Boat Show Checklist (Print Before you Shop)

You’ve done your research, you think you know what boat you want to purchase, and you’re ready to pull the trigger.  What better timing than the middle of winter to buy a boat, right?  Sounds crazy but January through March is a great time to find your family's perfect boat.  

That’s because the boat show season is in full swing.  A boat show is a great place to shop no matter which part of the buying process you’re in.  You have access to all of your local dealers and all of their inventory under one roof.

If you have shopped at a boat show in the past or are planning to attend your first one, I want to make sure you’re prepared.  Walking into the show you will be faced with a sea of boats, pun intended.

Although it’s the perfect shopping setup, it can become overwhelming if you don’t know what your end goal is.  Do you know what type of boat or which brand you’re going to buy?  Which dealer will meet your needs the best?

These along with many other considerations should be well thought-out before heading into the convention center.  I’ve compiled this checklist for you to use the next time you’re planning on shopping at a boat show.  I suggest printing it out, reading through it, and bringing it with you to the show.

Research Ahead of the Show

As with any big purchase, you’re most likely searching the web trying to learn everything you can about your future boat.  Sifting through all of the information on the internet can be just as confusing as walking into a packed boat show for the very first time.  Here are a few things to help narrow down your search.

• Know your budget.  Most marine manufacturer websites will offer a MSRP to use as a guide
• Research the different types of boats
• Research brands within the type of boat you’re interested in
• Learn which engine type if right for you: Outboards VS Inboards
• Decide how much horsepower you need
• Find your nearest boat show
• Figure out which dealers at the show are your local dealers
• Research the boat show website for: parking, how to buy tickets, location, times, and a brand list if available 

Questions to Ask Yourself 

As you narrow down the search for your next boat, there are a few things to consider before you head to the show.  By having these questions answered, you’ll be prepared for a conversation with the dealer sales person.  They’ll appreciate that you’ve done your research as well.  

• What are your family’s needs in a boat?
• What size boat do you need?
• How many people will be boating with you most of the time?
• Will you bring your pets on the boat?
• How will you use the boat: water sports, fishing, cruising, entertaining?
• Where do you plan to boat? Big or small water?  Salt water or freshwater?  Local or will you be traveling with the boat?  Are you on a river with a strong current?
• Do you need a travel cover for towing the boat long distances? 
• How much shade do you need?
• Do you have a boat slip?  What size is the slip?
• Do you have storage lined up?
• Who will winterize your boat?
• Do you plan to tow the boat?
• Do you have a proper tow vehicle? 
• Do you want to purchase a boat trailer?
  
  

Walking into the Show

As I mentioned, walking into a boat show can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first one.  Keep in mind, you are going to want to narrow down who your closest dealers are that are in attendance and shop their inventory.  There very well could be more than one dealer at the show who carries the brand you’re interested in.  

It’s important to buy from your local dealer for a number of reasons.  You want to build a relationship with that dealer so that your boat ownership experience is smooth sailing.  Check out this blog on why shopping local is key: Why Buying a Boat at your Local Dealer is Important.

Once you figure out which dealers you’re there to see, the rest is easy.  Here are a few ways to start your shopping experience off right.  

• Attend the show early in the week.  There will be more boats available, it also gives you time to go home and think about what you want to buy after you initially walked the show. 
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Most dealers ask you to remove shoes before stepping onto the boats - wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
• Eat before you go.  Some shows have concessions but it’s not guaranteed. 
• Stay hydrated!  You’re doing lots of walking, talking, and the air is extra dry in those convention centers. 
• You will have to pay for parking at most shows, be prepared with small bills.
• Buy tickets ahead of time on the show website if possible.  If not, find the ticket booth first thing. 
• Ask if they offer a show map at the ticket office, some do, some don't. 
• Find the dealership - if you did your research, you should know which local dealer sells the brand you want to see - locate the dealer to shop their inventory.  Most dealers will have signage that’s easy to see from across the show. 
• If you plan to bring your children, please make sure they are not bringing items that can stain or damage the boats.  And please, don’t let your kids climb all over the boats with shoes on or unsupervised.  
  
  

Questions to Ask the Dealer

Now that you’re at the show, ready to shop, it’s time to approach the dealer.  If you did your research, you already know which local dealer sells the brand you’re interested in.  Here is a list of questions and talking points to discuss with your dealer to make the buying process smooth.  

• What type and brand of boat you’re interested in
• How you plan to use the boat: fish, ski, cruise, etc. 
• The number of people you will be boating with.
• Does this boat fit my needs?
• Type of water you plan to boat in: big, small, fresh, salt, fast currents
• What’s the right motor?
• How much horsepower do I need?
• Do I need a robust chart plotter or will a basic depth finder do?
• What are the interior and exterior color choices? 
• What’s the warranty?
• What is the manufacturer's support like?
• Dealership location
• Is the boat in stock or will it be ordered?
• If the boat has to be ordered, what’s the lead time?
• Does the boat fit into your budget?
• What are the ownership costs? (Maintenance, storage, etc.) 
• How will you pay for the boat?  
• What are financing options?
• What does the purchase process entail?
• What maintenance is required?
• Who will perform the maintenance? 
• Ask the dealer about their service team: requirements, appointments, who to call when you need help
• Does the dealer offer storage?
• How am I going to transport the boat?
• Will the dealer handle winterization, detailing, transport, launch, and haul out?
• If I need a trailer, can I buy it through the dealer?
• Talk about your boat slip, they will have insight to if it’s sufficient or not
• Ask about the delivery process for taking possession of the boat
• What do I need to buy so that I’m ready to take possession?
• Where can I go for additional information?
• What should I be doing in order to be the best partner to my dealer?

Boat Show Fun

Maybe the most important thing to remember is that buying a boat should be exciting.  It’s the promise of summer memories that will last a lifetime.  Teaching your kids how to wake board or reconnecting with friends on the water.

Don’t forget to enjoy the process and have fun with it.  Boat shows are a great event for the entire family.  Depending on the show, there are all kinds of activities to experience.

There could be virtual boat rides, fishing demos, water toys, and all different types of vendors from every outdoor industry.  You might even snag that lake house you’ve been eyeing as many times waterfront realtors will set up shop at these shows.  

A boat show should never be so overwhelming that you lose joy while shopping.  This list should help ease any concerns you have about where to start.  Print it out and read through it before you attend the show.  By the time you’re standing in the dealer’s display, you’ll be a boat show pro ready to buy your new boat.