Our Ultimate Boat Show Buying Guide

Boating is either in your blood, or it isn’t. While it can be developed through experience, many of us are born with a passion for it. For me, boats represent an unquenchable thirst, an addiction, a lifestyle, and a dream. So, how should you approach buying a new boat at a show?

I went to my first boat show some fifty years ago! It gave me aquatic dreams that eventually came true—in fact, I built my professional life on them. Nowadays, I’ve been to hundreds of boat shows all over the country. They provide me with excellent opportunities to see, feel, and touch different brands, sizes, and budgets from our country’s fantastic range of boat manufacturers, importers, and dealers, plus every accessory. I have never stopped building dreams—they just evolve!

In this boat show buying guide, I will help you identify your needs and options to satisfy your nautical dreams. The critical element is making an informed decision and then capitalising on a terrific deal in a highly competitive environment.

Preparing for the Boat Show

Buying a new boat can culminate one of life’s ultimate bucket lists, or it can become a nightmare for the inexperienced – even more so at a Boat Show. Occasionally, a silly old cliche circulates the boating industry: “Your two best days in boating are the day you buy your boat and the day you sell it.” I reckon it was a false saying spread by a caravan salesman trying to compete for your recreational dollar!

The only other plausible explanation for the saying is that the fellow who uttered it purchased badly from the start with a poor decision-making process. The purchase could turn sour for many reasons, but in my lifetime of experience, I believe it is most often because the purchaser acts on bad advice. Buying the same boat as your neighbour or friend doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right boat that suits you!

Purchasing the right boat can be one of life’s most satisfying experiences, so let’s run through some buying tips for upcoming boat shows. No matter the boat types that excite you, the key is to enjoy your time on the water. Personally, I find just as much joy in my little 3.5 meter tinny, which I bought second-hand for $2,500 twenty years ago, as I do in a $12.5 million motor yacht. The fun you have on a boat is not directly related to how much you spend.

So, where do we begin to find your perfect boat from all the different boats at a boat show?

The Basics

Take a moment to reflect on your lifestyle, budget, and expectations. Buying a boat for an extended adventure traveling long distances across the country is very different from purchasing a family boat for fishing, skiing, and enjoying local bays with a few holidays and weekend getaways.

Finding the right boat is much easier if you have a specific interest—such as personal watercraft (PWC), wakeboarding, skiing, surfing, or even houseboats. However, most boat buyers face a more comprehensive range of questions and options to consider.

Towing, Wet or Dry Storage?

The reality of modern living is that an increasing majority of our population resides in high-density suburbs, where there is little to no space for boat storage. In such situations, chartering, hiring, or sharing a boat is often more practical than committing to the ongoing costs of owning one. However, the enjoyment of boat ownership and the freedom it brings should not be underestimated.

Marinas offer various storage solutions, including wet berthing for large recreational vessels, stack storage, open cradle storage, hard stands, and trailered storage options, most with launch and retrieval services. They allow you to enjoy the benefits of owning a boat without the costs of purchasing, storing, and maintaining towing vehicles and roadworthy trailers. You can enjoy flexibility in your boating experience by moving from one marina to another.

The majority of boat owners have either trailerable boats or personal watercraft (PWCs). For these one of the most critical factors is the size of the towing vehicle. Are you ready to purchase a larger car to tow your new boat? A large part of your decision making process is ensuring your towing setup is legal and safe so you can fully enjoy your new boat.

Budget & Finance

Your boating dreams may not always match your budget, but they are worth considering before spending your hard-earned money. Boating is not just for the rich and famous. A significant percentage of popular boats are priced under $50,000. Most registered boats are over five years old, expanding availability for nearly every budget. Boat shows cater to all types of watercraft, from large seafaring cruisers to SUPs (Stand Up Paddle Boards) and PWCs, mostly under one roof or marina.

