Help me buy a boat

[wincrasher]

I went and looked at a new boat this weekend. Trying to keep the fever in check, but struggling!

To get what I want, I'd have to order it - so no buying off the floor.

The dealer gave me a quote. Didn't show MSRP - said it was "their discount pricing".

I went online and poked around. All the MSRP's were higher than what my dealer is quoting with options, but I can't find enough information to match up options, etc.

Does anyone have boat buying experience or know where to find invoice pricing? Already checked nadaguides and they have the MSRP for the base setup and that's it.

Not trying to crucify my dealer on price, but I want to know I'm getting a fair shake. Also don't want to piss them off, as I may need them for service. This is about a $65k purchase, so I want to be careful.

[bjl584]

I'm assuming that you want a brand new boat? If you don't mind used, there are tons of them out there. Most are only a few years old and hardly have any hours on the engine. A lot of people buy boats and let them sit in the driveway more than they put them on the water. Just something to consider. Boats depreciate pretty fast as well.

You might find something here:

New Boat Invoice Pricing! - Powerboating Forum - Boating World Magazine

[sandrark]

We use boattrader.com

Good search interface...

Sandi

[mcfroggin]

I agree with looking at used boats. Boats are a good way to throw money into the water.

[terces]

They say the two best days in your life are when you buy a boat & the day you sell that boat.

Do yourself a favor and buy a slightly used boat. They depreciate faster than cars.

[GREENBACK]

Originally Posted by terces

Do yourself a favor and buy a slightly used boat. They depreciate faster than cars.

While they do depreciate they aren't typically used like cars and can last for many more years. I'm in a climate that makes boating a seasonal thing so not many hours are put on the engine as compared to a car. I have a small outboard from the 60's that still runs great. I have a much newer motor from 2005 that will likely last me the rest of my life. I agree with buying used but you get a good deal even if you buy new.

[wincrasher]

Wasn't looking on advice for used vs. new. I'm looking to buy a new boat.

Problem is, can't find any good information on new boats like you can for cars. Wanting to figure out what invoice price is for the particular boat I'm looking at plus all the options.

[jerrycates]

What a very nice thought. A man's dream (or woman maybe) to own a boat and sail off to seas! I like to go fishing so I also would love a boat, but would it be too troublesome to maintain and all? Hope you get what you want.. good luck.

[sandrark]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

Wasn't looking on advice for used vs. new. I'm looking to buy a new boat.

Problem is, can't find any good information on new boats like you can for cars. Wanting to figure out what invoice price is for the particular boat I'm looking at plus all the options.

Win, the Nada Guide has info on boats.

Prices & Used Values for Boats, PWC, Outboard Motors & Boat Trailers

Sandi

[jeffrey]

heh -- tha happiest day for those who buy boats is the day they buy it and the day they sell it And I come from a family of boaters.

[sylviaB]

A brand new boat is expensive. Just something to consider. Boats depreciate pretty fast as well.

[cschin4]

What kind of boating do you want to do? We have a nice river and i was pondering getting an inflatable boat. You can get inflatable boats and kayaks and even a small attatchable motor. If your plan is to just kind of float around, fish or gently sight see, that may be a very inexpensive option. If you want to water ski or speed boat, then that wouldn't work. I just like to be out on the water so that is good enough for me.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Wincrasher, I remember my husband saying the same thing when he got his first new boat (after a used boat and our beloved canoe ). The internet was not as well developed at the time, so even finding listings for sales was more unlikely. In the end, he just made the deal with the only area dealer of the maker, and did not fret too much about getting the greatest deal. Like you, he assumed we would need the good will of the dealer toward future service.

I later wished he had put some time into determining the prevalence of mechanics who were certified for this not uncommon motor. We had a great mechanic, but had to tow --or sometimes drive-- a crippled boat to him some distance away. Mechanics for other motors were everywhere. When we moved the boat to a more rural marina, with no suitable mechanic nearby, it was a chore getting work done on the motor.