Best time to buy, now or at the shows in the winter?

[setterguy]

Currently in the process of selling my current boat and thought that I had the new one all picked out, but am now having second thoughts about what I really want. My question is this, I know there will be good deals coming around soon for boats. Is it better to buy now or wait until the shows? Do they really deal that much at the shows?

[PerchJerker]

Depends on the boat you buy, some have much better show incentives, some don't have much for show incentives. Sorry to be so vague, but that's the case. For the last few years a lot of the motors have come with cash back or extended rebates, so that's something else to be aware of.

The downside of waiting for the shows is you are likely to get hit by an end of year price increase. So you get more by buying at the show but you also pay more for it.

I'm looking at a new boat, not sure if I'll buy or not. But if I do buy, I'll order the boat in November before the price increases come through. I'll take delivery in February or March, which will allow me to receive the show incentives on both the boat and motor. Good dealers will offer this up to you and walk you through it and make sure it happens, other dealers may need to be pushed by you to do it. And again, it probably depends on the brand of boat you're looking at.

[marine_man]

It also depends on if you want this year's boat (2007) or next year's boat (2008). If you're interested to see what's out there for next year you're going to have to wait until closer to the end of the year - for example, I believe Lund's dealer show is in Sepetember or October and another month after that before the new model year boats start showing up.

If you're good with this year's model, then from now until model year 2007's are gone is a good time to buy - dealers are looking to move the old inventory.

marine_man

[knoppers]

buy now.

I got 4000 off my rig when I bought in july, it was a true 4000 off, as I was eyeing this boat all year at the same dealer.

the time the shows come along, spring fever starts in a bit, and they can sell boats higher. this time of year, the dealer wants the boats out, so they can restock with the next years models.