Of course, every dealer will have finance opportunities on-site at the show, or you can research finance opportunities before you arrive. You don’t have to use the dealers’ finance as there will be other brokers on-site, including services from the larger engine manufacturers. Your finance deal is just as shoppable as your new boat!

The overriding point to boating is that safety is crucial, and this can only be ensured with a well-equipped, capable, and properly maintained boat suited to the conditions. The boat offering all your needs may be more than your available cash; hence, finance is advisable to maximise safety and enjoyment.

Destinations & Expectations

Many people envision spending endless summer days in perfect weather, enjoying leisure time with a large group of family and friends. Those ideal weather conditions aren’t always available, and our busy lifestyles often mean our friends are not free. If you can find a good compromise that you can manage easily without needing outside assistance, you will likely use your boat more often—unless you can afford a skipper and crew!

Also, we may all dream of owning a multi-million dollar cruiser, but our budgets often align more with a rowboat. Whether you’re an offshore fisherman, a freshwater specialist, a wakeboarder, or a trailerable yachtsman, you probably have a clear idea of the type of boat that will get your hard-earned money. However, a family person with children who has a passion for fishing but also needs a boat for family water sports and cruising often faces more significant challenges.

So do some research on the following types and styles of boat packages BEFORE you get to the boat show, so when you are offered that deal of a lifetime, you can confidently say, “Yes, please!”

Boat Show Choices

Boats come in all sizes, shapes, layouts, and abilities. Your search criteria should include half-cabin, cuddy cabin, runabout, bowrider, centre/side console, dual console, walkaround cabin, tiller steer, tender, flybridge cruiser, sports cruiser, cruiser, yacht, and even house boats. Boat shows also provide displays for PWCs and various paddle options, including kayaks, canoes, etc.

There is a choice of mono hull, multihull, planing hull, displacement hull, semi-displacement hull, pontoon boat, and many combinations and variances with outboard, inboard, jet, electric, hybrid, sail, paddle, or row power opportunities, and a range of brands and horsepower’s for each.

Fibreglass (GRP/FRP), plate and pressed aluminium are by far the most popular construction materials, with plastic (polyethene/or similar) and inflatable boats gaining quickly in momentum. Of course, there are still those of us that love timber construction, and you may find a new boat builder or perhaps advice on how to service and maintain an older classic.

Boat shows also provide an excellent opportunity to compare the modern types and construction styles of boat trailers. You will see steel, aluminium (or a combination), drive on/off, roller, skid and variations suited to every hull and purpose.

You may even research your many storage options, including moorings and marinas, dry storage (on a trailer or stand), stack storage, boat lift, home, factory, and more. Just when you thought it was safe to jump into the water, you are confronted with a myriad of electronics, shade/canopy, safety equipment, horsepower, textures and finishes, and assorted standard and manufactured accessories.

Then, there are various brands and qualities.

Personal Considerations

It’s important to remember that premium brands tend to retain their resale value and popularity better than lesser-known brands. However, this often comes with a significant increase in purchase price. Additionally, new brands often use boat shows to introduce products that may become successes or flops.

When deciding, you should consider your personal requirements and expected usage. Many second-hand boats I’ve encountered have had an average usage of only 20 to 30 engine hours per year. In contrast, a dedicated offshore sports fisherman might put in over 250 hours annually whilst often facing more demanding conditions. Therefore, evaluating factors like quality, suitability, style, price, and accessories is essential when deciding on a boat. First and foremost, you must be fully aware of the limitations of yourself, your crew, and the boat itself.

Horsepower

Horsepower is a highly debatable topic. We’re currently seeing a trend of almost doubling traditional horsepower limits, and it worries me! Attaching powerful engines can be dangerous for both experienced and inexperienced operators.

