swooopeno said:
I'm planning on purchasing a boat in the next couple weeks. Probably get a new one, since used ones here are overpriced.
Just wondering if it is like buying a car?
Are negotiations the same?
Can I walk away from a deal or will they just not care?
I'm planning on a 18 or 21' sport boat w/ V6 or V8. Prices seem to be around the mid-20's (MSRP). I can't seem to find 'invoice' prices for any boats.
Should I expect to pay MSRP or 10/20/30% less?
Anyone know a good boat site that might answer these questions?
thanks in advance
Try to find a large boat dealer even if it is out of your area. Bigger boat dealers are like bigger car dealers, they have to move iron to stay in business. With the money you save you can easily justify the extra hassle of travel/transportation.
Boats are a funny thing, a lot of people buy them thinking that they will use them all the time but in the end just end up spending money (gas, storage, etc) and the memory they have is of the expenses. This is because they really don't have a use for the boat other than to 'cruise around'. They think they will get into tubing, skiing, fishing, whatever.. but if you are not into those things already (or something similar) then I would suggest not buying a boat. It is far cheaper to rent one for the occasionaly use then it is to own one for years.
Having said that, if you are still in the market for a boat (for the right reasons) then a boat can be a lot of fun. I have owned/shared ownership on several boats ranging from a fast jet boat (121MPH family class jet), and an even faster v-drive flatbottom to cruisers (32' carver), to family oriented pontoons and fishing boats. I have always enjoyed the boats even when I was spending horrendous amounts of money on them (> 20K on an engine alone for the race boat). At the time I was spending lots of money on boats (and bikes) it was every cent I had that wasn't part of rent/food/gas. It wasn't like I had excess income to blow, it was just something I was into.
I have never regreted owning, storing, working on, swearing at, driving, towing, or riding in any of the boats I have been lucky enough to have access to, I just like boats/water and everything that goes with them. Boating can be a lot of fun but you REALLY have to make sure you are getting one for the right reason, have reasonable access to the waterways you will be using, and have everyone in the family signed on for the experience (or not) so that there are no regrets from anyone.
Storage can be very expensive and if the wife isn't signed on for the 'boat in the driveway' method of storage make sure you look around at your options. Talk to your insurance agent about your options, check out the boat completely to make sure you understand the running costs, and then make the decision to buy one.
Another thing to consider is that there is a lot of consolidation in the boat building industry these days. A lot of the boats that are available are made by the same manufacturer or consortium of manufacturers, it is a very competitive business and often times you can get the same boat sold under two different manufacturer names at vastly different prices. Make sure you 'right size' the engine that you are buying, don't just go blow money on the biggest engine out there unless that is your thing. most people will get a lot of enjoyment out of a 6 cylinder inboard, other people want the big V8. If you are getting an outboard keep in mind the regulations are getting much stiffer on outboards and you basically should be shopping for a 4-stroke. I know all the arguements about 2-stroke vs 4 stroke but trust me, you will win more friends with a 4 stroke (or make fewer enemies).
Do your research on boats. Outboards are much better these days than they ever were in the past and the market is very competitive. Inboards are basically a mercruiser vs volvo war with fans on both sides (volvo warranty, mercruiser performance).
good luck!
