Boat show to buy or not

Many bargain hunters flock to boat shows for one reason: to get the best deal. Experts also agree that the best place to buy speed boat, or any type of boat for that matter, is at boat shows.

We can categorize boat shows into two: on-season boat show and off-season boat show. Each varies widely and may play a big factor on deciding to buy or not.

On-season boat shows are those held during summer, when the demand for new boats is high. Here you can see a range of showcase boats, state of the art boat technology and latest designs.

Off-season boat shows are those held during winter or the periods from January to March. This is commonly referred to as winter boat show because on colder weather states, the show is held during winter months. Since there is no winter in the Gulf Coast, California and the beaches of Florida, boat shows that happen during these months are called off-season boat shows. Most boats here are the previous year's models. Shows are held to sell off existing models to give way to new models on the coming boat season.

The deals from these shows vary as well. At on-season shows, prices may be a little higher and dealers are less likely to bring down their prices. It can be attributed to the demand. Another reason is that dealers pay a premium price to place their boats on the show, not to mention the transportation cost of moving their displays from their dealership to the show area and back. Dealers have to recoup these expenses by passing them to their costumers. Off-season shows are no different. But since dealers aim to sell their existing models before the new boats arrive, they are more likely to bring down their prices or add cash discount and freebies.

Thus, it is important that when you buy a boat, you know when the right time to buy. If you are planning to buy the latest model, then shows during summer may help you get what you are looking for. If you are looking for bargain, then winter or off-season boat shows are the places to go.

One important thing to consider is that not because you go to an off-season boat show, it doesn't already mean that you will get the best deal. Many boats may not be as affordable as you think they are. So, to give you better chances of landing on a better, if not the best deal, use boat shows to your advantage. Learn as much information as you can, build relationship with dealers and visit their dealerships to make a deal. Make sure that you do your research first so that when you are on the site, you are properly armed with the right information. Go do different boat shows and learn as much information as you can.

Speed boat is a real financial investment so unless you can afford to make a mistake and buy another unit if you are not satisfied with you previous purchase, you have to make sure that you get it right the first time. As a rule of thumb, buy only if you have done thorough research, have identified what you want and have a financial standing to either pay cash or apply for loans.

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