How much is the Norwalk 280?
The Norwalk 280 is a popular recreational boat manufactured by Norwalk Boat Works. As one of the company’s flagship models, the Norwalk 280 commands a significant price tag. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the pricing for the Norwalk 280 to help buyers understand what to expect.
Base Price
The base price for a new Norwalk 280 is around $120,000. This is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the standard model without any additional options or customization. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in the base price:
- Hull and deck construction
- Standard gelcoat color
- Basic seating and helm layout
- Standard engine package (twin 200 HP outboards)
- Basic electronics package
- Standard factory warranty
So $120,000 will get you on the water with a well-equipped 280, but not a lot of bells and whistles. Most buyers choose to customize and upgrade their boats further.
Upgrade Options
One of the appeals of the Norwalk 280 is the wide range of customization options available. Here are some of the most popular upgrades and their additional cost:
| Upgrade | Price |
|---|---|
| Premium gelcoat color | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Teak wood accents | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Higher capacity battery system | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Upgraded stereo system | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Premium seating materials | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Custom color and upholstery packages | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| High end electronics (GPS, radar, etc) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Larger engine upgrade (twins at 250-300 HP each) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
As you can see, the upgrade options offer extensive room for customization. It’s easy to add $20,000 to $40,000 worth of options to take the 280 to luxury status.
Trailer Options
The Norwalk 280 has an 8,000 pound dry weight, meaning a galvanized tandem axle trailer is required. Norwalk offers heavy duty EZ Loader trailers sized specifically for the 280.
The basic trailer has a price of around $15,000. Upgrades like disc brakes ($2,500), aluminum wheels ($2,000), and stainless steel finishes can add several thousand more to the trailer cost. It’s common for a fully upgraded 280 trailer to cost $25,000 or more.
Real World Prices
When looking at actual selling prices, the total cost for a well-equipped Norwalk 280 is typically $175,000 to $225,000. Here are some examples from recent sales:
- 2018 Norwalk 280 with twin Yamaha 250 HP engines, mid-level electronics, and decent upgrades – $185,000
- 2021 Norwalk 280 with premium interior, twin Mercury 300 HP Verados, and loaded electronics package – $215,000
- 2022 Norwalk 280 with twin Suzuki 300 HP outboards, high end stereo and Garmin suite – $198,000
These real world selling prices reflect boats will full warranties and little time on the engines. Expect used model prices to be 10-30% lower depending on age and engine hours.
Annual Ownership Costs
In addition to the purchase price, there are ongoing annual costs that come with owning a Norwalk 280. These include:
- Insurance – $1,500 to $3,000 per year
- Docking fees – $2,500 to $5,000 per year (for a 30′ slip)
- Storage fees – $1,500 to $3,000 per year (if keeping the boat out of water part of the year)
- Routine maintenance – $2,000 to $4,000 per year
- Engine and systems upkeep – $3,000 to $5,000 per year
There are also periodic bigger ticket maintenance items like bottom painting, pump outs, engine service, and electronics updates that can cost several thousand dollars. It’s smart to budget $10,000 to $15,000 annually for longer term ownership costs.
Financing Options
Very few buyers purchase a Norwalk 280 outright in cash. Instead, most rely on boat financing options. typical financing terms for a 280 include:
- 10% to 20% down payment
- 5-10 year loan terms
- Interest rates from 5% to 8% for buyers with good credit
- Monthly payments from $1,500 to $3,500
Leasing may also be an option through third party specialty lenders. This reduces the large down payment in exchange for higher monthly payments and less favorable terms.
Resale Value
The Norwalk 280 historically holds its value very well. When well maintained, it’s common to only lose 20-30% value over a 5 year ownership period. These are typical resale price ranges by model year:
| Model Year | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $170,000 – $210,000 |
| 2021 | $160,000 – $185,000 |
| 2020 | $145,000 – $170,000 |
| 2019 | $130,000 – $160,000 |
| 2018 | $115,000 – $145,000 |
| 2017 | $100,000 – $130,000 |
As expected, resale value diminishes more rapidly as the model year gets older. But even a 5-7 year old 280 in good shape can command $100k+ on the used market. Their reputation for quality and performance keeps values high.
Who Buys the Norwalk 280?
The Norwalk 280 attracts a wide range of buyers given its versatility and offshore capability. Typical owners include:
- Active families looking for water sports and fishing capabilities.
- Weekend cruising boaters who entertain 4-8 people.
- Serious offshore and sport fishermen.
- Couples and empty nesters wanting a focus on comfort.
- Buyers who appreciate American made quality and craftsmanship.
While the 280 can appeal to many buyers, the price tag does limit the pool. Household incomes over $200,000 per year are typically needed to afford the model.
Main Competitors
For prospective buyers considering the 280, the main competitors to cross shop are:
- Grady-White 280 Coastal Explorer – Similarly sized dual console model with slightly lower starting price.
- Boston Whaler 280 Outrage – Very popular offshore model with higher performance and price.
- Regulator 28 FS – Known for excellent build quality with more classic styling.
- Pursuit 2870 Dual Console – Luxurious option from S2 Yachts with higher pricing.
The Norwalk competes well with all of these models across capabilities, quality, features, and pricing. At the end of the day, personal preference on styling and brand reputation often drive buying decisions.
Final Thoughts
The Norwalk 280 sits in the sweet spot for a midsize, do-it-all offshore boat. With its highly customizable options and robust construction, it carries pricing to match starting around $120,000. Typical selling prices are $175,000 to $225,000 depending on engines and electronics. While not inexpensive, the 280 holds value well long term. For boaters who prioritize American craftsmanship and appreciate Norwalk’s 75 year heritage, the 280 represents an excellent investment in offshore boating enjoyment for many years to come.