Boat shows are fun when you’re just looking to have a good time. However, for those in the market to make a major purchase, it’s often overwhelming just stepping onto the display floor. You may miss a good deal and return home disappointed, or make an impulse buy that’s not truly affordable or the right fit.
The best way to leave a boat show is feeling happy, so do some prep work before the show begins. This way you’ll cruise through the sales aisles and sail out of the show with a great boat for a reasonable price.
Pre-Show
Define your idea of fun Are you a fan of bouncing, gliding, cruising from port to port, or just relaxing with kids, friends, and dogs? Will your boat be a means of transportation or the vacation spot itself? Different boats are better suited for distinctive pursuits, so put together a list of the features that will create your ideal boating experience.
Share that list Let those involved in your boating lifestyle, including family, look at your list. Loved ones will tell you what you forgot as well as the features that will entice them to go boating with you.
Preview show exhibitors Visit the boat show’s website with your improved list. Which of the exhibiting manufacturers and dealers has boats that fit your general criteria?
Do your research Read and compare features, then search for vendor and brand reviews on sites such as boat owner forums. Take both five-star raves and negative comments with big grains of salt, but do look for trends. Is there a dealer that consistently gets raves for service? Are there numerous complaints about mechanical problems with a specific boat model?
Look in your wallet Don’t get in over your head — boating is about enjoying time on the water, not drowning in debt, so factor in all the costs of in-season and off-season ownership, including operating, insuring, transporting, maintaining, and storage. No matter how much you desire a particular vessel, taking on a second job to afford it means you’ll have no time to use it!
Search again If your budget won’t comfortably allow you to buy the boat of your dreams, adjust your expectations. Seek a more affordable model or wait until you get to the show to look at the inventory of previously owned vessels showcased by exhibitors.
Secure financing Unless you’re paying cash, consult with a financial institution or reputable vessel finance company. Secure a pre-approved boat loan and then compare the loan’s terms to special dealer financing offered at the show.
Show Time
Map out your route Don’t waste time searching for the destinations on your list.
Keep an open mind If the lines of a vessel displease you in person, keep walking. However, if you spot something that appeals more live than it did on the web, stop by and investigate.
Step aboard If you love the price and the look, but knock your head in the head, or find the stairs to the bridge too precarious, cross that model off your list. No reduction in price will make an uncomfortable boat comfy.
Talk State your budget, your main reasons for buying a boat, and the must-haves on your list, then let the salesperson describe what fits your bill. If the best deal offered is $15,000.00 over your budget, or the bells and whistles you need can’t be added, move along (or revisit that must-have list).
Question What makes the model you’re considering superior to others in this price range? How does the warranty stack up against [competitive brand]? What’s included in the price and what’s an after-market installation? Is the outboard engine shown included? Are winter covers included? Is training offered at no additional cost?
Resist You want to buy the right boat, not just any boat. If you’re not prepared to buy when the salesperson reaches for a contract, take a photo, a brochure, and a business card, and write down what you discussed before you walk away.
Try again If you visited a vendor in the first day or two and couldn’t afford what you wanted, try calling or stopping back in during the show’s waning hours — the effort might yield a more favorable response.
