adaptation to MCA small craft code MGN 280

Depending on the cost difference, adding a MCA rating will add greatly to the boat's resale value.

Fish has a great thought.
However, I always thought these codes helped on work, crew and heavy commercial small craft (under 24M).
IE; supply or pilot craft.
You may want to dig deeper into this as it may or may not refer to charter and rec passenger levels as that could always help in your resale.

It's a slightly "how long is a piece of string" question because it depends on what is different between the standard build and the mgn280 build. Just as an example, mgn280 may require engine vent closers to make the engine room airtight in a fire, and many boats already have this in their standard spec, and many don't.

I say "may" because despite the clear terms of mgn280 you see lots of variance between different surveyors (who sign off) about what is needed.

You should get a list of what the builder does to get from standard spec to mgn280 and see if its good value/retrofittable. A lot of it will be just buying loose stuff (LJs, LRs, loose safety gear).

I wouldn't code to mgn280; I'd code to Yellow Book. Personal choice (and you do have a free choice, despite many builders/surveyors acting like mgn280 is the only choice). But that's a whole nuther topic.

But will you be increasing or decreasing your resale buyer pool. Are there more buyers looking and being willing to pay for the MCA rating, especially as the vessel ages, or more who would rather get the boat cheaper. For some the thought that a boat may have been used commercially could be a turn off.

Please keep us up on the details as you discover them.

There's been a Bluewater down in Miami for decades that was certified for 49. Back in the day a company rep told me one thing was fire retardant resin.