That being said, boat manufacturers must specify the recommended maximum horsepower and engine weight for each model. Boats with horsepower limits close to the maximum are generally more attractive for resale and should give you confidence that the package will carry the expected load efficiently. Lowering the horsepower may reduce the purchase price considerably, but will it have the guts to carry a load or perform the desired tasks comfortably and safely? That’s where you need to sign any boat show deal with a “subject to satisfactory water test” condition.

What to Expect at the Boat Show

If you’ve reached this stage, there’s a good chance you have boating in your blood and you’re excited about that new boat!

CALM DOWN!!!!!

Boat show season has begun, and you arrive eager and ready to make a deal. Buyers need to understand the boat show environment and the tremendous time, effort, and cost of hosting them—it’s massive! Every company feels significant pressure to perform, and that stress often trickles down to the sales staff, whether or not you see it.

So you’re off to the boat show with your dreams and budget defined. Genuine bargains with incentives are available, often with limited stock. There’s no sense in wasting anyone’s time with a product outside your budget. If you’re merely admiring a boat or other product, let the salesperson know—most boat dealers will appreciate your honesty.

By now you should have a physical or mental list, maybe even a spreadsheet. A good dealer will take the time to listen and advise on your needs – a bad one will try to sell you something else.

Scan the show to narrow down the products that fit the wish list and zero in on the sales staff who can help you make an informed decision. There are many experienced staff at boat shows, so search out the ones who give you confidence in your purchase.

Manufacturers, supplier representatives, and even friends or customers often support the regular dealer sales staff at shows. They may also feature personalities, like fishing and skiing ambassadors, to help manage the high volume of attendees. It’s essential to recognize the sometimes limited product knowledge of these staff, who often serve to distinguish serious buyers from casual lookers—commonly referred to as “prop-spinners” in boating lingo!

Remember that while a well-known fishing identity may excel at catching fish, they might lack the expertise to recommend the right boat. Genuine, experienced boat sales staff can be hard to find, but they are easily recognizable when you meet them.

The final decision may take several visits over a few days. Your satisfaction in making the right purchase will last far longer than trying to beat a dealer down for a better price.

How to Negotiate with Boat Dealers

Let’s Get Serious!

When it’s time to get serious about purchasing your new boat, take the time to sit down with the senior sales staff to obtain an official quote. After carefully considering your options, you may receive quotes from several brands, models, and dealers. Sometimes, competing dealers may offer the same product, leading to price competition.

A crucial point to remember is that boat buying should foster a positive relationship between you and the dealer. You will need to return to the dealership for delivery, service, and possibly warranty issues, so it’s wise to be reasonable in your negotiations. You don’t want to purchase a boat from a dealer on the other side of the state just to save a few dollars when a reputable boat dealer is nearby.

Price Differences

It’s possible that one dealer offers a stock package at a price advantage. In such cases, it’s important to verify that the hull, motor, and trailer are the latest model and date of manufacture and that the fittings and accessories are of equivalent and acceptable standard.

Dealers often receive discounts and other incentives from manufacturers and component suppliers, especially on stock purchases. These discounts can apply to last season’s models, forward orders for new models, stock overruns, superseded models, and special offers like Boat Show discounts. While some of these offers are limited to deals signed at the show, many remain available for several weeks afterward.

Additionally, dealers can receive quantity discounts and performance rebates, often giving larger dealers a price advantage over smaller ones. Unfortunately, this can mean that your favourite small dealer may not be able to match prices offered by competitors. This situation can be pretty awkward for dealers, especially when trying to assist friends!

Service Costs Money!

We all want to save money, but for goodness’ sake, have a bit of personal honour in your negotiations! From a dealer’s perspective, it can be challenging to match an exact package since all dealers offer different brands of engines, trailers, and accessories.

Here’s a little story of frustration from a dealer’s viewpoint. I once had a prospective customer who was a member of a local angling club that I sponsored. He was considering purchasing a hand-held GPS but, as an older gentleman, was a bit technically challenged. I spent hours with him several times, instructing him how to use it.

