Boat Show Deals

[PAkev]

I went to the international boat show in NYC today. Had a great time and saw some nice boats; most I will never be able to afford. GEEZE , I was surprised not to see any of the scantly dressed women that they show in nearly every picture of the various boating magazines. Anyhow, I picked up a nice 2 pc rain parka from West Marine. I was able to sit in, touch, and look at a similar model of which I will be taking delivery in the spring. As far as deals go, I wasn't going there to buy a boat but I was surprised to see many prices advertised as "Show Special" to be competitive to what you can buy a boat for in the middle of summer. In addition, most of these "show special" rigs appeared in my opinion to be underpowered.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Boat Show Deals

i've had different experiences with boat shows. been to a few at the jersey shore and the largest in-water show in the nation here in annapolis. always good fun. was never ready to buy, but if i was i could have taken advantage of some great deals. if you are ready to buy, they suggest going during the week day, when the crowds are low. gives you more time with the reps. they can even help with good financing from the various lenders that attend. in any event, i highly suggest going to a show whenever possible. if you haven't personally seen and stepped inside a lot of different boats, it's hard to compare or pass judgement on anything.<br /><br />ps. as for not many deals at the nyc show, maybe the companies feel they can get the higher prices with an improved and upward economy.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Boat Show Deals

If you are serious about buying a boat a boat show can be a great place to cut a deal if the manufacturer and dealer are hungry. For what it is worth the boats on display are given a lot more attention than other boats in the "line" in the manufacturing process. Also dealers are not looking to drag the boats on display back home. They want you to drag them to your home. If you buy a boat on display require that the showing dealer mark it sold and not for public inspection to prevent damage by the public. Also be sure to thoroughly inspect the boat at delivery before signing the final papers.

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: Boat Show Deals

The reason the boats are shown with lower horsepower is because of the lower price.<br /><br />It's an old trick of the trade. Sticker price shock is bad enough without the added cost of a max. HP equipped boat.<br /><br />Once they get you talking then they start adding the goodies [$$$] a little at the time so you don't get the big punch all at once.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Boat Show Deals

They always seem underpowered to me. At the boston boat show last winter they have 13foot whalers powered with 25hp mercs and a 18foot dauntless powered with a 110hp Merc, both IMO where underpowered. They won't work with you on getting a bigger motor unless you want to pay big bux's more, my dad tryed with the Dauntless.

 

[DJ]

Re: Boat Show Deals

Come on people, lighten up.<br /><br />What happened to the days of bargaining?<br /><br />Most people, today, are so convinced that everyone is out to rip them off, that they are willing to sue if they think they might not have got the best deal.<br /><br />The deal you make is your responsibility, not the governments, or a jury's.<br /><br />Have a little fun. If you do not get what you want. Walk away. That's your priviledge. Too many many people today do get ripped off and try to blame it on someone else. <br /><br />It's YOUR decision.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Boat Show Deals

My point is that if you were to cut a deal on a show boat with a specific power option other than is rigged and displayed, you probably wouldn't be towing it home that day. There are certainly folks that may intend living happily ever after with the show power option based on their specific boating demands. From my observation, it is these people that connect with a show deal. As far as the promotional sales hook which occurs at many shows, the seller and the buyer can easily put greater emphasis on value added features such as T tops, electronics, trailer, etc. than the actual performance which the boat affords them. <br /><br />Wadeverflotzyerbote.<br /><br />Happy New Year.<br />Kevin

 

[RatFish]

Re: Boat Show Deals

IMHO. You have a better chance at getting $$$ off the selling price of a boat by NOT buying at a boat show. Boat shows are designed to get you "excited" about buying a boat. When you add emotion into any business transaction, you will pay a higher price. <br /><br />Watch out for the "really good" boat show deals. My experience has been that the best priced boats are the leftovers and least desirable models (underpowered, bad or no options, poor quality, etc.). Any way you look at it, boats are expensive to buy, own and operate. If you can't afford what you want in new boat, then save a bundle and buy a late model used boat. <br /><br />If you are buying a new boat then do your homework (Boat shows are great for this!). Compare the different manufacturers quality, features and pricing (Take notes!). Make competing dealers fight for your business. Prearrange financing and let the dealer know you are a "cash sale" and ready to buy. Don't get all excited or emotional. If you don't like the deal then as djohns19 stated... Walk Away. That is your greatest weapon. Dealers really don't like letting go of motivated buyers .

