buying new - how many $ to offer?

[Chuck]

If you were considering buying new, how would you go about figuring a reasonable price to offer the dealer? I know I'm not about to pay list, and it seems to me that in this economy some good deals can be had. However, I can't seem to get a handle on how much markdown is possible. It was easy with my last car, what with all the Edmunds.com and NADA info, but this boat thing is another matter altogether. I seem to be able to get lots of data on used boats, but little or nothing on new boats.Any advice would be much appreciated!Chuck

 

[Frank Ladd]

Depends on the boat and the dealer.

I'd say you are going to pay full list on something like a Hunter 216 from almost any dealer because there is just not that much money in the boat. Sometimes a dealer has a boat on his lot that has been sitting for almost a year and he'll give a good discount just to make room for a newer or more popular model. The rest of the time you'll be very lucky to get more than 5 to 10% off list. It might be better to see what you can get added at a discount because at times the dealers installation crew is not that busy and you can get things installed for a bargain.I seems to me that many buyers are intent on getting the lowest price where there is less than 10% difference from one dealer to the next. Instead I'd concentrate on finding the dealer that has the most knowledge and best service record, that will make a much greater difference to your enjoyment of the boat in years to come.

 

[Darren Mayes]

Have you seen this link on Hunter's site?

http://www.huntermarine.com/models/260/260-price.htmlUnderstand that I just BOUGHT a 260 and am not in any way related to anything marine / marina job-wise or investment-wise (other than my 260!).But I agree with what is stated in the hunter link. And would whole heartedly agree with Frank's response concerning the level of service from the dealer... IMHO, that shoudl be your #1 priority if you don't intend on doing everything yourself.Darren

 

[Chuck]

thanks

Darren,Would you mind if we talked by phone? I'd like to find out some things about Florida dealers. I'm at 678-873-6219 Thanks.Chuck

 

[Frank Ladd]

Wow Darren!

The factory is sure proud of their bottom paint!The cost for the roller furling seems low, I wonder if that is just for the parts or if that is the installed cost. I also think it is odd that they have standard prices for depth and speed gauges but no standard prices for an auto pilot. I'd definately go for the autopilot as I often sail short handed. I like Hunter's open pricing policy.

 

[Darren Mayes]

I wonder...

I don't know which model it is, but one of them they often show with a bright blue (not bottom paint) up the the rub rail. I can't imagine how much that option costs!I think that Hunter wanted to provide options that were: most requested and also the ones that might best be performed by at the factory. While it is just me, I would rather Hunter perform the items that require thru-hull than the dealer (although that wasn't what happened in my case).Auto-pilot is my next major purchase... and then I would also liek wind-instrument as well.Chuck, why don't you email me: dmayes@iwon.com first and we can exchange a couple of emails and go from there.Darren