boat show questions - The Hull Truth

gofish_27944 · 11-24-2007, 09:38 AM

I am going to finally buy me a boat!!!!! I am planning on the first of next year, looking for something around 20' to 22' around the $30,000 range. My question is what can I expect when I go to the boat shows. As far as how much money should I expect to save. I have done some research thus far and looked at many boats. I went to a boat show about 7 years ago but just to go, not to buy. What should I expect, can you negotiate?
With that, has anyone ever been to the Raleigh Show? It looks like a good time. Please help me out with this!
Thanks

Glen E · 11-24-2007, 09:44 AM

watch out for boat/motor packages that are priced too good to be true - usually way underpowered...most poeple who bought the "show package" are disenchanted months after when they load them up with family or gear....

Dirty bird · 11-24-2007, 09:46 AM

you can always negootiate, boat sale or not. You can also get the same price from the dealer before or after the show. Don't buy into that "boat show only" special price. The only difference with a boat show is you have other boats to compare and barter against.

Dirty bird · 11-24-2007, 09:48 AM

true what glen says

theboatguy2 · 11-24-2007, 10:00 AM

Having worked in the boating industry most of my life, the ongoing practice of underpowering, "low cost" boat show packages is the one that bothers me the most. In some cases people end up with boats that are almost unusable literally. If your boat will be sitting on a trailer, that is another area where the dealer may leave you in a bad, and sometimes dangerous situation. Yes, boats occassionally get sold sitting on trailers that aren't rated to hold the boats weight. As hard as that might be to believe it happens. Keep in mind that most dealers are honest and will get you into something that will work for you. I have always used 80% of maximum horspepower as minimum rule of thumb. You will rarely go wrong putting the maximum power on a boat. No rule applies to all situations but an underpowered boat is the worst purchase you can make. Even a poor quality, properly powered boat is better than a high quality boat that lacks the horsepower to even be usable. Never purchase a boat without sea trialing the exact setup you will be purchasing! Good luck on your impending purchase......

ABoater · 11-24-2007, 11:35 PM

Beware of "boat show pricing", and don't take them as non-negotiable.

Quite a few dealers know the shows will have folks looking for a "deal", and will give them one. Literally...

You'll find supposed "list" prices jacked up and then will show a "discount" that is good "only" during the show. Happens all too often. The only discount is air. Worthless.

Or the price sheets that show a "no hassle/no haggle" pre-negotiated price. Fooey. It's B.S. Don't fall for it. Marine Max is good for that one. Make an offer and work the deal. When the dealer finally says no and lets you walk, you know you are at their low point.

Dealers are biting the big one right now. A sincere buyer can pretty much write his own deal.

Take advantage of the current buyers market and make a good deal a great one.

Good luck!

dhmojo · 11-25-2007, 08:40 AM

Boat show prices are printed on fancy signs. That is about the only difference in my experience, as both a boat buyer & boat sales rep.

jwb · 11-25-2007, 09:02 AM

I go to the shows to get a side by side comparison of the boats themselves. I eliminate the majority and when I'm down to a "short list" I'll ask about pricing to get a ballpark idea. I also ask about trade ins, service, etc. After the show I'll go see the dealer I'm most interested in (soon after the show). Beforehand I'll post on THT what I'm interested in, what options, etc. and ask for anyone who has purchased the exact same boat. Now you have some real world idea of where you should be at price wise. Not an exact science but close enough for me. I also will P.M. someone if they biught from the same dealer. As far as "deals" go realize there are multiple shows all over the country at different times. My expierence is the deals don't go away the day after the show. There is a "show season" where you may get a deal on electronics (Hydrasports last year) or on extended warranties (Yamaha- had to purchase before March 31st to get a free 3 year extension). So there may be some type of manufactuers contribution but again because of different show dates I was always able to get the specials after the show. BTW, the only "deal" I ever took was Yamahas' extened warranty because it was truly free if I purchased before the end of March. Ask THT about any deals and you'll get feedback. Good Luck.

Drifter · 11-25-2007, 09:26 AM

I didn't read the previous posts, so forgive me if there's duplication...

I wouldn't buy at a boat show. I'm just not comfortable with impulse buying with that much money. The only exception is if the buyer knows exactly what they want, exactly what they're buying, exactly what a good deal is, and have already taken a sea trial on the same package. The gelcoat looks shiny under the lights, and the salesmen talk a good game, but the boat shows are primarily for comparing boats side-by-side (or almost). The last thing you wanna do is spend tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars, then realize a few days or weeks later that there's a boat you like better. If I pay a little more later for the same package that was at the show, so be it... (but many "deals" at the show can be had later regardless of what the salesmen claim). But that's just me...

Be sure to check this forum:

Miami Boat Show Pictures