When Is The Best Time To Buy A Boat?
Whether you like to have the latest, greatest wave-making model or prefer a lived-in sunset cruiser, one of the best ways to save on your next boat purchase is understanding when to shop for it.
Choosing when to buy your boat can depend on many factors like the climate and boating season in your area, market variables, dealer and manufacturer incentives, and the type of boat you’re shopping for. One thing, however, doesn’t change regardless of where or when you’re shopping: doing your homework to make the smartest purchase possible.
When To Shop
Like most industries, there is a seasonality factor to consider when shopping for a new or used boat. Unless you live in a place where the boating weather is great year-round, smart shopping means shopping seasonally.
Spring & Summer
Spring and summer are peak boating seasons and are the worst times to shop if you’re looking for deals in a buyer’s market. Many people are shopping for good reason, which drives up demand, reduces inventory, and drives up prices. This is also a time when dealers are at their busiest, so it could take longer to have your boat delivered or serviced eating into your time enjoying the water.
Fall
Fall is often hyped as the best time to shop for a new boat. In October-November, peak season is winding down, boats are being put up for winter, and dealers and manufacturers begin rolling out incentives to move current-year inventory. Other advantages to buying in the fall are that you have the entire off-season to await delivery, make customizations or any repairs, and learn about your new boat so you’re prepared for launch when spring arrives.
Winter
Winter is another good time to shop. January through March is also known as “Boat Show Season” in the industry. A boat show is a great place to shop because you can explore lots of brands and models all in one area, score great deals on closeouts and year-end inventory, and learn about different features all in one place direct from brand experts.
Where To Shop
Where you choose to buy your boat can be just as important as when you are shopping.
Buying Online
You can do a lot with a click of the mouse these days, including buying a boat. Some folks choose to shop online at sites like boats.com or Boat Trader, but remember that once you accept delivery you are on your own.
Private Sale
While you may be able to find a great deal, this is a riskier way to purchase a boat. Much like buying a car private sale, unless you’re knowledgeable and know what to lookout for, this could put you in a “buyer beware” situation.
Shopping Local
Working with your local marina has many advantages when shopping for a new or pre-owned boat. Your local dealers can cast a wide net enhancing your search and skilled service teams can offer you peace of mind that the boat you purchase will be in good working condition. Creating a relationship with your local dealer can take the hassle out of the buying process helping to coordinate paperwork like registration and warranties, and delivery, storage, service, maintenance, etc.
Boat Show
As mentioned, a boat show is a great place to shop because dealers and manufacturers are there to make sales. Not only can you shop from a broad range of makes, models, and styles, but you can score great deals-if you’re prepared to buy. Many dealers will offer discounts or other incentives to purchase on the spot.
Manufacturer-Direct
Though most manufacturers prefer to sell through dealerships, it may be possible to buy manufacturer-direct in some instances. This will likely be a manufacturer that is selling a specialty craft or that is smaller and has the infrastructure to sell direct. Most shoppers attempt this route to find additional savings, but this would be like trying to buy a GMC from the factory rather than your local dealership, which would have more freedom to offer purchase incentives.
The Final Word
We’re boat people and we believe the best time to buy a boat is when you’re ready. So, regardless of the season, when you’ve found the boat you want at a price within range, we recommend you go for it.
If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start boating, the Main Channel team is here to help with:
- Two area locations serving Northwest Indiana
- Premium new and used inventory
- Unparalleled Sales, Service, Financing, and Parts teams
- Authorized Dealer of the most trusted brands
- Full-service marina
Happy Boating!
-The Skipper
