I am considering purchasing a 41 Aft Cockpit Hunter. Last weekend, when I was in Annapolis at the Boat Show, one of the Hunter reps said her prices were lower than the other salespeople. As far as I am concerned, this is "unethical". I would like to purchase a Hunter. However, do any of you know of any dealers on the East Coast that would not wrip you off and are very fair? I know the price of the electronics has a very high markup and every sales person wants you to feel that they are making "zero" on the deal, but I don't buy any of that junk. One person at the show gave me one package, another dealer another package. What is going on? HELP me, or I will not purchase the Hunter!
PRICING ON NEW HUNTER 41
- Thread starter bubbles
- Start date
- Status
Start by taking a deep breath
The people at the show are not Hunter factory reps, they're dealers. They buy boats from Hunter at a wholesale price and set their own resale price. New boat purchases are negotiable. Find a dealer you feel comfortable with and negotiate a deal. You might start with the dealer that claims to sell at lower prices, which they have every right to do. ph.
The people at the show are not Hunter factory reps, they're dealers. They buy boats from Hunter at a wholesale price and set their own resale price. New boat purchases are negotiable. Find a dealer you feel comfortable with and negotiate a deal. You might start with the dealer that claims to sell at lower prices, which they have every right to do. ph.
Ethical dealer
You should talk to Crazy Dave of American Marine and Sail in Zebulon, NC. He sells boats all up the east coast and although as the name implies he's a little crazy he's upfront, honest, reliable, and sells a lot of boats. The web address is americanmarinesail.com
You should talk to Crazy Dave of American Marine and Sail in Zebulon, NC. He sells boats all up the east coast and although as the name implies he's a little crazy he's upfront, honest, reliable, and sells a lot of boats. The web address is americanmarinesail.com
Fair and honest
Try Sailing Specialities. They have an office in Mystic, CT and in RI. I had greta luck with Matt Leduc. I thought he was both fair and honest....
Try Sailing Specialities. They have an office in Mystic, CT and in RI. I had greta luck with Matt Leduc. I thought he was both fair and honest....
Sailing specialties,mystic
I spoke with matt and he is at the RI office call smitty smith at mystic he is great gives you plenty of space doen't hound you and very honest and fair say say nick sent you I just saw him today on his only day off he helped us out a lot with everything,I also went to all boat show's and let them price me a boat and picked the guy I liked the best.
I spoke with matt and he is at the RI office call smitty smith at mystic he is great gives you plenty of space doen't hound you and very honest and fair say say nick sent you I just saw him today on his only day off he helped us out a lot with everything,I also went to all boat show's and let them price me a boat and picked the guy I liked the best.
Hunter dealers
I have had superb service from Norton's in Deltaville, VA. They have been great with the prices and service can't be beat. Have taken care of every issue and problem (very few). I have bought two from them and would do it again.
I have had superb service from Norton's in Deltaville, VA. They have been great with the prices and service can't be beat. Have taken care of every issue and problem (very few). I have bought two from them and would do it again.
Start with the dealer for your geo area
Get the best deal they'll give you. That's who you're going to go to for service, and if they don't sell you the boat chances are you're going to be at the bottom of the list. This assumes that you're going to maintain a set local, rather than constant cruising. Price shop with other dealers, but I believe Hunter has geographic restrictions. It's dealers aren't suppossed to sell outside of the area they represent.
Get the best deal they'll give you. That's who you're going to go to for service, and if they don't sell you the boat chances are you're going to be at the bottom of the list. This assumes that you're going to maintain a set local, rather than constant cruising. Price shop with other dealers, but I believe Hunter has geographic restrictions. It's dealers aren't suppossed to sell outside of the area they represent.
Sailin Specialties
I recommend the Bristol, RI office. Talk to Rob or Matt. You can even say I recommended them! Any service coordinator can support you, but it is your dollars. Agree that there are some shady dealers; don't know what all the situation was in Annapolis but these guys (in RI) are 100% honest and fair.
I recommend the Bristol, RI office. Talk to Rob or Matt. You can even say I recommended them! Any service coordinator can support you, but it is your dollars. Agree that there are some shady dealers; don't know what all the situation was in Annapolis but these guys (in RI) are 100% honest and fair.
"unethical"?
For one dealer to sell at at lower price than the other is Unethical? What about if one buyer is a better at negoiationing than another and gets a lower price is that unethical too? (Please don't waste the space to reply to either question.) I was in Annapolis too but we might be switching to a cat... still thinking. Part of the decision process is a new Hunter. A friend of mine used to sell (new) Hunter's, he's given me the name of a dealer that will do the paper work and have the boat shipped from the factory to me for very close to (real) dealer cost. The Catalina dealer is close to offering the same deal. I think right now it's a buyers market. Annapolis? Friday the weather was Bad and Saturday by lunch you couldn't get on a boat to seriously look. I think that's my last trip (by car) to Annapolis, St. Pete is much nicer (traffic, weather and prices) in November! Good luck on your decision.
