| There are several types of boat shows that are | | | | most interested in and carry that with you to the |
| scheduled. Some are dealer independent and | | | | show. Use this list to compare the models of |
| others are conducted by a single dealer or a | | | | various manufacturers and to determine the 'boat |
| group of dealers in a local area. Some are in a | | | | show price' of those boats. Make sure you ask |
| convention center and some are in the water, at | | | | for the delivered price, including any freight, taxes, |
| a marina. The biggest and most well attended | | | | fees or rebates. That way, you will be comparing |
| shows are regional shows conducted by large | | | | apples and apples. |
| marine trade groups like the National Marine | | | | If you plan on financing the purchase of a new |
| Manufacturers Association (NMMA). | | | | boat, it will pay for you to know your credit |
| Normally, after payment of an entry fee at the | | | | score and to have a print out of that score with |
| door, boat shows are an inexpensive way to see | | | | you. This will speed up the process of obtaining |
| and compare the various makes and models | | | | financing at the boat show. You should also |
| available in your area. Grazing through the various | | | | determine competitive APR rates and terms from |
| dealer displays is a great way to learn about the | | | | your bank or credit union as you may find them |
| various styles and types of boats and the | | | | to be considerably less expensive than the dealer |
| advantages and disadvantages of one versus | | | | arranged financing at the show. Dealers usually |
| another. It can be a good way for a family to | | | | have a financing arrangement lined up, but since |
| see and touch the various styles to determine | | | | they get a commission on the financing, the cost |
| the boat most suited to their perceived needs. (If | | | | of that package may be more than your bank or |
| you have not been boating many times before, | | | | credit union - or it may be better! You should |
| your idea of what the experience is like may be | | | | have a boating budget in mind that includes boat |
| easily swayed by a salesperson representing a | | | | operating costs, insurance, storage, maintenance, |
| certain type and brand of boat!) You must know | | | | etc. If you plan on trailering the boat, make sure |
| how and where you intend to use a boat, how | | | | that the size and weight of the boat is compatible |
| many personas will normally be riding in it, etc., | | | | with your tow vehicle. You will be in a far better |
| before you can make a good selection. | | | | negotiating position if you do your homework in |
| Your mission in attending the boat show should be | | | | advance. |
| determined before showing up at the door. Many | | | | Once you have narrowed your search to a couple |
| naïve boaters have gone to a boat show | | | | of boats, ask the dealer's representatives for |
| without such a mission and come away with a | | | | their best, bottom line price and make sure they |
| new boat wondering if this is really a good idea. | | | | are aware that you are shopping. To avoid sales |
| Some people are at a boat show to simply see | | | | pressure, advise them, up front, that you will not |
| the new models and determine what things cost | | | | buy any boat before water testing it. They will |
| so that they can 'zero in' on the boat of their | | | | make every attempt to get you committed |
| dreams. Others have already determined the type | | | | before you leave the show, but do not be |
| and style of boat they want and are there to | | | | swayed. If you do sign any purchase agreement |
| view the models of various manufacturers and to | | | | or give a deposit on any boat, be certain to write |
| shop for the one they want. You should have in | | | | on the purchase agreement "This transaction is |
| mind, from the outset, that you should buy no | | | | subject to water test and any deposit to be fully |
| boat without having water tested it. All boats look | | | | and immediately refunded at buyer's option, after |
| seaworthy on a trailer or display rack. You cannot | | | | the water test. You may have to do such a thing |
| tell the riding characteristics or the adequacy of | | | | to take advantage of certain factory sponsored |
| the engine without actually driving the boat in the | | | | discounts or rebates that are in place for the |
| water. If someone tells you that such a test is | | | | show, but DO NOT COMMIT to purchasing any |
| not necessary, you should quickly find another | | | | boat before you have ridden it in the water! Of |
| dealer to talk to. | | | | course, if it is an in-the-water boat show, the |
| It pays to have your mission in mind before you | | | | dealer should be able to demonstrate the boat to |
| go and to communicate that to the various | | | | you at the show. |
| members of your family so that everybody can | | | | In your final negotiation for a boat, be sure to ask |
| participate in the process and have in mind what | | | | for inclusion of the necessary safety equipment |
| the end result might be. You may, for example, | | | | to be included in the purchase price. The dealer |
| wish to first visit the show to see the boats and | | | | should provide you with Personal Floatation |
| to collect information on them. Later, after | | | | Devices (PFD's), a fire extinguisher, paddle, anchor, |
| reviewing the brochures, you can always go back | | | | anchor line, docking lines and mooring bumpers |
| to the show to refine your selections even more. | | | | without adding any extra charges. This has |
| It will really pay off to study the specifications of | | | | become industry standard and you should be |
| the various boats that you are interested in. They | | | | wary of any dealer who is attempting to 'nickel |
| are not all created equal. (If you wish to return to | | | | and dime' you! |
| a boat show for another, subsequent visit, most | | | | If you will do a little homework and learn as much |
| participating boat dealers will be pleased to give | | | | as possible about the specifications and models |
| you a re-entry pass to save the cost of another | | | | and how they match the needs of your family, |
| entry ticket!) | | | | you will ensure that your boating voyage will be |
| Once you have determined your desired boat | | | | off to a great start at the boat show! |
| type, make a list of the features that you are | | | | |