Looking to buy my first sailboat. Have no idea what the protocol is or what to offer. Passionate about Hunter's but ignorant about negotiating a price.
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Try two or three dealers.
You probably want to get quotes from 2 or 3 dealers. What you may find is that they are all going to quote you ABOUT the same price. It depends on what they are going to do for you (and in some cases, what they are going to do TO you). The boats shows are a good place to shop for a new boat too. They sometimes have specials and throw in some of these extras or have some other incentives. Just remember that, whatever price YOU pay is only going to be a good deal if you think it is. Once you have your boat in the water and the dealer has taken care of all the little things. Some of the problems with boats are the factory and some are the dealer comissioning. There is usually no problem with the factory taking care of their part of the bargin, it is sometimes a different story with the dealers. Before you sign a deal, check with others that have purchased a boat from that dealer. Get their opinion and then make your decision.
You probably want to get quotes from 2 or 3 dealers. What you may find is that they are all going to quote you ABOUT the same price. It depends on what they are going to do for you (and in some cases, what they are going to do TO you). The boats shows are a good place to shop for a new boat too. They sometimes have specials and throw in some of these extras or have some other incentives. Just remember that, whatever price YOU pay is only going to be a good deal if you think it is. Once you have your boat in the water and the dealer has taken care of all the little things. Some of the problems with boats are the factory and some are the dealer comissioning. There is usually no problem with the factory taking care of their part of the bargin, it is sometimes a different story with the dealers. Before you sign a deal, check with others that have purchased a boat from that dealer. Get their opinion and then make your decision.
My two cents
Actually, when I total it all up, it's my half million bucks. Gulp! I suggest you shop for the best dealer rather than the best price. This is _espeically_ true on a new boat. They always have a few bugs. Always. With a good dealer this is no big deal and you experience will be positive. Not always true, though, and the archives are littered with less positive experiences. Whatever you save in purchase price will be nothing compared to what you save with a dealer that will stand behind the boat they sell.
Actually, when I total it all up, it's my half million bucks. Gulp! I suggest you shop for the best dealer rather than the best price. This is _espeically_ true on a new boat. They always have a few bugs. Always. With a good dealer this is no big deal and you experience will be positive. Not always true, though, and the archives are littered with less positive experiences. Whatever you save in purchase price will be nothing compared to what you save with a dealer that will stand behind the boat they sell.
NEW BOAT
I bought a new [99]450 and still regret it because of the nonsense. I dont think any dealer can please you 100% and phil is right dont go by price. Mine is for sale but beyond your size. I bought a used 49ft and am very happy,the guy before me went through all the hassle, just the same as going to happen now.
I bought a new [99]450 and still regret it because of the nonsense. I dont think any dealer can please you 100% and phil is right dont go by price. Mine is for sale but beyond your size. I bought a used 49ft and am very happy,the guy before me went through all the hassle, just the same as going to happen now.
get to know your rigger.......
I would walk around the dealers lot until I run into the guy that is doing the rigging on all the boats.... talk to him, get an idea of what his knowledge is, and if he knows his stuff... buy him a bottle of good scotch and make him your friend. Actually, I did it backwards.. I had a good friend who was the rigger for a dealer and he talked me into buying the boat that I now have owned for 19 years... a Hunter 1982 33footer. Guess I owe him a bottle. My piont is, the dealer was an a__hole, without the help of my friend the rigger, there were several things that would have been left undone. And yes, my friend does like scotch, so, once in a while, you have to get "inside the company" to be fully taken care of. good luck.
I would walk around the dealers lot until I run into the guy that is doing the rigging on all the boats.... talk to him, get an idea of what his knowledge is, and if he knows his stuff... buy him a bottle of good scotch and make him your friend. Actually, I did it backwards.. I had a good friend who was the rigger for a dealer and he talked me into buying the boat that I now have owned for 19 years... a Hunter 1982 33footer. Guess I owe him a bottle. My piont is, the dealer was an a__hole, without the help of my friend the rigger, there were several things that would have been left undone. And yes, my friend does like scotch, so, once in a while, you have to get "inside the company" to be fully taken care of. good luck.
Thanks everyone!!
I appreciate your comments. Best wishs for a great holiday season and New Year!
I appreciate your comments. Best wishs for a great holiday season and New Year!
What about used?
What about a used boat? We bought our 376 when she was 2 years old. The kinks were worked out, and the price of ours with lots of goodies was les than a new one with nothing? We located 2 similar 376's (one trade-in, one broker) and held a reverse auction to drive down the price. When one yelled uncle we bought it (not the other one with less equipment) Saved thousands RREgge S/V Allie Kat
What about a used boat? We bought our 376 when she was 2 years old. The kinks were worked out, and the price of ours with lots of goodies was les than a new one with nothing? We located 2 similar 376's (one trade-in, one broker) and held a reverse auction to drive down the price. When one yelled uncle we bought it (not the other one with less equipment) Saved thousands RREgge S/V Allie Kat
Why new?
I agree,why would you want to buy a new boat when you can buy one a couple of years old for significantly less $$. We own an 86 H31 that we bought in 1989. The boat was hardly used, and as someone stated, all the bugs and kinks were already worked out. Good luck.
I agree,why would you want to buy a new boat when you can buy one a couple of years old for significantly less $$. We own an 86 H31 that we bought in 1989. The boat was hardly used, and as someone stated, all the bugs and kinks were already worked out. Good luck.
Everyone cannot buy used!
Hey guys: Not everyone can or wants to buy a used boat. If you want a 306, 326 or a 356 (that's the one I want) you would have to wait for a year or two before these boats are going to be available. Let us let the people that want the new ones buy them so we can buy them used!
Hey guys: Not everyone can or wants to buy a used boat. If you want a 306, 326 or a 356 (that's the one I want) you would have to wait for a year or two before these boats are going to be available. Let us let the people that want the new ones buy them so we can buy them used!
good old fashioned negotiations
I have bought 2 used hunters 340 and now a 410 both from dealers. I found that similar to car dealers they will accept the sticker price (asking price) if you're willing to pay it! They are also very willing to negotiate (in most cases) price or equipment delivery terms or payment schedule. It's a business they want to sell you something and they must make a profit to stay there! It's there job to insure the profit and mine to insure I A. Get what I want/need (that includes service) B. Don't pay too much. I recomend seeing what the boats go for used, if your in the sued market I believe at least 10% off of asking price is very do-able most times. THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE is to hold back some amount (substantial) of money to insure that the dealer is motivated to get your boat commisioned and sailing shortly after delivery. Without some form of retainer my experience tells me their on to the next guy! Even the most moral, honest and forthright dealer gets busy in the spring, it's not a matter of morality it's business, he wants his money you want the boat ready to sail... Scott
I have bought 2 used hunters 340 and now a 410 both from dealers. I found that similar to car dealers they will accept the sticker price (asking price) if you're willing to pay it! They are also very willing to negotiate (in most cases) price or equipment delivery terms or payment schedule. It's a business they want to sell you something and they must make a profit to stay there! It's there job to insure the profit and mine to insure I A. Get what I want/need (that includes service) B. Don't pay too much. I recomend seeing what the boats go for used, if your in the sued market I believe at least 10% off of asking price is very do-able most times. THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE is to hold back some amount (substantial) of money to insure that the dealer is motivated to get your boat commisioned and sailing shortly after delivery. Without some form of retainer my experience tells me their on to the next guy! Even the most moral, honest and forthright dealer gets busy in the spring, it's not a matter of morality it's business, he wants his money you want the boat ready to sail... Scott
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