For one dealer to sell at at lower price than the other is Unethical? What about if one buyer is a better at negoiationing than another and gets a lower price is that unethical too? (Please don't waste the space to reply to either question.) I was in Annapolis too but we might be switching to a cat... still thinking. Part of the decision process is a new Hunter. A friend of mine used to sell (new) Hunter's, he's given me the name of a dealer that will do the paper work and have the boat shipped from the factory to me for very close to (real) dealer cost. The Catalina dealer is close to offering the same deal. I think right now it's a buyers market. Annapolis? Friday the weather was Bad and Saturday by lunch you couldn't get on a boat to seriously look. I think that's my last trip (by car) to Annapolis, St. Pete is much nicer (traffic, weather and prices) in November! Good luck on your decision.
sailing specialties
I am on my second hunter from Sailing Specialties - a 336 from Mystic and a new 386 from Bristol. Of course i feel that pricing is a major issue, but there is another thing that has not been mentioned - service. They have gone out of their way to make sure that everything is the way it is suppose to be. All questions and concerns are answered quickly and any "problems/situations" corrected in a timely manner. For myself, i know that i would pay a few dollars more to know that there is good follow through!
I am on my second hunter from Sailing Specialties - a 336 from Mystic and a new 386 from Bristol. Of course i feel that pricing is a major issue, but there is another thing that has not been mentioned - service. They have gone out of their way to make sure that everything is the way it is suppose to be. All questions and concerns are answered quickly and any "problems/situations" corrected in a timely manner. For myself, i know that i would pay a few dollars more to know that there is good follow through!
Sailing Specialties
Concur with all the favorable replies about Sailing Specialties. I bought a 44DS from them (Matt Leduc) this past summer and they've been wonderful. As Matt put it when I bought the boat "we're not just sails people (pun intended!) when we sell you the bought, we become family and will be there for you in the future". Honest guys and sailors as well!
Concur with all the favorable replies about Sailing Specialties. I bought a 44DS from them (Matt Leduc) this past summer and they've been wonderful. As Matt put it when I bought the boat "we're not just sails people (pun intended!) when we sell you the bought, we become family and will be there for you in the future". Honest guys and sailors as well!
Sounds like a good situation
where there are multiple dealers after your business and there actually is some competition going on. The manufacturer can have a suggested retail price but it is illegal for him to tell a dealer what he can sell for. I would take advantage of the situation to get a reasonable price from dealer I feel comfortable with. If you don't feel comfortable with the broker offering the Wallmart pricing use it as a guide. You don't sound like the type of person who wants the absolute lowest price but maybe good value for the price paid.
where there are multiple dealers after your business and there actually is some competition going on. The manufacturer can have a suggested retail price but it is illegal for him to tell a dealer what he can sell for. I would take advantage of the situation to get a reasonable price from dealer I feel comfortable with. If you don't feel comfortable with the broker offering the Wallmart pricing use it as a guide. You don't sound like the type of person who wants the absolute lowest price but maybe good value for the price paid.
Norton’s and Tidewater are ethical, IMO
There were 3 local-area Hunter dealers at the Annapolis show, as in past years: Norton’s from Virginia, Tidewater from Maryland and Waypoint from New Jersey. I have bought large Hunters from 2 of them: a 37.5 from Norton’s in 1995 and an aft-cockpit H41 from Tidewater in 2005. My experience is that they were both ethical during the sales process and afterwards, and I could easily recommend either. When I purchased my first Hunter in 1995, price was my number one concern and Norton’s had a great price. They were also a fantastic dealer to work with. When I purchased my Hunter 41AC in 2005, my first concern was dealer location rather than price. I chose Tidewater since their Annapolis office is only a mile from my house by water. But I still got a good price from a dealer with a good reputation in sales and service. Your own priorities (price? location? reputation?) should similarly guide you in selecting a dealer. I recommend you locate a good dealer close to where you will be keeping your boat, because it will make it a whole lot easier dealing with commissioning and inevitable warranty issues. I don’t think someone claiming “lowest price” means they’re unethical. I’d respond by saying, hey, tell me more. And then find out all you can about that and other dealers you might consider. This is a massive money transaction. You are correct to ask questions and assess who you are dealing with, regardless of the product involved.
There were 3 local-area Hunter dealers at the Annapolis show, as in past years: Norton’s from Virginia, Tidewater from Maryland and Waypoint from New Jersey. I have bought large Hunters from 2 of them: a 37.5 from Norton’s in 1995 and an aft-cockpit H41 from Tidewater in 2005. My experience is that they were both ethical during the sales process and afterwards, and I could easily recommend either. When I purchased my first Hunter in 1995, price was my number one concern and Norton’s had a great price. They were also a fantastic dealer to work with. When I purchased my Hunter 41AC in 2005, my first concern was dealer location rather than price. I chose Tidewater since their Annapolis office is only a mile from my house by water. But I still got a good price from a dealer with a good reputation in sales and service. Your own priorities (price? location? reputation?) should similarly guide you in selecting a dealer. I recommend you locate a good dealer close to where you will be keeping your boat, because it will make it a whole lot easier dealing with commissioning and inevitable warranty issues. I don’t think someone claiming “lowest price” means they’re unethical. I’d respond by saying, hey, tell me more. And then find out all you can about that and other dealers you might consider. This is a massive money transaction. You are correct to ask questions and assess who you are dealing with, regardless of the product involved.
