Best Time to Buy a new boat?

[hostage]

My parents are looking at purchasing a new Regal in Texas and I am wondering when is a good time to buy a new boat. I thought I had them interested in buying a nice used boat for 15k-25k, but then my old man had to take my mom to a place that sells new boats ><

Thanks,

Hostage

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

Right now!

 

[Beefer]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

When you have the money.

Actually, I agree with Chris. Now is a good time, they could probably score on some 2010 models since the 11's are coming soon or here already. Might even score HUGE on a left-over 2009. I would think anytime between now and December are great times to buy, but not so close to Christmas.

 

[bow wow rider]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

now. the downside is that the winter is torture.

 

[likalar]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

Yea, now is a great time. Where to by is another thing to give some thought. Try to find a reputable dealer that is heavily overstocked. They are facing the grim prospect of flooring these boats until springtime. I bought at the end of September last year, buying the boat, motor and trailer at 2 different places. The dealers were very anxious to make the sale, and the prices reflected that.

Larry

 

[109jb]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

There is no good time to buy a boat. If you buy in spring or summer, the prices are higher. If you buy in fall or winter, you can't take it out and have to wait, possibly even pay storage for a boat you've never used. Also may not be able to do a sea-trial in the off-season. Buy whenever and do the best you can. It is all a trade-off.

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

Start looking now, let dealer know who you are then wait a month. They get hungrier around November. I got about a 4K discount in November from the Fall "Boat Show" price, and they stored it until March for me (I had to have the boat insured for this).

Downside is your boat is a year old by the time you use it and the choices are slimmer. I didn't care about the color too much (mine is brown), but it had the options and motor I wanted. I would have had to go with the smaller motor if I purchased in the summer or fall, so I think I made the right choice.

 

[chris93263]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

move to CA and use the boat year round.

 

[zip34788]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

Where you are located has a lot to do with the price of (used) boats. In Texas I would have to think the best time would be December or January when the weather is at its worst. When it starts to warm up in the spring and more people are looking for boats, sellers may not be as motivated to sell.

 

[642mx]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

At this point in the year, I would wait for the boat shows. Normally dealers knock some big money off new stuff at the shows.

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

Well, I'd almost think just after Christmas and before the end of the year might be an opportune time. No one is out shopping just after Christmas, just mostly returning junk gifts.

And in GA, retailers of any sort have to pay an inventory tax on all inventory in stock as of midnight Dec. 31, which gives a big incentive to move stock. That's how we bought our last vehicle. A leftover 2002 when 2003 vehicles were in, last week of the year, and the dealer wanting to beat the tax man. Made for an awesome deal. May work for a boat, too.

Just a thought.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

The big Winter Boat Shows in Texas are prime time- you can visit several dealers and see alot of cool boats & stuff. The Dealers are dealing against each other.
I know Dallas, Houston, Corpus all have huge boat shows. I'm sure there are others around.

Texas has year round boating- but true, some days nobody goes out.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

Purchased mine on a week night in the dead of winter. There was 4" of snow on the ground that December night. Saw the boat I was looking for on line, for the price I thoght was reasonable. Offered even less and got it. Dealer couldnt wait to do the paperwork just to move it. He gave me free storage until I picked it up that April. So right now through the winter is a great time to buy NEW. If used, I would wait until the spring so it could be run.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

Many have already stated it..... buy in the next few months and have the dealer store it until spring. Don't wait until spring to purchase!

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Best Time to Buy a new boat?

Ever hear an accountant say that a new car is the worst investment you can make.....well wait until you buy a new boat.
That said, the used market has never been better. Lots of the good ol' 'I'll buy shiny new things on credit' buyers over the last three years have lost their shirts, their jobs, their houses, their cars...and their boats. Help 'em out and take their very lightly used boat off their hands for a song and keep the rest of the savings in the bank....or go back, and buy their lightly used car or truck off them for the same song.
My two bits.
BP