I've saved my pennnis for the Boat Show in Toronto, I need a few things...new Head, holding tank, VHF radio, wiring, etc. Typically are there a lot of deals to be had, or are the prices jacked up? I've never been to a boat show before, but I have been to several motorcycle shows, and there were always deals to be had, I've been working on the assumption that the boat show will be more or less the same.
Boat Show pricing
- Thread starter dwayne13628
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Deals, deals, deals
There are some truly great deals to be had at boat shows. I picked up a soft boom vang at the Miami show last year for about half the cost of a similar unit from West Marine. But like anywhere: caveat emptor. Some vendors charge bust-out retail, some charge their everyday prices. I have never run across anyone who actually charged more than regular retail at a boat show. As always, if you do your homework and know what it costs regularly, you will be able to ferret out the deals quickly. I have had my best results when I go shopping for one or two things that I know I want and I have researched prices and availabilty beforehand. Good luck!
There are some truly great deals to be had at boat shows. I picked up a soft boom vang at the Miami show last year for about half the cost of a similar unit from West Marine. But like anywhere: caveat emptor. Some vendors charge bust-out retail, some charge their everyday prices. I have never run across anyone who actually charged more than regular retail at a boat show. As always, if you do your homework and know what it costs regularly, you will be able to ferret out the deals quickly. I have had my best results when I go shopping for one or two things that I know I want and I have researched prices and availabilty beforehand. Good luck!
You can match the pricing locally!
Being a grumpy old fart, and no longer getting free tickets to the Toronto Boat Show, I said the hell with them. Those tickets disappeared when I got tired of being cold and wet all the time in one design racing, and went over to keel boats. You will find that several of the larger Toronto area chandleries do not enter the boat show (show display costs are ridiculous), so they stay home in their shops. These guys will match any show price you may get, or maybe even better it. I have always found that it is best go get to know a couple of local established chandleries and give them all your business. They can beat the big boys any day of the week when they know you are going to be supporting them regularly.
Being a grumpy old fart, and no longer getting free tickets to the Toronto Boat Show, I said the hell with them. Those tickets disappeared when I got tired of being cold and wet all the time in one design racing, and went over to keel boats. You will find that several of the larger Toronto area chandleries do not enter the boat show (show display costs are ridiculous), so they stay home in their shops. These guys will match any show price you may get, or maybe even better it. I have always found that it is best go get to know a couple of local established chandleries and give them all your business. They can beat the big boys any day of the week when they know you are going to be supporting them regularly.
Electronics usually have very good show prices...
Head, maybe but not likely......but a holding tank is NOT something to get at a show.
Head, maybe but not likely......but a holding tank is NOT something to get at a show.
Check out the deals:
from the NY show: 2 Henri Lloyd parkas at $29.99 each, a Garmin GPSMAP 76C for $229. I don't think you'll be able to beat that locally, although I am all in favor of supporting the local folks. Sometimes the price is too good to ignore. This was on the last Saturday.
from the NY show: 2 Henri Lloyd parkas at $29.99 each, a Garmin GPSMAP 76C for $229. I don't think you'll be able to beat that locally, although I am all in favor of supporting the local folks. Sometimes the price is too good to ignore. This was on the last Saturday.
Nice show
Last year was the first year I went to the Toronto show. I took no extra $ I just wanted to look and see if there were any deals and go on some boats I know I'll never own. This summer I made a list of things I would like to have for the boat and watched the exchange rate really fall. Today it was $1.16 not as good as past years but,it'll help. It's a nice day to just look and crawl around boats and all the new equipment, go for dinner and watch it snow like hell outside as we ride the bus back home.
Last year was the first year I went to the Toronto show. I took no extra $ I just wanted to look and see if there were any deals and go on some boats I know I'll never own. This summer I made a list of things I would like to have for the boat and watched the exchange rate really fall. Today it was $1.16 not as good as past years but,it'll help. It's a nice day to just look and crawl around boats and all the new equipment, go for dinner and watch it snow like hell outside as we ride the bus back home.
Sometimes bargains
I have sometimes found some bargains- last year West marine had the backrest/seatcushions on sale for 49$ cdn. Look for the specials, know your prices before you go. As far as i can remember all the chandleries in Toronto were there last year- even the Dock Shoppe!
I have sometimes found some bargains- last year West marine had the backrest/seatcushions on sale for 49$ cdn. Look for the specials, know your prices before you go. As far as i can remember all the chandleries in Toronto were there last year- even the Dock Shoppe!
Toronto Show
Dwayne, keep in mind that the chandlery booths at the show are only a fraction of the size of their stores, so they don't stock everything. Nat's in Pickering is one of the chandlery's that doesn't go to the show but advertises that he'll match prices.
Dwayne, keep in mind that the chandlery booths at the show are only a fraction of the size of their stores, so they don't stock everything. Nat's in Pickering is one of the chandlery's that doesn't go to the show but advertises that he'll match prices.
