The boat show season usually starts around the end of January and is in full swing by March. It can be great fun to wander down the aisles of any boat show, looking at all the new boats, motors, and accessories. But if you're in the market to purchase a new boat, can you get a better deal at a show, or is it all hype? And if you can get a better deal at a show, what are some things a buyer should consider before buying a new boat during a boat show?
Last fall, I did an article on some of the advantages of purchasing a boat late in the fall season. To get some information on boat show purchases, I went back to the same source of information. Kent Scheel is the Ranger/Stratos line manager for a local marine dealership and was very helpful with that article and now this one.
In our discussion, Kent brought up several good points but was insistent that the most important thing was to come to a boat show prepared. You should already know what you want in a boat and what the boat will be used for most of the time before you even walk in the door. Kent said it was an excellent idea to research the different options available to a new boat buyer at home.
Consider major decisions such as: will this be a family boat used for fishing or a fishing boat used occasionally for the family? Or is this strictly a family boat used for cruising and water sports? Who knows, with the improvements made over the years on pontoon boat trailers, it's now just as easy to trailer a pontoon boat as a family fishing boat. So don't rule out looking at a pontoon boat, as they make a great family boat for fishing and fun.
The type and style of boat you purchase should ultimately be determined by what you will use it for. You can work with a dealer at the show to decide if your new boat will be a glass or aluminum boat. The dealer can help you decide if you need a boat with console steering or tiller steering. And if you select console steering, do you want a single or dual console setup? Also, a dealer can help you decide on the size and type of engine you will need for the boat. Because once you've established what you want in a boat, it is much easier to compare different boat brands and styles.
Kent said that a serious buyer should have a price range that they want to work within, but getting caught up in the "cheaper is better" mentality is unwise. In the long run, it has been proven repeatedly that cheaper is not better. It's more important to focus on a boat's reliability, quality, and warranty rather than the bottom-line cost. The adage "you get what you pay for" holds on to boat purchases. Reliability, quality, and warranty are the factors that make owning and using a boat a pleasure rather than a headache. And down the road, they will also add to the resale value of that boat, especially if there is a transferable warranty.
Purchasing a boat from one of the major manufacturers like Ranger Boats ensures that you will be purchasing quality in both the craftsmanship and materials used to build your boat. And with the state-of-the-art technology used in modern-day boat building, you are assured of reliability in all components. Also, by purchasing a quality boat from a leading manufacturer, you will get a better warranty, and the boat will have a greater resale value down the road.
For example, this year, Kent used the new multi-species boat by Ranger Boats. This new glass boat is priced compatibly with aluminum boats, but you're getting a Ranger boat, backed by a great warranty and a boat that will hold its resale better than aluminum boats.
Even in the entry-level boat market, which historically has been comprised mainly of aluminum boats and where the big question always was "which is better, welded or riveted hulls," the answer now is neither - glass seems to be the trend today.
Ranger will have boat show incentives this year, according to Kent. On-floor financing at the shows will be available at highly competitive rates. Ranger, along with other major boat manufacturers, usually has several manufacture incentives plus transferable warranties, which are an excellent resale factor.
Other things need to be considered, whether you're purchasing your first boat or have purchased boats in the past. Such as, will my current vehicle be able to tow this boat (unless you're looking for an excuse to purchase a new truck)? Or will this new 20-footer fit in the garage? Knowing this before pulling up in the driveway with your new pride and joy would be nice. If you have to store the rig outside all year, you must know it will fit in the side or back yard. Will you have to lease winter storage space for the boat? It's a good idea to check on storage availability and cost now rather than later.
There are always additional items to purchase whenever you get a new boat. Most boaters will need one or two mooring lines. Also, you will need an anchor and anchor rope. There are life vests to purchase and probably a couple of boat cushions. On larger boats, most people will want to have a couple of mooring bumpers available when they tie up with other boats or to use when docking. Most dealerships will work with you on purchasing the extra accessories you need for your boat, and some dealerships will include some of the above accessories as incentive items when you purchase your boat from them.
I'm on my 4th Ranger boat; the last two were purchased from a local Ranger dealership. They were a pleasure to work with during the ordering, financing, and final purchase procedure. And later, when I needed warranty work or accessories added to my rig, they did it quickly without added costs or problems.
In closing, Kent said a boat should be a source of fun for an individual or family, not a point of contention or a money pit. So when you go to the boat show to buy a boat, come prepared and bring the whole family, especially if you want to purchase a boat that the whole family will use and enjoy.
As always, please stay safe; we hope to see you on the water.
Wayne is a competitive tournament angler, fishing guide, and writer. Wayne is field-staffing for Cullerton and Ludwikoski marketing services, doing buyers' shows, sports shows, grand openings, and numerous in-store promotions and seminars. Wayne is currently representing: Ranger Boats, Quantum, Strike King, Sufix Line, Motor Guide, Salmo Lures, and Bagley Lures.
