Boat Shows The Place To Be
The boating season has ended, and the new year will be
here soon. Like many boaters the lurer
of a new boat, bigger boat, different style of boat or add the newest
accessories to improve the performance
and comfort in boating. Or
maybe you are happy with your current boat but want an automatic boat lift. A
bigger dock locker. Dock furniture.
The question is, where can I go and have access to
various vendors, experts and get the information the I need at one convent stop.
To make the right choice for what I need?
The answer is a Boat Show!!!
Boat shows allow you to
see the newest models on display but they can also be a wealth of knowledge.
Boat shows typically will host many new
products reveal events, as well as offer information and training. Keep in mind that all boat shows are
different and let's face it, that's what makes them awesome!
Lets start with the
obvious purchase of a boat.
Buy new a boat,
or buy a used boat? That’s a tough call for a boat buyer, especially a first timer. There’s no right or wrong
answer. It all depends on you: your tastes, your budget, and your mechanical
aptitude. but you decide. Here's some factors to consider...
Benefits Buying a
Pre-Owned Boat
- With a used boat, you get more boat for fewer dollars, lower cost
per year of ownership, and less on the line if you decide a different
style or size boat would better serve you.
- It sounds funny, but there’s peace of mind in knowing you’re not
going to put the first scratch or ding in the boat.
- Any initial bugs in boat or motor have likely surfaced and been
dealt with. For reassurance, and before signing, get a marine
survey. Marine surveyors see what you can’t and look where you won’t.
First, get a survey. Then smile and buy, whittle down the price, draft
your own to-do list, or walk away.
- You get time-tested technologies. If a manufacturer brought out a
bad boat or balky motor, the Internet and other sources will wave you off.
- You can choose a style of sale—from the trade-in or used stock of a
dealer, who has to cover overhead but has a reputation to guard and a
service bay; from a broker, who has reduced overhead costs; or from a
private seller, who may be most motivated.
Benefits Buying a New
Boat
- Who doesn’t like a shiny, new toy? No need to wonder how the boat’s
been used or misused, or if it’s been adequately winterized and
commissioned. There is no history to uncover, because you’ll write this
boat’s on-water history.
- You can buy exactly what you want and not just what’s on the
preowned market. You’ll be getting the latest, greatest technology and
innovations.
- If something does go awry, you’ll have a manufacturer’s warranty to
back you up. That warranty is served by the selling dealer, which is a
good reason to buy nearby.
- You can rig it the way you want with the latest gear selected
precisely for your purpose.
Why You Should Buy a Boat
at a Boat Show
Boat shows
not only give you the opportunity to look at dozens and dozens of the latest
competing models in the same place at the same time, they also often offer some
of the best special deals, incentives, and pricing of the year.
Depending
on location, time of year, model, inventory, and other factors the amount will
vary from 10 to 20%. You may do even better on a closeout of a
previous year model since it is already a year old
Pick a
price that may be 5% to 10% off the ask, but not
so much lower that the seller is offended. You may go lower, but the price
point should tell the seller you are serious about buying the boat, not just
getting a steal on it, and will negotiate.
Progressive
Insurance suggests the following to prepare to negotiate the best new boat
price
1.
Research Prices Thoroughly. ...
2.
Consider Waiting for Off-Season Sales. ...
3.
Get Quotes from Multiple Dealers. ...
4.
Point Out Any Flaws or Issues. ...
5.
Ask About Discount Programs. ...
6.
Negotiate the Trade-In Separately. ...
7.
Master the Art of the Counteroffer. ...
8.
Sweeten the Deal with Extras.
So now you are ready to go to the boat show. According to BoatUS. Here are 7 tips for attending a boat show.
1. Dress
comfortably. You'll
walk miles, so comfortable slip-on shoes are best for getting on and off a lot
of boats. Most dealers ask that you remove shoes before boarding. Wear
loose-fitting clothes, avoid dangling jewelry, pack light, and bring your own
water, hat, and sunscreen.
2.
Attendance cost. Tickets
typically range from $12 to $35, depending on the venue. BoatUS members get
special discounts at many shows (visit BoatUS.com/Tickets). Most shows host a "VIP Day"
before the show opens. These special-admission tickets are more expensive but
often well worth it. Crowds are lighter, with more serious buyers. You'll get
more attention from dealers on these days, and unhurried tours of the boats.
3.
Security. Especially
at the bigger shows, expect a screening at the entrance. Your bags will likely
be scanned and/or inspected. Lines back up during the opening rush.
4.
Getting around. Most
shows divide boats by category — dayboats, cruisers, fishing, sailing, sport,
etc. Every show will have a brochure with a detailed floor/dock-layout map.
Larger shows have free-download apps for their specific show.
5.
Electronics. Take
cellphone pictures of your boat and nav station so the salesperson will have an
idea what you're looking for, and your installation. If you plan on fitting,
say, a new chart plotter into a spare spot on your dash, take a few dimensions
along so you'll know if the unit you're considering will fit.
6.
Homework. A
productive show starts at home. Narrow the list of boats you're most interested
in. All shows provide a list of exhibitors, and (often free) seminars on their
websites. Before you go, dig into the manufacturer's websites to learn boat
details. Think about a list of questions about the priorities on design and
accessories you're most interested in, including specifics on warranties,
servicing options, and any training options. Be prepared with a good sense of
your financial abilities, including what it will cost to insure your new pride
and joy.
7.
Getting the best deal. "Special
boat show price" signs are seen at every show, and the discounted price
can be significant. Dealers offer that price "while the show lasts,"
but the reality is they want to sell boats, so they will hold that price for serious
buyers ready to move. As a further show-only incentive, many dealers will
include significant "packages" of products you'll need anyway, which
could include gear such as electronics, docklines, life jackets, or extended
warranties or service contract.
The boats are the main attraction, of course, and a boat
show offers the opportunity to see a lot of them all in one place. Larger
national-level shows will often feature boat displays presented by the
manufacturers, which may be staffed by the factory or by local dealers. New boats are often
debuted at these shows.
Boating Accessories
Vendors offering everything
from dock lines to electronics to wake boards to foul weather gear to fuel
additives will be at the show. Where else can you compare 20 different styles
of boat shoes, and actually try them on? See new fenders in every size and
color? Meet an artist that will hand-letter a boat name on your transom, or
even paint a portrait of your boat? In a marketplace increasingly dominated by
on-line shopping it’s almost a joy to be able to actually see and touch a
product before your buy, and to speak to a real expert about it.
Boating Education & Seminars
Boat shows often have a number of demonstrations
or seminars, most free to attend, on topics ranging from boating safety and
seamanship to fishing tips from pro anglers. Each is a great way to rest your
feet and learn something new.
Boat Show Locations & Venues
At many boat shows you’ll also be able to
visit booths promoting marinas and boat-rental or boat-sharing businesses
operating in your area. You’ll be able to compare amenities and fees, and ask
questions, without tapping away hunting for websites.
Lake Ozark Marine Dealers Association promotes and
presents four (4) boats shows annually they are:
·
Overland Park Boat
Show February 15th-18th, 2024
·
St Charles Boat Show February 29th
-March 3rd, 2024
·
Lake of the Ozarks In Water Boat show Dog
Days
April 19th-21st, 2024
·
Lake of the Ozarks, In Water Boat Show,
Captains Rons
September 20th-22nd , 2024
For more
Information on the above boat shows go to https://www.lakeozarkboatdealers.com/mo-boat-shows.asp
Be prepared,
be informed, Have fun, enjoy the shows and then… Enjoy the Boating life.
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