Show Deals
Years ago I made a mistake of shopping at a boat show and trying to get a price match from West of BoatUS on my way home. They would not match the show price so the message is BUY YOUR STUFF AT THE SHOW!
Years ago I made a mistake of shopping at a boat show and trying to get a price match from West of BoatUS on my way home. They would not match the show price so the message is BUY YOUR STUFF AT THE SHOW!
Fun anyway
Deals or no, the shows are still fun. For your holding tank try Ronco Plastics - Lots of sizes and they'll put your fittings wherever you want. Maybe they can even throw in a Veg-o-matic!
Deals or no, the shows are still fun. For your holding tank try Ronco Plastics - Lots of sizes and they'll put your fittings wherever you want. Maybe they can even throw in a Veg-o-matic!
Sorry, no vegomatics from Ronco Plastics 
Ronco Plastics is different company...not the one that makes such wonders as the Vegomatic and the Pocket Fisherman. But they do make TOP quality water and waste tanks for a very reasonable price and have more than 400 shapes and sizes in their catalog, including over 100 non-rectangular. You can save a small fortune in shipping charges for anything you buy from the US if you rent an address from one of the "mailboxes etc" type places in the nearest town on our side of the border. It won't help with the exchange rate or save you any applicable duty, but it does eliminate the outrageous "customs brokerage fees" that UPS, FedX etc charge and reduce their much higher "international" shipping rates to the domestic rate. Plus you get your purchases in days instead of weeks. Monthly rent for the address is very nominal...even better if several of your friends/dockmates go in on it together and take turns coming over to pick up your purchases. And btw, there's NOTHING illegal about it unless you try to avoid any duties or tax on something by failing to declare it.
Ronco Plastics is different company...not the one that makes such wonders as the Vegomatic and the Pocket Fisherman. But they do make TOP quality water and waste tanks for a very reasonable price and have more than 400 shapes and sizes in their catalog, including over 100 non-rectangular. You can save a small fortune in shipping charges for anything you buy from the US if you rent an address from one of the "mailboxes etc" type places in the nearest town on our side of the border. It won't help with the exchange rate or save you any applicable duty, but it does eliminate the outrageous "customs brokerage fees" that UPS, FedX etc charge and reduce their much higher "international" shipping rates to the domestic rate. Plus you get your purchases in days instead of weeks. Monthly rent for the address is very nominal...even better if several of your friends/dockmates go in on it together and take turns coming over to pick up your purchases. And btw, there's NOTHING illegal about it unless you try to avoid any duties or tax on something by failing to declare it.
Look for the West Marine Booth
Last year at the Atlanta Boat Show (January), the West Marine/Boat US folks had a booth set up. What I found extrodinary were the coupons they were giving away that were good for very deep discounts on many items as well as cash off items exceeding $100.00. We grabbed a bunch of them and over the last year they paid off in much needed gear at great savings. I do not know if West Marine/Boat US is givng them away again, but its certainly worth noting
Last year at the Atlanta Boat Show (January), the West Marine/Boat US folks had a booth set up. What I found extrodinary were the coupons they were giving away that were good for very deep discounts on many items as well as cash off items exceeding $100.00. We grabbed a bunch of them and over the last year they paid off in much needed gear at great savings. I do not know if West Marine/Boat US is givng them away again, but its certainly worth noting
Comment on Seattle Boatshow
Went to the Seattle boat show last Sunday. Both the in water version on Lk Union, and the primarily power boat, and accessory’s, Quest Field show. I didn’t look for deals, because I have little money to spend, but I found the selection of sailboats to board at Lk. Union pretty impressive. Among others, I liked the C&C 99, C&C 115, Jeaneau 49, Hallberg Rassy 34, Tarten 34, Tarten 37, and my favorite, the Wauquiez 40 pilot saloon. I didn’t dare to look too closely at the new Wauquiez 47, for fear I wouldn’t want to get off it. But the overall feeling I get looking at these fine boats is that I’m very happy with mine. Functionally, mine does the same things that these others do. It may not be as fast, as roomy, or have some of the fine woodwork, but it‘s closer than not. I’m sure many others feel the same way about their boats. Besides, as I stood on that Jeaneau 49, I tried to imagine trying to dock it by myself. I might never leave the dock if I owned that thing! I just get a kick out of looking at boats any time I can.
Went to the Seattle boat show last Sunday. Both the in water version on Lk Union, and the primarily power boat, and accessory’s, Quest Field show. I didn’t look for deals, because I have little money to spend, but I found the selection of sailboats to board at Lk. Union pretty impressive. Among others, I liked the C&C 99, C&C 115, Jeaneau 49, Hallberg Rassy 34, Tarten 34, Tarten 37, and my favorite, the Wauquiez 40 pilot saloon. I didn’t dare to look too closely at the new Wauquiez 47, for fear I wouldn’t want to get off it. But the overall feeling I get looking at these fine boats is that I’m very happy with mine. Functionally, mine does the same things that these others do. It may not be as fast, as roomy, or have some of the fine woodwork, but it‘s closer than not. I’m sure many others feel the same way about their boats. Besides, as I stood on that Jeaneau 49, I tried to imagine trying to dock it by myself. I might never leave the dock if I owned that thing! I just get a kick out of looking at boats any time I can.