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Boat Show Deals

In the fall of 2002, my wife and I decided that it was time to buy our fist brand new boat. I was ecstatic.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I fell upon some hard luck with my health and decided that due to the 1 year waranty on 2 stroke Mercs, getting a boat in January 2003 would be a mistake because I was going to need a hip replacement and would have to right off the 2003 boating season.<br /><br />I went to the boat show none the less. Figured out the boat I wanted and looked at it at several dealers.<br /><br />One dealer in particular was about 5% more inexpensive than the others for the exact same boat with same power options etc. etc.<br /><br />This dealer was very agressive and wanted a deposit to ensure the 'Boat Show Price'. I didn't buy the boat.<br /><br />After a successful hip replacement, I went looking for a brand new boat in late July. Very popular time for boat purchases with very little inventory. <br /><br />Checked out similar boats at various dealers. All boats that I wanted were in the $25000 range with very little room for negotiation.<br /><br />Went back to the agressive dealer. Got the same boat at the boat show price. He would not take off a dime. Cost me $21K.<br /><br />Conclusion: Boat shows are a great place to do research on a boat. Don't know if you get the best prices though. Got to see boats I didn't even think about. In the end though, it comes down to price and service after the fact.<br /><br />The dealer I bought at is notorious for not much service after the sale. He does not hide this fact. On his invoice he clearly states that if you need waranty work go to the Mercury Dealer.<br /><br />I have 3 excellent boat mechanics close to my country home. 2 don't sell new boats and the third was completely out of inventory by July. These are the people that will service my boat anyway.

 

[BillP]

Re: Boat Show Deals

I agree with djohns19. Deals are made by the buyer. Sellers don't "give" or advertise the best deals. Buyers have to MAKE the deal.<br /><br />Boat show boats are usually loaded with accessories which means there is more negotiating room. Deals look better because they can take a larger discount off retail on those accessory markups and still make the margins through quantity. With rare exceptions, the same deals can be had anytime if you feel like negotiating.<br /><br />If you are concerned with resale of a boat show boat, buy at the beginning of the model year and not an end of year close out model. The close out model has depreciated a full year of book value before it leaves the lot(You buy it and the next day your one day old new boat has depreciated one full year in book value as a used boat). You have taken a full year of loss overnight so a lower price should be expected when buying a "year end closeout". A beginning of the year model starts losing book value when the next year comes out. This buyer get 12 months of use and has near or same book value to the person who owned his "close out" one day...running hrs and condition being equal.<br /><br />Bill P.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Boat Show Deals

For What it is Worth - Many years ago I worked for Bertram Yacht for a short period. The markup on options and accessories was unbelievable. 100% plus was common.

 

[KCook]

Re: Boat Show Deals

^

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Boat Show Deals

Why are we bumping this 3 years and 3 months later?

 

[KCook]

Re: Boat Show Deals

Responding to another thread - New boat question, please help <br /><br />That's some avatar!<br />Kelly

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Boat Show Deals

Gotcha. I guess I should have kept my mouth shut....

 

[phantoms]

Re: Boat Show Deals

BTW, attened the Savannah Boat show last weekend. One comment I can make if you are interested in buying a boat is to only walk on and check out the type of boats you are interested in. If you spend time looking at the boats priced way out of your league, then the boats you went to the show for in the first place don't seem as nice.

 

[KCook]

Re: Boat Show Deals

And plot your path thru the show so that your wife won't see any boats with a cabin