Smart Boat Show Shopping

by Dan Armitage

January marks the kickoff of the traditional winter boat show season, a three-month period that -- especially for boaters in frigid Midwest climates -- offers a welcome opportunity to be around boats and fellow fishermen in the off-season. In fact, boat shows are where most of us get our information about new boats, according to a survey conducted recently by J.D. Power & Associates.

The marketing information firm that's famous for its automobile ratings based on customer satisfaction surveys recently completed a similar study among 22,000 late-model boat owners that, among other useful information, found that more than 56% of owners relied on boat shows as their main sources for boat-buying information. The balance, or 44% of boat owners questioned, said that they relied on manufacturers’ brochures for new boat info.

If you're serious about buying a new boat at your local show, go early and with a plan, and plan to go again. And to save time, trouble and money, don’t even think about stepping onto the show floor without knowing your budget and what type of boat you want to buy. Both subjects need to be determined ahead of time by talking with your family, boating partner or whomever else the purchase will impact. You may even want to talk to your bank or another lender about pre-qualifying for a new boat loan. Knowing exactly the amount you are able to spend and having that information available when negotiating with a boat dealer can be a deal-maker and save you money.

If you’re in the buying mode, consider going to the show twice. The first trip is the one when you want to have family members along, and it can be on a busy weekend because you are really still just looking to see what the show has on the floor. Use that initial visit to the show to see first-hand the models you’re considering, screening those that don’t meet your needs, and getting valuable first reactions from your companions -- but not doing any serious negotiating. Save that for the second trip, preferably during a weekday when you attend the show by yourself, at a time when the crowds are thin and sales people have time to work with you. If you remembered to ask, you may even have scored a free admission pass for your second visit from a dealer whose boat you showed special interest in during your initial information gathering trip.

Be sure to take advantage of the boat show’s unique ability to allow you to comparison shop boat prices, models and manufacturers that may be only a few steps apart. Don’t be afraid to shop deals between competing dealers and to ask about “unadvertised” boat show specials that they might reveal once they know you are serious and shopping for a deal.

And allow yourself to have fun during the boat buying process, which may result in ownership of a watercraft that you and your family will enjoy fishing from for years to come. If you don’t find the boat and/or the deal you are looking for, don’t be afraid to walk away empty handed. With a half dozen major boat shows produced in Ohio each season, and a number of regional events that feature new boats, there are plenty of other places to find that perfect fishing boat.

See "Related Links" for the Boating Events Calendar, where you can find a listing of retail marine trade shows where you can meet with Division of Watercraft staff, get some good boating information, and visit with marine product retailers.

Dan Armitage is a freelance writer from Worthington, Ohio. In addition to many years as an outdoors and travel writer, Dan is a licensed charter captain and longtime boating educator. Dan also is host of the Buckeye Sportsman radio show (www.buckeyesportsman.com)