 160 native fish species in the lakes that swim through the 94,000 square miles of open water. The lakes can accommodate over 210,000 of any type of recreational boat, including sailboats, fishing boats, and speed boats.

Mullet Lake Mullet Lake is one of the largest inland lakes in Michigan. Watersport fans can speed across 26 miles of the lake’s surface area. Also, anglers like the lake for its many species of trout and lake sturgeon. Mullet Village and Jewell Road are two popular boat launch areas around the lake. You’ll also find marinas with full-service offerings open on a seasonal basis.  

Spring Lake Spring Lake is an inland lake that provides easy access to Lake Michigan. The lake borders Grand Haven, a famous beach town home to world-class restaurants, resorts, and the Grand Haven Lighthouse. Boaters flock to Spring Lake each year to enjoy the weeklong Annual Coast Guard Festival. You can enjoy crafts, food vendors, and carnival-style amusements during the celebration.

Are you looking for a new or used boat in Michigan? Contact Boatzon to find out how we can help.