What’s the best time of year to buy a boat? This question comes up often and the answer is more nuanced than you might think. There are good deals to be had throughout the year, but boat show season (fall and winter) seems to be the best time to start shopping around. Ask dealerships and they’ll tell you that more than 45% of their annual sales are clinched at the boat shows held in the colder months.

Let’s look at the merits of vising a show before selecting and purchasing your next boat.

Virtual world to real world
The first important thing about boat shows is that they bring together most major boat brands, and the dealers that represent them, under the same roof. 

Participating dealerships and exhibitors present the real deal on site, allowing you to view new models from all the different categories. They also provide an overview of their complete inventory of boats.

In addition to the latest boat models, you’ll find inboard/outboard motor manufacturers, marine equipment and accessory distributors, as well as representatives from a whole host of pleasure boating service providers. Boat shows are also social events, as thousands of boating enthusiasts from far and wide convene to talk shop and discover their next dream boat.

Advantages for consumers
Selection
For consumers planning on purchasing a boat, these shows are a great opportunity to view and compare a wide variety of products.

Information
Given that most of the industry’s big names and marine product/service reps are all present at boat shows, consumers have fast and easy access to a wealth of information. This obviously helps consumers plan for the upcoming boating season. You can get all the information you need, whether it’s details about insurance, financing, registration, permits, marinas, ports or lock schedules.

Best prices and conditions
Generally speaking, the financing conditions, boat prices and conditions of sale are all best during boat show season. With all the dealerships going head-to-head in a spirit of healthy competition, there are often significant discounts on the previous year’s stock. They also offer good deals on new arrivals in an effort to promote sales. 

Getting the most of a boat show 
Prepare in advance
Before heading out to the event, browse the internet for a few minutes and gather information about the brands and models that seem interesting and look like they might meet your needs. Write down the names of the dealers in your area that sell these boats. Since you’ll probably be comparing different brands and engines, make a list of the questions you want to ask once you’re at the show.

Obviously, one of your main criteria will be the price. You can expect prices at the show to be 10-15% lower than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price or the price listed on the internet.

Here are some websites to get you started:  www.boatguide.com   www.discorverboating.ca  www.boattest.com www.thehulltruth.com. You can also find the websites of boat manufacturers or dealerships by typing their names into your search engine.

Have a strategy and game plan 
Choose the right day to go and talk to a representative. In general, the first days of a show are the best if you want a rep’s complete attention.

— First, go and see the models that you are interested in
— Ask for brochures of the different boats or take photos
— Take note of the prices and discounts offered (sales usually last one or two weeks longer than the actual show)

Find a dealer and make an appointment
The quality of a boat is closely linked to the quality of the dealer representing it. Good dealers have an in-depth knowledge of their products and can clearly explain the warranties. Plus, they are recognized for their after-sales services. A boat show is an ideal place to get information and meet with dealers. Don’t be shy about asking your questions; dealers and their reps are competent professionals who have the answers you’re looking for and can offer objective advice. 

Unless you feel absolutely sure about what you want to buy – no impulse purchases, please! – make an appointment to see the dealer who you’re thinking of buying a boat from. This will buy you some time to think things over, plus it will give you the chance to get to know the dealer better.

Last thoughts
Boat show season is probably the best time to shop for a boat. With so many boats available, the competition between exhibitors and the various related services, consumers have plenty of selection – a real advantage. You have easy access to information, not to mention the best prices and conditions. Finally, to get the most from the experience, make sure you prepare in advance by figuring out what it is you’re looking for.