I think they're all correct to some extent.

Todd's right, new boats have gotten more expensive so new boat buyers are shrinking.

Bruce thinks that the general decline in sailing is responsible for the absence of new sailboat buyers.

And Richard thinks builders like Sabre didn't change their sailing designs with the times.

But new boat buyers have always been the wealthier end - certainly of the middle class, but more likely most have been, and still are in even higher financial brackets. And that group is getting richer so new boat buyers are still out there. And besides, like houses or expensive cars, these 'new' buyers don't care about the added cost over used, they're buying a new boat.

Sailing may be in decline(it's always been a micro sized rec. industry) but there's no doubt, new Sabre sailboat buyers are in decline as many of them have opted for big power boats built by Sabre(and Hinckley). That does tell you that these buyers liked the Sabre new sailboat offerings - less and less - in the last decade or two.

That's why I agree as well with Richard. I don't think Sabre designed the boats the emerging market was looking for so some less expensive builders filled that niche.

And then at the upper end, many high end new boat buyers have built one offs with all the newest sail handling ideas and innovations while still getting what would be a more traditional feel and quality, and at a much higher price.

I have hope that things could change, at least in a small way, and Sabre(and a few others) finds a new way back into the sailboat building market. I hope Morris can stay in it. I like their Daysailer line. Can that continue? I wonder if they have new ideas upcoming?

All these enormous powerboats will age. What sort of design longevity do they have? Oil is a big factor, will it be more plentiful and affordable in the future? I think,...not. What will be their value in 10,20,30 years? The big motorboats of the past aren't real popular these days.