We're thinking of a mid-size Catalina, 27-30 foot probably, for weekending on the East Coast, and want to know if you get the best deal at the boat shows or can you get the same price during the spring/summer? If you are moving up from a smaller boat, is it better to sell it yourself or trade in? Do the prices vary much from dealer to dealer of the same brand (Catalina)? Are they as negotiable with pricing & xtras as cars? Is it worth buying from a dealer further way if the price is better?
Best way to buy a new boat?
- Thread starter JWL
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Boat Show Specials
My experience says that you might find some Dealer incentive type pricing on some boat show boats. For example, in 2003, Catalina was offering some $5K in "extras" as part of their boat show pricing on our C350 at the Seattle Boat show. The extra's were a below deck autopilot, dodger, full canvas package and the VHF w/RAM mic. Not exactly sure whether it was all Catalina (the manufacturer) or if the Dealer kicked in some. Another thought is to keep your eye out for a new boat in dealer stock - maybe it had been ordered and a deal fell through, etc. Just like in automobiles, Dealers aren't going to want to hold that inventory any longer than they have to and may be in a position to make a deal when they want to bring in the next year's model for some show. Another option might be to work a deal where you get a reduced price or some extra's by letting a dealer use your boat (before it's delivered to you) for a boat show. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
My experience says that you might find some Dealer incentive type pricing on some boat show boats. For example, in 2003, Catalina was offering some $5K in "extras" as part of their boat show pricing on our C350 at the Seattle Boat show. The extra's were a below deck autopilot, dodger, full canvas package and the VHF w/RAM mic. Not exactly sure whether it was all Catalina (the manufacturer) or if the Dealer kicked in some. Another thought is to keep your eye out for a new boat in dealer stock - maybe it had been ordered and a deal fell through, etc. Just like in automobiles, Dealers aren't going to want to hold that inventory any longer than they have to and may be in a position to make a deal when they want to bring in the next year's model for some show. Another option might be to work a deal where you get a reduced price or some extra's by letting a dealer use your boat (before it's delivered to you) for a boat show. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
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Tim McCarty
We recently traded up...
My wife and I recently took advantage of boat show specials early (just after the Cleveland boat show), and worked a trade on my old Hunter 29.5 to a Cat 310. We considered buying a 310 through Massey down in St Pete and having it shipped up (incidently, the boat is still there, with all kinds of options, and a REALLY good price). In the end, I had to eat about 5 grand (rolled into the new loan), but I believe that we ended up with a decent deal on a really beautiful boat.
My wife and I recently took advantage of boat show specials early (just after the Cleveland boat show), and worked a trade on my old Hunter 29.5 to a Cat 310. We considered buying a 310 through Massey down in St Pete and having it shipped up (incidently, the boat is still there, with all kinds of options, and a REALLY good price). In the end, I had to eat about 5 grand (rolled into the new loan), but I believe that we ended up with a decent deal on a really beautiful boat.
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Steve
Best way to buy a boat
Do your homework so you know exactly what you want and what you want to pay for it. Get the cash together and visit the boat show. Wait for the last hour of the last day. Be tough and make the dealer squirm If you don't like it, walk away. You want to hear the broker say "forget it! I'll sell it to someone else!" At this point it is reasonable to assume their margins are now as thin as they get.
Do your homework so you know exactly what you want and what you want to pay for it. Get the cash together and visit the boat show. Wait for the last hour of the last day. Be tough and make the dealer squirm If you don't like it, walk away. You want to hear the broker say "forget it! I'll sell it to someone else!" At this point it is reasonable to assume their margins are now as thin as they get.
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roger marshutz
financing
When we bought our new Cat. 310 I took out a boat loan My monthly payments were $800. Later I refinanced my house and put the boat on the house loan. This was a 30 year fixed. Now my payments are $800 including the home loan and boat. If I was going to keep the boat for 30 years this would not make sense but I am 75 and who know how many more years i can sail...hopefully at least 10. Then sell the boat and refi the house and lower my payments.
When we bought our new Cat. 310 I took out a boat loan My monthly payments were $800. Later I refinanced my house and put the boat on the house loan. This was a 30 year fixed. Now my payments are $800 including the home loan and boat. If I was going to keep the boat for 30 years this would not make sense but I am 75 and who know how many more years i can sail...hopefully at least 10. Then sell the boat and refi the house and lower my payments.
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Ken
My new boat is only months old
I got the one foot-its at the Dallas Winter boat show in 2004. Shopped two local dealers pretty hard and ended up going with the Dealer on my lake-Inland Sailing, and they are great. I believe I did get a good deal as they took my Cal 2-25 in on trade at a price I was very happy with. My boat payment is about the same as a nice car-just for a lot longer. It is wise to get pre approved to know how much you can handle-we went through Essex Credit and had a great experience with them as well. My rate is 5.5% (Rates are somewhat higher now). After you get preapproved any good dealer will walk you through the process step by step--I know Inland did for me. Also you are not always limited to a local dealer in your area as many will deliver and comission your boat at your marina-so it would pay to make some phone calls. Get references from other owners as well. How they treat current and past clients speaks volumes on how well your experience will go. One last thing if you buy a new Catalina make sure you take the factory tour while your Hull is on the line-it is great to see it under construction. The tour is free last about 3 hours and worth it. Ken Catalina 310 Hull #282
I got the one foot-its at the Dallas Winter boat show in 2004. Shopped two local dealers pretty hard and ended up going with the Dealer on my lake-Inland Sailing, and they are great. I believe I did get a good deal as they took my Cal 2-25 in on trade at a price I was very happy with. My boat payment is about the same as a nice car-just for a lot longer. It is wise to get pre approved to know how much you can handle-we went through Essex Credit and had a great experience with them as well. My rate is 5.5% (Rates are somewhat higher now). After you get preapproved any good dealer will walk you through the process step by step--I know Inland did for me. Also you are not always limited to a local dealer in your area as many will deliver and comission your boat at your marina-so it would pay to make some phone calls. Get references from other owners as well. How they treat current and past clients speaks volumes on how well your experience will go. One last thing if you buy a new Catalina make sure you take the factory tour while your Hull is on the line-it is great to see it under construction. The tour is free last about 3 hours and worth it. Ken Catalina 310 Hull #282
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Barbarella
boat show specials
Thanks for all the advice. Has anyone had a good experience with buying at the Annapolis show?
Thanks for all the advice. Has anyone had a good experience with buying at the Annapolis show?
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