Seattle Show too
Jon - I had fun at the Seattle show as well. They do a great job of getting a bunch of different kinds of boats together in one place (and in the water!) for folks like us to wander around in awe. As you noted, my wife and I both end up saying "we like our boat" after sticking our noses into just about everything there. It's not the biggest, fanciest, most expensive, most "bluewater capable", or even the most modern, up-to-date boat, but it is ours and it really fits our needs and we like her. Here's a picture of one small part of the in the water show last Saturday - before the deluge of rain hit. You might note just how much bigger that Catalina 44 is compared to the C36 next to her. And for strange looking - take a look at the new Jeaneau 44 (or 45) deck salon - it looks like some sort of bubbletop. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Jon - I had fun at the Seattle show as well. They do a great job of getting a bunch of different kinds of boats together in one place (and in the water!) for folks like us to wander around in awe. As you noted, my wife and I both end up saying "we like our boat" after sticking our noses into just about everything there. It's not the biggest, fanciest, most expensive, most "bluewater capable", or even the most modern, up-to-date boat, but it is ours and it really fits our needs and we like her. Here's a picture of one small part of the in the water show last Saturday - before the deluge of rain hit. You might note just how much bigger that Catalina 44 is compared to the C36 next to her. And for strange looking - take a look at the new Jeaneau 44 (or 45) deck salon - it looks like some sort of bubbletop. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Seattle Show too too
Another shot - this one of the indoor show - 99% powerboats, and tons of other vendors. Bought some companionway doors from Cruising Concepts this year - we've wanted those for years. And a 2006 Tide and Current book - gotta get one of those every year. Yes I like the boat show. I have since I was a kid. Don't have to buy a thing, just look at the shiny stuff..... Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Another shot - this one of the indoor show - 99% powerboats, and tons of other vendors. Bought some companionway doors from Cruising Concepts this year - we've wanted those for years. And a 2006 Tide and Current book - gotta get one of those every year. Yes I like the boat show. I have since I was a kid. Don't have to buy a thing, just look at the shiny stuff..... Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Chicago Strictly Sail VIP Ticket Packages
I was looking at the varios ticket packages for the Chicago Strictly SAil Show and was wondering if anyone has purchased the VIP packages. What are all the premiums usually included in the $250 value of WM product put in the bag? Is the ticket worth the $50 premium over the standard ticket? Is the WM duffle bag woth the $50? How are the varios classes(pay? Are they worth the prices or are they really beginner classes?
I was looking at the varios ticket packages for the Chicago Strictly SAil Show and was wondering if anyone has purchased the VIP packages. What are all the premiums usually included in the $250 value of WM product put in the bag? Is the ticket worth the $50 premium over the standard ticket? Is the WM duffle bag woth the $50? How are the varios classes(pay? Are they worth the prices or are they really beginner classes?
Chicago Strictly sail
Last year was our first time to the Chicago show and we had a great time found some owesome deals and met some hero's os sailing. If nothing else it is a good place to see touch and play with a lot of gagets and talk to the people that really know about them. West Marine had a booth last year and we also were able to walk away with a lot of coupons that we used at our local store later in the year. It is a lot of fun to see all the new boats and dream and the the middle of winter it is a away to get some of that summer feeling back.
Last year was our first time to the Chicago show and we had a great time found some owesome deals and met some hero's os sailing. If nothing else it is a good place to see touch and play with a lot of gagets and talk to the people that really know about them. West Marine had a booth last year and we also were able to walk away with a lot of coupons that we used at our local store later in the year. It is a lot of fun to see all the new boats and dream and the the middle of winter it is a away to get some of that summer feeling back.
vip tickets
I bought the vip ticket last year, the perks make it worth it if you are going to go at least 3 of the days, I gave one of my tickets away last year. I purchased one this year over the internet and they are also giving me a year of Yachting magazine for free. Last year I had several drink tickets that came with the package. I think they changed it to a happy hour this year which is finger foods and one beverage per day between 5-7 pm. The west marine bag last year was pretty durable and came in handy for toting stuff around during the boat show. The vip ticket also lets you check your coat and feel secure were you leave it. Anyhow hope to see you there. Tim Welsh H34 S/V Cabo Wabo
I bought the vip ticket last year, the perks make it worth it if you are going to go at least 3 of the days, I gave one of my tickets away last year. I purchased one this year over the internet and they are also giving me a year of Yachting magazine for free. Last year I had several drink tickets that came with the package. I think they changed it to a happy hour this year which is finger foods and one beverage per day between 5-7 pm. The west marine bag last year was pretty durable and came in handy for toting stuff around during the boat show. The vip ticket also lets you check your coat and feel secure were you leave it. Anyhow hope to see you there. Tim Welsh H34 S/V Cabo Wabo
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