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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.