boat show jargon

[zipper]

With the boat show season just around the corner let's have a discussion on how to approach these boat salesmen. Let's say we want to buy a boat... I know it's not like shopping for a car... how would you approach these guys? What kind of margin are they working off of? Are they willing to dicker? Do they play the sales manager game? Let's hear about your experiences and give us first time "new" boat buyers some guidance. We all want the "Most for the least" so how do you get it? zip

[BigBeanCounter]

Don't buy new :grin: :grin:

There are a ton of very lightly used boats out there you'll save 20-30% over new on, even with "boat show" pricing, and WAY less hassle [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img] :shocked: [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img]

[6wapiti6]

Unfortuantly for me I'm an impulse buyer. I found what I wanted and said I'll take it. Really though, the show prices are pretty good. I don't think I'd buy a boat any other time. The later in the week it gets, the more they will talk. Go early and find what you want and then keep an eye on it. If it's still there on the last weekend make them an offer. Just my $.02

[Livin the Dream]

I can second that on buying used. I was just about to order a new drift boat and I thought well maybe I'll wait for the show.

Then I started looking in the classifieds and found the exact boat I was about to order for $5,700 in the Vancouver Columbian for $2,9000.
Got an almost brand new Willie w/trailer and trimmings at nearly half of retail.

As we know times are tough and boats sometimes are the first thing to go.
Keep your eyes peeled especially in some of the smaller papers and the deals are there.

On the other hand I know how it is to want a brand new boat, and if thats the way you are going to go the boat show has some deals. I would still grind those guys as much as you can. Im sure they still have room to deal.

AL

[WaterDog]

Depending on the boat you want, try talking to the owner/builder. I have and know a couple of other folks who got better deals dealing with the owner rather than a salesgeek. :smile:

[NETONE]

Buy USED....it took me a while but got the exact boat I was wanting and paid over 12K less....These Boat dealer as far as I am concerned are asking way to much for a boat...being in manufacturing all my life our customers ask for price cuts every year...but boats keep going up as do cars etc...its a big play on US the consumer....I refuse to buy any major item new....buy it 1-3 years old and save...but do your homework first....

[Lipripper]

Buy a Willie the first time and you won't want another boat!! :grin:

[fishingfirst]

Originally stated by Waterdog:

salesgeek

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">:shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

Not all salesmen are geeks and not all geeks are salesmen :grin: :grin:

Careful now, you are giving me a bad rep! [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

I agree with earlier posts, buy used, most of the time used boats usually have all the extra gadgets that you will want already included! Let someone else pay for the depreciation (sp???).

Scott

[WaterDog]

The only thing I have against buying used is you never know what the previous owner did or didnt do to the boat. If buying used do your homework . :smile: If its your first boat and you dont know what you want its a good way to go. If you've had boats and know exactly what you want and how you want it, there is nothing wrong with new. :smile:

Scott, you finally finish all that crow? :tongue: You've been awful quite lately. Maybe you should change your name to "fishingchallenged". :grin:

[ 12-18-2002, 04:51 PM: Message edited by: WaterDog ]

[metalhead madness]

Talk to mike @ siglers marine. He has some great pricing on 2002 models, has over 70 boats in stock, many different power plant and good service. I found these guys to be staight forward and let the boat and pricing speak for themselfs. No "backroom boogie" bull. I found the Thunderjet www.thunderjet.com to be a great boat for the money. You will too!! :grin: good luck. BTW I found my best deal @ the tail end of the show.

[fishingfirst]

Waterdog,
I am still trying to choke down the last of that crow, it's like Thanksgiving turkey.......just won't go away!

Lately it's been workingfirst, but maybe after Christmas you and Tacklebuster can take me out and teach me how to catch those wonderful bottom suckers! I am planning on going the 28th if all goes well.

Scott

[Tilla]

I've learned to dislike most of the manufacturers due to JSD's (Jetsled Salesman's Disease). If you can get their attention (usually they are talking about how wonderful they are amongst themselves) have your requirements ready and comparisons, get it on paper (they will do anything including break USCG Regs to sell you a boat). I love it when they say my aluminum is better that their Aluminum. [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]
My guess is that there is going to be some decent show specials, shop 'em. Shop 'em good!

[Green Machine]

That's good Tilla!! :grin: I think you just have to be patient and get exactly what you want. My wife gets a little mad when I want a different boat every other year. :depressed: I talked to Mike Sigler, and he was honest, but there really isn't a lot of room to bargain unless it is a demo or show model. If you want to order, they run you down the list and that is what you pay. I bought used for two reasons.
1) I am cheap and like to spend money on other things like gear. (Not to mention most used boats come fully equipped to fish)
2) I think resale is better on a good used boat than a new one. I stole my boat and hope to upgrade when I sell. If I bought new, I probably would have lost a couple$$$ when I sold it. Just my opinion for what it is worth. Besides, I wouldn't have the green machine! :grin:

[HOGGEMIN]

Talk to Mark Oldenstadt of Motion Marine he builds a great boat and knows first hand what and how a fisherman wants his boat set up. With the same options a Motion Marine boat is competively priced with the rest only better built and better options. just my .02 worth by the way tell him Mike with HOGGEM'IN sent you.

