Sticker Price???

[eyeguy]

I am looking at buying a brand new boat, and was just wondering if I should feel obligated to pay sticker price or can the dealer work with me. I have a general idea but would rather get the opinions from actual buyers.


eyeguy

[EB]

Feel free to shop the way you feel comfortable, if you like to bargain then go ahead. Just be careful about looking just at the cheapest price, how the boat is rigged is as important as the make of the boat, and ultimately the price. Don't save $500 to buy a boat only to find out they have some kid in the back hacking holes in your new beauty for minimum wage. Remember, you need to look at the whole package. Good luck, and have fun!

[cisco]

Whether cars, trucks, boats, or houses, to me the sticker price is only a starting point. Same thing when I sell -- I list a price I'd like to get, but keep in mind the price I would take.

There's a fudge factor in stickers, no matter what a dealer might say.

[The Great Guide]

Sticker price is the asking price. I've purchased 6 new boats and averaged 10 to 15 % less than the asking price. There are a lot of factors that can affect prices. Many dealers have new non-current year motors and boats which they can offer you at a discount. If a dealer is a large OMC dealer, and also carries Yamaha, but sells 90% OMC they can give you a better price on the OMC because of quanity discounts. Sometimes they have good deals on demo boats. Extra equipment like trolling motors, batteries, locators, covers, better props, etc can be dicounted big time or even thrown in, or you can get nailed on price. Also shop around for financing. Dealers tend to have high intrest rates. 1 or 2 % on $10, grand over 3 or 4 years can add a couple hundred to the price. After the dealer adds everything up, I take a walk and think about it for a couple days while contining to shop. Then I make the offer. So do your homework and visit several dealers if that is practical.

Two things I have learned never to do.

1. Never buy an underpowered boat. You don't have to max it out, but be within 80%.

2. Never buy a light-weight trailer.

TGG

[Stezostedion vitreum man]

Eyeguy,

Unfortunately, when shopping for a boat and all the things that go with it, the dealer has the defininte advantage. Unlike cars, trucks, etc. where you have access to the dealer's invoice price, when negotiating for a boat, you are dealing blind. The best way, of course, is to comparison shop. This however, is not always easy to accomplish, since most dealers are found many miles apart. You may call dealers in your region and ask them to quote you a price, or have a friend stop by (if he lives in the area of a distant dealer) and get a quote for you. With three or more quotes, you can deal from there. Many dealers are not willing to just give you 10%-15% off, unless you can show them that you can get the same deal cheaper some place else. Most of these dealers are pretty independent people, and they know that you are salivating for a new boat.

If I knew how to get the dealer's invoice price for these highly overpriced toys, I would be a very rich man indeed, by selling this information to the general public. That is why these prices are such a highly guarded secret by these dealers, just as cars, trucks, etc. used to be. Notice, however, that most car dealers are still selling cars even though their once highly guarded secret has been pubically compromised.

In closing, as mentioned in other posts, a dealer's service department is an important part of the equation when purchasing a boat. The best price is not always the best deal. Good luck with your dealings on your new rig and good fishing.

Remember to keep your eyes open and your feet dry.

S.v.m

[Walley E]

There should be some movement in the price you pay so shop around.

However, be very, very careful if you buy add-ons or accessories to your package. Some dealers easily make up the difference in the "package price" by selling you the add-ons at a higher price than Cabella's, Overtons's, West Marine, Wal-mart, etc. can. I am not blaming them. I just can't afford to spend the extra dollars myself. You can install many of the add-ons yourself. If you aren't sure of yourself ask a friend or pay the dealer.
Good luck.