Boat Show Deals?

[JohnBoy]

I am the proud owner of a new 2009 36' Hunter - she was launched Thursday and the mast was raised yesterday. I have never owned a NEW boat before (I am so excited I am having trouble controlling my bodily functions...), and I need a variety of items - Lifesling II, first aid kit, tools, a few more pfd's, a grill, pedestal cover, etc.

My question - the Chicago Strictly Sail Boat Show is coming up, and I am curious as to if there are typically pretty good bargains at the boat shows for accessories? Chicago is 5 hours away from me, and is an easy drive - If I can save 20% or more, it might be worth it. Any thoughts/help?

Thanks!

 

[Tim R.]

You would probably be better off looking for deals here or on ebay. Unless you are planning on going to the show anyway.

I just booked my trip to the NE boat show in Feb. Train, hotel, show tickets and meals total about $250. Hopefully I can save that much on a pair of Harken winches and some other odds and ends.

 

[r.oril]

Congrats

Pictures Please! I had to look on Google at a 2008 model.

Congrats!

 

[Paul356]

Bargain shopping is hit or miss at Chicago. Some vendors have boat show deals that may or may not cover items you want. Prices at the show may or may not be better than what's available on-line. If you see something you like but are not ready to buy at the show or don't know the exact size, etc., most of the dealers seem willing to offer their boat show discounts for some period after you get home. That way you can also go home and check pricing elsewhere. Some dealers also have clearance or closeout sales (usually more on clothing, etc.) that can be very nice buys on the available items.

To me, one big advantage of going to the show is that at many of the vendor booths you can talk to a company rep who actually knows the products well and can make recommendations. You can also see the products first hand. This is not so important for standard items as for custom or pricier things like props, sails, electronics, and so on. Also, you may get some ideas just walking around. I bought a nice foul weather jacket with built in life vest only because I saw its debut at the show and was able to try it on.

Hunter always has a big display. Your dealer might be there, and ought to at least buy you a beer!

I have a 356, the first incarnation of the current 36, and love it. I'll be at the show Saturday and will look for your smiling face.

--pb

 

[Steve Dion]

Check with West Marine. They typically will give you a coupon for a 90 day discount after you purchase a new/used boat.

There are some excellent deals at the shows. You just need to know what the prices are before you go. I purchased a Lewmar windlass for about $600, no tax and cheap shipping at last years Pacific Sail Expo.

 

[Andy1237]

And don't forget to shop at home..right here at hunterowners.co

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Before you head for a show...

Check prices in the online chandlery here for the gear you want and compare it with "show special" prices. Often you'll find the show price is higher than you can buy for here. Show vendors also have to charge whatever the sales tax rate is for the state/county/city sales tax in the show's location...no sales tax for anything you buy from the sbo.com chandlery unless you live in WA, which more than offsets shipping charges for most things.

 

[Ken Honeycutt]

Congrats on your new Hunter. We bought a 2008 36 summer before last. Fantastic boat! I'm practically counting the seconds before we can get her back in the water. Also good to see that Hunter is still selling boats despite the economy.

I picked up some pretty good deals at the Chicago Strictly Sail show in the past. Mostly hardware (Gaurhaur and Harken have some big displays). Also some of the local vendors have some bargains (Crowley's , West Marine etc.) on clothes as well as life vests etc. I ordered some life vests from ebay when I bought my boat. Turned out I could have bought them for even less at the boat show (around 10% less than ebay) at last winters show:cussing:.

Some excellent seminars too.

The Hunter dealer is Racine Riverside Marine that displays there.

 

[JohnBoy]

Thanks!

Thank you everyone for your comments/suggestions. The website is a great resource, and everyone I have come across is so willing to help. Still not sure what I will do - I think I am just looking for an excuse to hit the Windy City!