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New boat pricing?

11K views 64 replies 39 participants last post by  nook of the north  
#1 ·
Being in the market for my first new boat in 20 years, I'd like to ask other buyers what can I expect when it comes to the actual price paid? Should I expect to pay what the price sheet shows, or can I negotiate a lower price? I'm guestimating a boat in the neighborhood of $50K. How have you guys done in the last few years purchasing your boat? I'll be at the Sportsman show next week kicking the tires on new and year old boats.
 
#3 ·
Yeah, if you are looking for 20' or bigger with electronics good luck with keeping it under 50k. When we were shopping a few years ago we were looking at 70-85k for something that would work for us (22-24'). We usually take 6 people fishing and fish 6 rods for salmon. We found a 24' glass boat used for under 25k with low hours on the motors that we purchased. I think aluminum is the new gold.
 
#7 ·
I wish I could be in your dilemma. I know I’d be trying to pry the salesman down a few K to see if anyone will bite. Never hurts to ask. Might as well come clean with him and see how low he can go right off. If he’s beggin for a sale, and a commish is not on the top of his priority, he might eat the commish to get some red ink going to please boss. In the end, it’s all about the trends. Is said company winning or losing in the current market? I’d go on Saturday afternoon to feel em out, check inventory and you’ll be able to tell how desperate or not they are. Come back Sunday and strike. With smoothness and integrity of course...

Look for any kind of small paint scratch, cowling-motor paint scratch, transport damage etc etc. and any weld imperfections if you can find any, Heck, even crawl under the darn thing with a flashlight and cell cam ready to find sumthin.
 
#11 ·
There is little things that you can do, like mentioned after market new motors, but the price can very depending on what you want it equipped with like add on's. Do you really need led lighting for your deck, or that hot water sink, rod lockers, or seats with arm rests , diamond plate end caps in my case last year buying my first new boat I answered yes to way to many of these options my 50k goal ended up at 58k. But I still have zero regret I love my boat.
 
#12 ·
I bought my 2014 TJ 20’ Luxor, Yamaha F150 through Siglers at the Feb. 2015 boat show. Though new, it was last year’s model and it was cheaper than the 2015s. They didn’t come down on price, nor on the price of the 9.9 kicker which was already competitively priced. They did throw in arm rests, seat//bed bars and the salesman promised me a very good price on my trade in 1991 23’ 3/4 hard top inboard jet 460 Thunderjet with 1,300 hours, depending upon their inspection of the boat and compression test etc.

I came away pleased with the deal. I was boatless for just 2 weeks. The price I got for my old boat was generous and it was a no hassle transaction. If I had tried to sell my old boat on my own it could well have taken months, delayed the new purchase for months, and I would’ve paid more or got less with some other 2015 model. It could’ve kept me from fishing for months and left me feeling frustrated with the tire kicking strangers wanting test drives and remaining non-commital or struggling to come up with their funding.

Are you trading in your old boat as part of the deal ?

CW
 
#24 ·
...Probably the last boat I'll ever buy...
...this is my last boat...
I've said this when buying by last two boats. :doh:

I've had two Hewescrafts and really like them. When I buy by next "last boat" it will probably be a Hewes.

I bought an end of the year model and got a very slight discount on the boat... but the money is in the two motors and those were priced the same regardless of what boat they were going on. (e.g. a 2019 vs. 2020 right now)
 
#15 · (Edited)
I just bought in December a 2015 Duckworth Advantage 20 powered by a Yamaha 115 with 105hrs, Yamaha 9.9h with estimated 400+ hrs, 105lb bow mount Motorguide, Lowrance HDS Carbon 9(3D Structure Scan), Lowrance HDS Gen 2 7, with Easyload Trailer for 32k private sale. I tried wiggling him lower but he was firm on the price. I was looking for months to wait for that kind of deal. GL with your search.


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#16 ·
I've only purchased one boat new and that was three years ago from Clemens. I was able to negotiate the price just like buying a car and was happy with the price and accessories. Paid several grand less than the asking price. Hewes 20 ProV with Hondas, 115 and 9.9 full power. No regrets.
 
#18 ·
You should be able to get a nice rig for that amount. Some places will negotiate, some not so much. Figure out pretty close to exactly what you want then shop, shop, shop!!!

The price for my 20 open sled varied $20,000+ including the options I wanted.
DON'T SCRIMP ON POWER, even if you are like me and not in a hurry to get to fishing spots.
Deck out the boat with EVERY option you may want, then work toward a price. I ended up compromising on almost nothing and paying less than I thought I would for what exactly what I wanted.

Do be VERY careful with some sales people. Some will lie to your face, bait & switch and/or make promises they have no intention of keeping.

I'm sure there are some people here that could give you some names of sales people that will shoot straight & do the right thing. Luckily there are some of those too.

Good luck, have fun!!
 
#20 ·
Future Cash sale for your new boat. Good on you.!!! What type of boat are you looking for. ??? Windshield, open , ect ect???

Yep Alum boats are stupid expensive....plus the outrageous outboard cost. Jeez. Unfortunately mine isn’t paid for but I’m working hard on that !!!! Having a debt on a piece of recreational equipment gives me anxiety especially in the doom and gloom salmon fishing world we live in. Not smart to borrow but I’m not always smart.
I’m with Harvey on his statement “if someone offered me 40 grand it be gone”.


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#21 ·
The key is buying the right boat for your needs. The real $$$ drain is buying and selling boats. Aluminum boats don't change much year to year, they just get more expensive. Buy the right format and you won't need a new one for a very long time. Decide what you want, then buy last years model or lightly used boat and you will kill it with 50K. If you are set on buying new, the Sportsman show is the way to go.... 50 steps and you can compare boat and show prices. :twocents:
 
#22 ·
Derrick you're killin' my boat buying vibe man:passout:if I had any common sense at all, I'd sit on my money, but then I tell myself this is my last boat and I ain't getting any younger so i better enjoy it while I can. I'll be looking for a windshield and canvas for bad weather this time. Give me a little more flexibility chasing Walleye and trout when Salmon are scarce. I'll be at the Sportsman show next week kicking tires so to speak comparing everyone, although I think I'm leaning towards the Hewescraft line currently, but if I find a competitior with a similar layout and a great price I could be swayed possibly.
 
#26 ·
What I liked when I bought my Hewes was how they basically produce the exact same boat within their models. This makes it very easy to compare boats from dealer to dealer and do some negotiating. The thunder jets and Northrivers we looked at were very hard to compare and bicker about price because of different options.



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#28 ·
I would bite the bullet and wait some. I even see people willing to share their boats now. How about a 16" skiff with a 25 hp or so. Boat and trailer, a couple thousand and new motor around $3 thous or so and you are set and no payments. Based on fishing and all the retired guys who bought boats thinking that fishing was going to be great, now are waking to a new reality. Give it a year or so, and you should really be able to get a deal. Deals are all around, just got to look a little. BS
 
#29 ·
Been fishing nearly my whole life seen ups and downs good years and bad years.

People preaching gloom and doom the fish will return I see nothing different this time around to change my opinion!

We are not getting any younger at least I’m not don’t waste anymore precise time. We had a pretty good time salmon fishing last year and put a few in the boat.

Get what you want don’t buy something even if it’s cheaper you are going to dislike the first time out. For some reason I think you already know this stuff[emoji3]

Good luck with your search!


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#33 ·
Are you sure on exactly what you want? If so, do a search of the NW for that kind of boat. Do you want new or used. If you have a wad of cash might want to go new then you can get exactly what you want. Boat show pricing is always good. Can save some dough if you install your extras like a radio, stereo, compass, TR1, Fish Finder etc. I narrowed my search to two (2) brands then found a brand new one that was a year old at a dealer. Dealer had a newer used motor on it. Ask for a new motor instead, plus added a kicker and I was out the door lower than my budget and my other brand of choice.
My 2 cents.