How do YOU buy a boat?

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09-30-2018 | 06:52 PM

wananewboat

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How do YOU buy a boat?

I'm considering buying a new boat and would like to know how you think it should be done. I went to the Miami show last year and saw some boats that interested me and without being ready, I didn't discuss cost. I did see signs on one boat for $179,000, what can that boat be bought for?

My last boat purchase was four years ago and the guy wanted to get rid of this RIB and showed me the invoice, he just wanted it out of his yard for the winter. The boat before that I took 25 percent of the retail and they took my offer. I can't imagine people paying the asking price, but what formula should I use and if I was to have one built, what number do you start at.

I see a lot of people building Nor-Tech's, do they all talk or is one guy paying a lot more than the other. Unlike a car, you don't have a Kelly Blue Book to get a starting cost. I'm just looking for some schooling from people that seem to buy boats frequently. I'm sure some people get very friendly with builders and have built a relationship with them, but that's not me. I'm currently looking for a 32' CC.

09-30-2018 | 11:50 PM

Griff

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From: Omaha/LOTO

The simple answer is...........it depends.

Most custom boats will have a standard cost with standard options, kind of like building a house.
The more stuff you add, the more the price goes up.

10-01-2018 | 11:11 AM

Interceptor

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From: Traverse City, Michigan

The one thing I can contribute is that the boat show special price isn't necessary the best price.

10-01-2018 | 11:52 AM

Ing

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From: Finger Lakes region, NY

https://www.nadaguides.com/Boats

Once you go to a performance CC with twins you'll never look back at an IO or be disappointed.

Last edited by Ing; 10-01-2018 at 11:53 AM. Reason: spelling

10-01-2018 | 06:39 PM

tmmii

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From: Ohio

Throw out what you are comfortable with and see where it goes. If it’s a no try again in a few months on the same boat or offer more for another one. It’s business and no one should get offended over it.

10-01-2018 | 06:54 PM

wananewboat

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tmmii

I think that's the best way to handle it, I have two or three brands in mind and I'll see how it goes.

10-01-2018 | 07:21 PM

rak rua

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tmmii

I'd go one further, start a bit lower than what you're comfortable with. Make sure your first offer is so low it will be rejected then once you've got the sellers response, you can start talking. You don't need to know what the boat cost to build and dealers/manufacturers aren't likely to tell you.

I spent most of my working life selling cars and I was never offended by any offer. It gave me, as a salesman, a good starting point. From there, I knew the buyer was serious and it was my job to be serious too. Good luck.

RR

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10-01-2018 | 08:26 PM

Powerquest230

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From: Palm Harbor, FL

There used to be a website that listed MSRP and cost for a variety of boats, think it was seedealercost.com. Hopefully they’ve kept it up and added to the site, some of the retail margins were nuts.