Way Point
I have been working with the people who now own and operate Waypoint Marine for over two years. During that time I have found Michelle and JP to be nothing but honest, considerate and trustworthy. They are extremely knowledgable about their boats and sailing. I have found their committment to their customers and their knowledge of sailboats exceptional. Both sails and service experience have been more than pleasant. They currently have an office in Ocean Gate NJ and have plans to open an office in Jersey City NJ in the Spring. To be fair, I have not had any dealings with Tidewater or Norton's so I cannot judge them.
I have been working with the people who now own and operate Waypoint Marine for over two years. During that time I have found Michelle and JP to be nothing but honest, considerate and trustworthy. They are extremely knowledgable about their boats and sailing. I have found their committment to their customers and their knowledge of sailboats exceptional. Both sails and service experience have been more than pleasant. They currently have an office in Ocean Gate NJ and have plans to open an office in Jersey City NJ in the Spring. To be fair, I have not had any dealings with Tidewater or Norton's so I cannot judge them.
Best Hunter dealer in the Northeast
We started sailing with a used Cal 26, found we loved sailing and moved up to a Beneteau 331. A good sailing boat but a little small for our needs. At last year's Annapolis show we found there was no competion. The Hunter 38, the boat, and Michelle Boggs from Sandy Hook Yacht Sales proved to be the best. She is the most knowlegable, she has a full Captain's license, honest,she let us know what we may not like about the boat,fair,great trade-in and final price, and when she promises you something,it is done.We had a minor problem with the main sail and she herself came to our harbor and in 95 degree heat, spent hours with us after fixing the problem,and went over all of the boat's systems again. This year after losing our boat in "Ernesto" We went looking again. After finding out Michelle had branched out on her own, and taken over the Hunter line right in our own back yard,(" Waypoint Marine"), we were thrilled. After looking at all of the other production boats in our price range, We knew the Hunter 41AC was for us. If you compare boats and dealers, don't even think of going anywhere else. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have e-mail me at jms2550@msn.com. John,
We started sailing with a used Cal 26, found we loved sailing and moved up to a Beneteau 331. A good sailing boat but a little small for our needs. At last year's Annapolis show we found there was no competion. The Hunter 38, the boat, and Michelle Boggs from Sandy Hook Yacht Sales proved to be the best. She is the most knowlegable, she has a full Captain's license, honest,she let us know what we may not like about the boat,fair,great trade-in and final price, and when she promises you something,it is done.We had a minor problem with the main sail and she herself came to our harbor and in 95 degree heat, spent hours with us after fixing the problem,and went over all of the boat's systems again. This year after losing our boat in "Ernesto" We went looking again. After finding out Michelle had branched out on her own, and taken over the Hunter line right in our own back yard,(" Waypoint Marine"), we were thrilled. After looking at all of the other production boats in our price range, We knew the Hunter 41AC was for us. If you compare boats and dealers, don't even think of going anywhere else. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have e-mail me at jms2550@msn.com. John,
Pricing on a new Hunter
Hi Bubbles, Good luck on buying a new Hunter. Since i know of all the Hunter dealers who were at Annapolis, I'm guessing that you were talking to Waypoint. I keep my beneteau 393 at Liberty Landing and have had the good fortune to be helped by some real pros ...people who've done Ocean crossings on Square riggers, designed police boats, harbor pilots, etc. Michelle Boggs is one of them. If you can find one person in this 500+ boat marina who will call Michelle Boggs unethical I'lll personally buy you dinner at the Liberty House. Very accomplished sailors here...men not usually given to taking advise from a woman if I dare to say it... go to her when they have a knotty problem on their boats (not just Hunters). Since Hunter is a new brand for Waypoint they are probably trying to give the best price they can to get themselves established. I know what you mean though. My head was reeling trying to compare packages when i was buying my boat.PS, I mean it about the dinner.
Hi Bubbles, Good luck on buying a new Hunter. Since i know of all the Hunter dealers who were at Annapolis, I'm guessing that you were talking to Waypoint. I keep my beneteau 393 at Liberty Landing and have had the good fortune to be helped by some real pros ...people who've done Ocean crossings on Square riggers, designed police boats, harbor pilots, etc. Michelle Boggs is one of them. If you can find one person in this 500+ boat marina who will call Michelle Boggs unethical I'lll personally buy you dinner at the Liberty House. Very accomplished sailors here...men not usually given to taking advise from a woman if I dare to say it... go to her when they have a knotty problem on their boats (not just Hunters). Since Hunter is a new brand for Waypoint they are probably trying to give the best price they can to get themselves established. I know what you mean though. My head was reeling trying to compare packages when i was buying my boat.PS, I mean it about the dinner.
- Status