One morning, I went snapper fishing and caught my limit at a local “artificial” reef just before sunrise. A little later, this fellow called me to ask about my fishing success. I told him I could have given him the exact location if he had purchased the GPS. I ended up waiting on the phone while I directed him to the spot, and after that, I left him to catch some fish.

The next week, he returned to my showroom with a GPS he had bought online for $20 less than my quote and asked me again to show him how to use it! I can’t help but wonder if he still wears the boot mark on his backside!

Do you see the issue? Service takes expertise, time, and money, so please respect that.

What to Look Out For (Red Flags!)

Getting You Off the Streets

Experienced sales staff often have a few tricks they use to “get you off the street.” Remember, boat shows can be a highly competitive environment for dealers, and most sales staff work on commission.

One common tactic is to overwhelm buyers with options and accessories as part of the package price. If you have a trade-in, be cautious; some dealers will offer an agreed price, but make the contract conditional on an inspection and condition report (including mechanical evaluation). Upon inspection after the show, they often devalue your trade-in, leaving you outside your expected price range and sometimes without the option to negotiate or find other available stock.

In today’s market, it’s especially important to research the dealer you’re signing a contract with before handing over large sums of money. We’ve recently seen manufacturers and dealers demanding large deposits while trading insolvently in similar RV industries. Unlike real estate transactions, which are regulated, and where deposits are held in secure trust funds, buying a boat does not have the same protections. Buyer beware!

With the shoe on a different foot, sales staff also have a saying: “All buyers are liars!” In all my years of boating and boat sales, I have seen more untruths told by shoppers than by responsible sales staff. Buyer’s remorse is a real problem where customers sign up one day and then endeavor to cancel the contract the next. Boy, oh boy, have I heard some whoppers in those cases!

It is advisable to deal with members of trade associations such as the BIA (Boating Industry Association) to maintain industry standards.

Ten Steps To Buying Your New Boat At A Boat Show

1. Consider your comfortable budget/finance
2. Evaluate your needs and expectations 
3. Consider your storage/ mooring requirements 
4. Consider your vehicle limitations for trailer boats
5. Research – try to narrow down the many styles and options 
6. Research brand and independent/qualified reviews
7. Decide on a short list, perhaps three hulls. Make a short list
8. Decide minimum horsepower, brand and accessories
9. Request detailed written quotes, including the delivery period, warranty period and any other conditions from trusted dealers.
10. Confirm the selected deal with a deposit. You can make a deal subject to conditions such as: Trade-in evaluation, finance, satisfactory test run, delivery period etc.

Note – I have even signed up deals with holding deposits subject to fitting under carports, making it up steep driveways to storage, and even getting a partner’s approval!

Boat Show Season

Now that you’re armed with all that knowledge, it’s an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the current boat show schedule. Go out, grab a bargain, and enjoy the other stands and activities while you’re there. It’s a great place to research everything boating, and there’s something for everyone.

Take the time to enjoy the whole show. The industry works really hard to present wonderful events for your enjoyment. While you’re there, enjoy the side entertainment. There’s usually at least one stage featuring a plethora of industry information, speaker presentations on all aspects of boating lifestyles, feature entertainment, and experts on every possible boating sport, service, and accessory.

Some personal advice – even if you have to pay a little extra to get the package you want, from the brands and dealership that you are comfortable with, then pay it! Every dealer is there to make a profit, and it is in your best interest to ensure they are there to support you over the long-expected lifespan of your new boat. Paying that little extra when buying a boat will be quickly and easily forgotten when you are out having fun in your dream.

Remember the old saying, “Life is better with a boat!”

Need Financing to Buy Your Boat?

When you’ve found the perfect boat, contact our friendly team about financing options including secured boat loans, private sale finance, and used boat finance. We make it easy to buy the boat of your dreams. Try our boat loan calculator to find out just how affordable finance can be, and get ready to start your journey to boat ownership with Credit One!