Best time to buy?

Buckeye1199

Cadet
Joined
Aug 10, 2004
Messages
13
This may be a stupid question but I am in the process of buying my first boat and am looking for some advice. Before I make the purchase, I want to make sure I have done my research and feel comfortable with my purchase. The question I have is when is the best time to buy a new or used boat? I am assuming sometime in the winter but wasn't sure. Also, any advice about the boat shows? I plan on going to a couple boat shows this fall/winter, can you get a good buy from a dealer at the shows?<br /><br />Thanks for any advice.
 

Catchem

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 17, 2004
Messages
196
Re: Best time to buy?

Buckeye,I would say the fall is the best time.People want to unload them so they don't have to store them,but....(always a but)make sure you can take on the water for a test drive.(kind of tough to do that in the winter).Unless you are looking for a project boat and are not worried about the engine or "trust" the persons word,Then I guess anytime is good.Also ask if they have any receipts for work done on the boat.I keep mine so when I do sell I can show what has been done for repairs,or anything else.Shows your upfront with people,and people appreciate it.
 

ZmOz

Captain
Joined
Aug 13, 2003
Messages
3,949
Re: Best time to buy?

Right now. Spring would be the worst time. Winter is probably the second worse. They may be cheap in the winter, but there are almost none for sale unless you're buying new.
 

cobra 3.0

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
1,797
Re: Best time to buy?

Buying in the fall is the best time if you are in a northern climate. Try to buy when you can still take it for a test ride. If you are getting an I/O, or any inboard, make sure you know how to winterize it properly or it will be junk by the spring.
 

RatFish

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 29, 2003
Messages
647
Re: Best time to buy?

Used: In the fall, October and November. People want to unload before they have to winterize.<br /><br />New: Consumer Reports says October. IMHO, I think the best deals are had at "dealer open houses" when the manufacturer is offering rebates. At a dealer open house, I got a total of 16% off MSRP plus a manufacturer rebate with no haggling.
 

PAkev

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 9, 2002
Messages
665
Re: Best time to buy?

From the context of your post I am assuming you are planning on buying new. In Ohio, I would also guess your dealers have a fairly seasonal business cycle.<br /><br />If you are intrested in a boat while several other folks are walking through the dealers doors, you are competing for the dealers attention to make a mutually agreeable transaction. In these cases dealers will try filtering the tire kickers from committed buyers and may be less flexible since the next person in line may be a better candidate to make a purchase with less effort than the expectations you may be imposing on them. <br /><br />Walking through the dealers door in the late fall removes you from the tire kicking crowd that usually shows up on nice warm and sunny days and indicates your sincere interest. The dealer also knows you are in no hurry to get out on the water due to the prevailing northern weather conditions. Therefore, if they can not cut a deal you have sufficient time to shop around for someone else to get an opportunity at the sale. <br /><br />Just my .02<br /><br />Kevin<br />2004 Polar 2010 - Yamaha F 150
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Best time to buy?

If I were to buy a new boat I would aim for the boat shows. I would do all my research before the show aiming to narrow down the alternattives to a few models from a few manufacturers and dealers. I would scout them on the first day of the show and weed out what I could. Second day I would try to get a bit friendly with the sales people of my preferred alternatives. I would try to get a feel for price and how hungry they in pricing. <br /><br />I would try to buy a "show" boat that was there as many manufacturers will tag a boat as it is being made as going to a show - they want to show and sell their best. Also they don't want to have to drag what they brought back home so if you need financing get it arranged before the show starts. Be prepared to sign at any point. The time to get the absolute best and final price is on the last day of the show. If this is important you may not get a "show" boat plus you may have to wait for them to build it.
 

reference123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 18, 2004
Messages
118
Re: Best time to buy?

We have found right now is a good time. I know many of the dealers get free flooring on the 2005's through the winter so once the 2004's are gone they are not real motivated to make deals on the 2005's. In looking we talked our local larsen dealer down $13000 on a 2004 230 LXI (46000 to 33000 for one with all the options including the extended swim platform and biggest volvo engine available). Ended up getting a slightly used 2002 Rinker 243 deck boat for $11000 under NADA low book. We have found other dealers are willing to give similar deals.<br /><br />Also, ebay has had some good deals lately. You just have to browse often.
 

Catchem

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 17, 2004
Messages
196
Re: Best time to buy?

Hey Buckeye,ya think you got enough responses?LoL
 
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