First New Boat - Discount and What Else?

[Team230]

I am likely going to buy my first new boat soon. I realize the main negotiation is on the selling price, but do dealers typically throw in anything else? I'm thinking like, $1000 to spend on boards, life jackets, etc..? Even a steep discount (like 50%) the first $2000 in stuff. I've heard they throw in necessities like fire extinguisher, throw cushions etc., but I'd like to see some fun stuff in there too.

I have 2 dealers that are interested in my business (one is a relationship related to a family member in another city). Price being the same, this may tip the scales.

Thoughts? Experiences?

[greggmck]

Isn't the most important point to get the best price? I would not get distracted by goodies if it means I'm paying more than I should for the boat. Work from list price and negotiate your discount from there. Money saved on the boat purchase will more than pay for toys. I'm sure it varies by location but one should expect 20 - 25% discount from list price depending on region and dealer. Good luck.

[mlsurfco]

I agree with Team230, I like the throw ins. I had some pro shop credit and pick up/drop off at my dock included. I wish I would've asked for a few boards at dealer cost but hadn't thought of it when I purchased. Good luck and have fun!

[75Tique]

I'm sure it varies by location but one should expect 20 - 25% discount from list price depending on region and dealer.

I have no idea because I operate in a completely different universe than you guys, and you should know, having just bought a new boat, but I had no idea you get 20-25% off. So you are saying, you get a boat listed at 160,000 for between 120 and 130?

[whitecaps]

25% isn't happening in our neck of the woods. Maybe just under 20% off msrp if we are talking about a left over model (previous year) or a strange color etc.

[jshack01]

From my limited research last year, 20% seemed good if your buying off the floor. Custom orders for me were closer to 15%. Sometimes you can do really well at a boat show. I've seem some really sweet deals up at the Indy boat show. Lake Cumberland Marine had a couple of really good deals at the Louisville Boat Show last year. I just couldn't get them to work with me on a trade.

My experience is a bit limited since I've only purchased two new boats. We pushed for "goodies" on my first one like safety gear, jackets, etc. The stuff they thew in was ok but it wasn't substantial and we ended up buying other stuff later anyway. Conversely, when I bought my 2017 last year at N3 Boatworks we didn't ask for anything and they threw in life jackets, fire extinguisher, custom trailer crash pads, a complete set of fenders, some Nautique shirts, free tickets to the Indy boat show, a couple of ropes and a Pebble watch! The watch was really thoughtful of them and I'm not sure that's the norm. I did enjoy the entire experience. YMMV

[stwilli326]

We bought at boat show last year and received pro shop credit which resulted in couple boards, jackets and ropes

I have eyes on trading in after one maybe two more seasons


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[G_WaTT]

"In another city" How far away is this other city? Will you be taking your boat there to get serviced? I think dealers really push people to buy in their own territory, but I'm sure it doesn't always happen that way. I would say shop local if you can if the price is the same or even slightly higher. You'll want to establish a good relationship with your local dealer especially if they're going to be the ones working on your boat.

If it's a few grand more... I'd be tempted to go with the bigger discount, but be aware that if you let them know they're in a bidding war they could potentially seek legal action if the other dealer sells you a boat. This is just something I've read about on the forum. I'm sure other could give you better insight.

[greggmck]

As I read this I can't help but feel it would be useful to share my boat purchasing experience. I have owned 12 inboard boats in several parts of the country over the past 30 years. I have purchased 10 of them new and ordered 9 of them. The least discount I have paid off of list price is 20%. I don't get distracted by goodies. Offering goodies is salesmanship 101 to distract the buyer from the purchase price. If you are getting $1000 in goodies, that really means about $700 at most to the dealer to distract you about paying a higher retail price for the boat. Boats have an invoice mark up of over 40% margin in the list price. Taking that down to 20% leaves the dealer still making about 20%! Now granted some dealers are inventory constrained. They don't sell many boats, don't get allocations and can afford to hold out for a much greater margin. If that is your dealer you are in a bind. But high-volume boat dealers do deal. You just have to negotiate with them. Ask for the list price and begin with 25% off. Be prepared to pay if you hit your target or walk away. If you want to know the invoice price for sure then join: http://www.seedealercost.com/boats to find out the invoice price for your boat before you purchase.

[swc5150]

6 Nautiques between my brother and I, and all were in the 25% off retail range...both stock and ordered out, and 3 different dealerships (all local to our homes and lake home). If you're paying 10-15% off retail to have a good dealer relationship, you're paying for that relationship...and your relationship isn't really what you think it is.

[Evening Shade]

6 Nautiques between my brother and I, and all were in the 25% off retail range...both stock and ordered out, and 3 different dealerships (all local to our homes and lake home). If you're paying 10-15% off retail to have a good dealer relationship, you're paying for that relationship...and your relationship isn't really what you think it is.

I would like to know how you get dealers down to 25% off MSRP. Do you trade in?

I agree with what whitecaps said above. 25% isn't happening in my neck of the woods. Maybe could get to 25% if its a boat that no one else wanted at year end. Just under 20% is pushing it here.

[G_WaTT]

I would like to know how you get dealers down to 25% off MSRP. Do you trade in?

I agree with what whitecaps said above. 25% isn't happening in my neck of the woods. Maybe could get to 25% if its a boat that no one else wanted at year end. Just under 20% is pushing it here.

I thought he mentioned this discount for boats he ordered as well, but I agree trade in could affect this number. My personal experience... I ordered a boat and got more than 20% off MSRP (No Trade In)

[Evening Shade]

I thought he mentioned this discount for boats he ordered as well, but I agree trade in could affect this number. My personal experience... I ordered a boat and got more than 20% off MSRP (No Trade In)

I walked away from the deal they offered me and when they came calling back I still couldn't get better than 20% off MSRP. I ended up buying the boat at about 17% off. They did give me a fair trade-in, but not an outstanding trade-in.

Having said that, the boat in question was one of the first few GS20s the dealer ordered so I think they knew the boat would sell easy if I walked. It was early enough before the spray date that I was able to change colors and options so it ended up being a custom order.

[swc5150]

I've never traded in a boat, no.

[swc5150]

Maybe WI/MN dealerships are more willing to deal? That's a huge bummer for those not getting into the discount range we've been getting. On the resale side, I don't have to as well in order to upgrade too. That's a double ding for those paying higher prices.