First New Boat - Discount and What Else?

[Evening Shade]

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.

I could be wrong, but maybe its more of a sellers market here in the south. I know there are thousands of lakes in WI/MN, but I think the water sports niche may make up a smaller percentage of the boaters in those states. Here in the south there are tons of people buying water sports specific boats so if one customer walks there will be a buyer standing in line behind him.

Here in GA, we only pay tax on the difference in the cost of the new boat and the trade-in. So if I can get a decent trade-in it doesn't make any sense to sell the boat because the difference in taxes will eat up all the extra money you saved by selling your boat. Plus you don't have to deal with tire kickers and lookers who aren't serious. I work way too much to have time to deal with that.

[greggmck]

I've never traded in a boat, no.

It all depends on the state tax situation. In Washington state we pay 10% sales tax on the full price of the boat. Trade in a boat for $100,000 and you save $10,000. While you might sell it for more yourself, you are not likely to make up much more than the difference of the tax.. And while it may sound bad to pay 10% on sales tax... we have no state income tax so that more than makes up for it!

[swc5150]

We're "only" 5% tax rate here in WI, so trading isn't as appealing. 10% tax and trading becomes desirable to avoid the tire kickers.

Our local CC dealers all have plenty of G/GS's in stock, even a 200 here and there, so there likely is a demand differential. I understand the dealer territory thing, but it's also a bummer a family who's willing to drive a day or so for a boat, is punished by having to stay local.

Speaking of territory, we bought our Prostar from the dealer local to our lake cottage. We also have a local dealership about 5 min away from our primary residence, who couldn't care less where we bought our boat. They've been very cool in letting me know they'd like all/any warranty or service work. They've actually been so nice that I've offered to take any prospective Prostar buyers they may to come out and ski with me, understanding that they'd rather not stock one. They make me want to do future business with them. As far as CC dealerships not taking care of out-of-territory buyers (from what I've read here), that seems like a perfect way to prevent future sales.

And for add-on goodies at the time of sale...I obviously just want the steepest discount I can get.

[scottb7]

Yeah, up here in minnesota, i think it is hard to get over 20% off...

[Wake.BC]

I find it so strange how territories very in pricing. Boats in BC/Alberta are so much more money than the same thing down in Arizona or Texas. Does anyone else agree


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[cedarcreek216]

We buy from a very high volume dealer, possibly the highest in the country, and they will not deal in percentage off retail. They give you a price and you buy or you don’t. Your relationship, experience and probability of buying another one is about the only thing that effects the deal. That said I think the deal between the new boat price and the trade in values offered are more than fair.


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[xxrb2010]

We buy from a very high volume dealer, possibly the highest in the country, and they will not deal in percentage off retail. They give you a price and you buy or you don’t. Your relationship, experience and probability of buying another one is about the only thing that effects the deal. That said I think the deal between the new boat price and the trade in values offered are more than fair.


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That does not mean that the price they give to you is not highly discounted from the retail price.

[cedarcreek216]

Absolutely. I am positive it is highly discounted, but they will not talk in terms of percentage discounts. I guess the buyer can do the math to figure out percentage off, but we have never really bothered as it doesn’t change what they are selling them for, and we all know we can’t buy out of territory on a new boat.


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[swc5150]

Yeah, up here in minnesota, i think it is hard to get over 20% off...

It's a bummer CC dropped Son Watersports. Mark hooked me up great on a couple of boats over the years.

[swc5150]

We buy from a very high volume dealer, possibly the highest in the country, and they will not deal in percentage off retail. They give you a price and you buy or you don’t. Your relationship, experience and probability of buying another one is about the only thing that effects the deal. That said I think the deal between the new boat price and the trade in values offered are more than fair.


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If you're talking about Phil's shop, I too practically stole a 196 from them (a used one). Great guys! Bought it sight-unseen, and everything was as they said it would be.

[cedarcreek216]

Absolutely, am very lucky I have the pleasure of working with Phil and his team.


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[Team230]

Thanks for all the input on this. I've not made a decision to buy yet. I need to sort a few things out first.

If I do buy, I'll certainly feel more informed. What a great community!


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[blueroom]

Going to state the obvious, but sometimes people don't think about it.

Don't include the trailer when figuring your discount level. Trailers can run $7k-10k depending on options, so subtract that off the total purchase price when one is included to get your discount level.

[G_WaTT]

My dealer offered me a $22k trade in on my old boat, and I ended up selling it for $33.5k. Boat was posted on onlyinboards for two weeks in March, or April, before I sold it to someone out of town. We talked, I emailed picks, he drove down, I took him out to the local lake, and the rest is history. Took up a few hrs of my Saturday, but everything went smooth. Most of my serious buyers were out of towners who would try and talk me down over the phone. I did take a deposit which I later refunded after he backed out of our initial meet up date (easy with paypal or venmo).

Long story short,... an extra $11.5k towards the new boat was well worth selling it myself. (Although I originally wanted at least $35k. I took extremely good care of her)

[AdamJBarn]

I just love how everyone wants a deep discount off the msrp and in addition to that, want all this extra free stuff. Do you do the same thing at your car dealership??? If you don’t, how is a boat dealer any different?


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