[zipper]

Thanks for the replies. I am curious to hear about some of your experiences dealing with these guys. Also, I've been watching ads and boat trader for a couple years and have very rarely seen anything like the boat I would like to own. I would love to buy a three year old boat with new motor but you just don't see that oportunity come up... and theirs the finance question and I need to sell my boat first sooooo.... do I get to buy at this show? doubt it. How are they at quoting a price and honoring it in a month or so? Let's have some more dialogue. Thanks! zip

[id. painter]

I knew the boat i wanted. I started calling dealers. There were exactly two for sale in the western U.S.. One was in Portland and already had the wrong motor on it.The other was 40 miles from Canada and the sales person knew he had one of the only ones for sale. I only talked him down 500$. But sitll pleased with what i got. id. painter

[Pitch Pocket]

Buy a used power boat, save 20% on an older model, then get busy repairing it. End up spending just about as much as a new boat and suffer the headaches and un-reliability. More often than not, you end up buying someone elses problems.

If you're lucky though, you can find a nearly new used boat that someone could never really afford. Check the banks for repo's.

[The Fishing Geek]

Originally posted by zipper:
how would you approach these guys?

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">With a necklace made of garlic cloves and an iron cross. :shocked: :grin:

[PeterMac]

Shhhhh, if everone bought used, eventually all the boats on the market would be very old and decrepid. We need at least some new boat buyers out there to replenish the used market!!

Actually, have to agree alot with pitch pocket, my next boat will be new. Plus, it's that new boat smell..... Ahhhhhhhh!

PeterMac

[nerta]

[img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] Tell the salesperson what you want then have them put it in writing. Remember salespeople are allowed the expand on the truth and not call it "should I call it the t r u t h"? There are many great sales, people but cover your back trail when buying any thing from dealers; (cars,boats,bikes) you get the idea.

[Green Machine]

Zipper, one of the things I noticed is that the Portland area, or Northwest for that matter, is typically higher on aluminum boat prices. I started looking online in newspapers in Idaho and eastern Washington. They don't call it the jet boat capitol for nothing. You can also bet these boats have never been in salt water. A little far to go look, but most could send you digital pictures to help out. What exactly are you looking for? If it is specific, you may want to buy new. If it is a good deal, well you know my two cents :tongue:

Green Machine

[zipper]

Let's keep this one going. As the show gets closer, there alot of us going and let's continue the dialogue. I have been looking at Hewescraft, Wooldridge, Boulton, Tuff Boat - in the 20' class - outboard - but recently have become intrigued by Weldcraft - especially the 18' with off shore bracket - as much floor space as a 20'er. I would love to buy used if I could just know for sure what I'm getting... this could easily be the last boat I buy and I need it to hold together for the long haul. (The motor I'm talking about). The best possible scenerio is a 3-5 year old boat with new motor. Like that's really going to happen. anyway, Let's keep talking! zip

[id. painter]

Zipper, If your interested in a jet, Idaho is a pretty good place to look. when i started looking for a boat around here ,i looked at the used market first. I was profoundly discouraged. I wanted a prop (out board) . Almost no one has them here. Rivers are too big a deal, and most boat buyers are either into running the rivers or water skiing.Not the boat i was after.For a welded boat, Thunder Jet is by far the big one out here.Maybe Duckworth or A.W.second, .Glass water skiing boats are #1. id.painter

[Lured In]

For what its worth, get pre-approved for your loan through your bank, etc. (Not just pre-qulaified). You should get a letter from you bank stating that your are approved for $XX,*** dollars. Bring this with you and keep it in your pocket.

If you are intent on buying a boat at the show (this also works for local dealers too) make a couple trips to the show. BE SURE TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE BEFORE YOU BUY! You pick where to test drive it. If you mostly fish the willamette, go there, same with the Columbia.

Once you have 'picked' your boat, see if there are any other features you may want to add. Kicker brackets, sonar, etc. These may already be there on the boat you are looking at, but may be add on's if they build you a new one. Also see if you can qualify for abot 2-4K more than what you think you want to pay for the boat. This will give you a cushion to buy the kicker, sonar etc from the dealer and finance all of it. (that way you don't have to wait to get all the cool toys for your new boat.) Have them roll this into the price. Be sure to agree on the price of the boat first.

Keep in mind, build time can be from a few weeks to a several (up to six) months. Get your order in early if you plan to have it by summer. The PDX show is not the only one that these guys will be at. The have Seattle and one down in California too. (among others)

See if they are willing to sell the demo boat. This could save you a grand or more and should only have 10-25 hours on it.

When you are ready to negotiate, let them know you are ready to buy and can bring a check by as soon as you agree on a price.

Another thing that works is to walk up to the guys Tilla mentions above and yell out, "WHO WANTS TO SELL A BOAT TODAY!" and watch them come runnin'. :shocked: :grin:

[zipper]

Great advise all! I especially like the Garlic idea.... That just might work! zip

[Red]

Zipper,

You mentioned several boats you are interested in, get to know them inside and out. Visit all the sales booths you are interested in, and don't be shy about telling the guys that you have other boats in mind. When you've narrowed it down, take a test drive. It worries me that you say this will be your last boat. Just remember, that might be what you would say to your wife , but you must realize a man is only 5 years away from his next new boat. :grin: :grin: