Boat Shopping Smart
Mar. 17, 2008
What should you look for when buying your next boat? Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect offer to your local dealership and walk away with exactly what you need.
It’s boat show season; so take advantage and attend some of them! Before you settle on one specific make and model, don’t rule any out just because you’ve never owned that particular boat before. You might find an affordable, fishable, amazing ride.
I work for a dealership that has been in business since 1945 and we have brands we trust. I’d like to offer you some insight from a salesman’s point of view - how to get the best deal, whether it’s a $40,000 plus bass boat, a $5,000 John boat or the greatest of Party Cruisers.
Boat shows are for shopping; get prices, get specs, get in and see how she feels. Don't drill the sales staff but do ask questions.
Most all boats are built the same. By this I mean they have similar composite material and most offer limited lifetime warranty on the hulls. These days most all brands are built top notch. Look at weights, beams, lengths, storage compartments, the things you’re looking for to fit your needs.
I personally encourage anglers to buy local when they can. Is it worth saving $300 or $400 to drive an hour or more for repairs and service? Establishing a relationship with your local dealer can be beneficial. Do they have a local pro staff or fishing club? Do they have social events or offer special places to hunt, etc?
If tournament fishing is your main goal, offer to work boat shows. Working a show does not guarantee you’ll be standing in the limelight answering questions from the customers. It might mean you’ll be pulling boats to the show or prepping and washing the boats. Your willingness to help in this manner will make an impact with your local dealer. Does your bass club have a special meeting place? See if the dealer will allow you to meet at their store. This may help increase business for the dealer. Who doesn’t need a gallon of oil or fuel treatment from time to time? Most dealers are open to the idea. We utilize it every month for our local club.
Ask your dealer about service. Let him know what type of events you will be fishing and how important a quick turnaround can be if you have a problem with an item on the boat.
How do they respond to that type of question? Are they willing to push you up in the service line or give you discounts on the service bill?
Find out when the manufacturer’s specials will be running. Look for rebates on boats, extended motor warranties, free give-aways, etc. These things usually don’t cost the dealer and are handed down to the customer; so take advantage of them.
Do not always rely on what your buddy has to say. Does he work for the boat manufacturer? What makes him so knowledgeable? Dealers and sales staff should not give you some ol’ sales pitch. Generally if the dealership is established they can be trusted so trust what they tell you until you have a reason to believe otherwise.
When buying any boat, if you want something, ask for it. Maybe you’d like a couple of life jackets, some free oil or a boat cover; ask before you have settled on a price. The dealer may be able to give you some of these items or allow you to by them at dealer cost. Dealer cost is a good deal so take it if it is offered. Even the Pros have to buy more than you’d think. It’s not always possible for a dealer to throw in multiple freebies on a single sale; costs and overhead increase every year.
Don’t leave an inexpensive item off if you really want it. If you want that extra depth finder or Hydraulic jack plate, get it up front. The difference in your monthly payment will not change much The cost to add an item later down the road will be more. For one thing the dealer will have to charge labor after the sale and at $65 to $100 an hour that really adds up. Most of the time (be sure to ask) they will install these items for free when the package is bought new and the extra items come from the dealership. Do not run out to Bass Pro and bring them back to the dealer (unless you’d like to see them change three shades of red and lose your fantastic deal!).
Remember, the dealer is not out there to stick or short change anyone. Their sales, service and reputation depend on you giving good feedback and word-of-mouth recommendations to new customers. Help to sell the dealership and the services that they offer.
Following these tips and tactics should help you build a long-lasting relationship with your local dealer. The longer you’re with a dealer, the better your deals should get.