RS Sailing announces new RS200 Builder

Originally posted by sawman RS costs seem to be aligned with everything else in life - I bought a new Kestrel from richard hartley, when he first started making boats in 1999, they were intentionally good value (he wasnt making much out of them - just getting some boats out there), £4999 all in inc combi, covers etc. Having just checked the Hartley website, the same spec now would be close to 16k a mid range VW Golf in closing in on 30k these days

I'll bet that 1996 £4,450 didn't include anything except the basic boat and sails either.  I've never bought a new boat (or car) in my life, but I did have a secondhand RS400 for over a decade, which retained well over half of the 4.5k I had paid for it in 2002 when I sold it on.  The RS model of reasonably overbuilt hulls with a long life, good marketing, funded events and association provided the lowest cost per annum sailing I've ever had, plus big fleets with the likes of Nick Craig and Roger Gilbert at the front of them.  That's why they are still in business when the opposition have crashed and burned.  Possibly explains some of the costs that go into a new 200 ... but I'd never buy a new one!

No technology? Lots of technology, just not cutting edge. And boat building is a real job, and boat builders need paying. And companies need to stay in business, so they can still be building the boats in another 10 years, which keeps second hand values healthy.

But no, I won't be spending 13 (or 11) grand on a small boat. Therefore I buy pre-owned. Usually many times pre-owned.

True but you also then have to compare it to something. I can see people buying a new boat without a road base but not without a cover or trolly though...

Comparing apples to apples, should be comparing "Ready to Sail". Extras on top such as trailers, covers etc are variable, and not everyone needs or wants a trailer or trolley.