Boat Shows: worth it?

[AbunDiga909]

Just was wondering this a second ago... thought it would make an interesting poll...

How much are the boat shows really worth it for the company...

In other words, how much are they really acountable for the sales...

[Sinkoumn]

RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

Don't most people get a discounted price at boat shows though, and that is why many people end up buying boats from boat shows anyway?

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

You'd think... but I've found CC's boat show discounts to be pretty small in comparision with others.. and so far the poll says 85% havent even bought at a show.. so i dont know how much effect the discount has on the buyer--one of the things i'm interested in finding out...

edit: also, what you describe sounds like option 2 in the poll... still 0% there... weird... i thought that would be a more popular answer

[baine157]

RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

we bought a used 01 SAN but we were definatley impressed by the correct craft booth when they came to houston. We shyed away from tige and bu because we didnt visit their boothes at the boat show. IMHO boat shows help alot of new families looking to get into owning a boat.

[skinautique]

Re: RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

Don't most people get a discounted price at boat shows though, and that is why many people end up buying boats from boat shows anyway?

Your best time to buy a new boat is in the fall or winter months before the boat shows. Especially with the cost of materials on the rise. Also, now you can pick out your colors and have it in plenty of time for the spring. A lot of people that buy at the show are waiting until early to late May to get their boat.

Anyone looking to buy a boat, go do it now!

[Fast351]

RE: Re: RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

Done already

[Hollywood]

Re: RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

and so far the poll says 85% havent even bought at a show.. so i dont know how much effect the discount has on the buyer--one of the things i'm interested in finding out...

That's only PN users. What % of CC owners are on this site? Even of those new boat buyers, probably something like 10% (very generous). You constantly forget there is a whole nother world out there of boat owners (CC included) that don't care about internet forums or drool over their boat. They don't even think about it boating unless they're physically on the boat.

[66Skylark]

It would be interesting to get a dealers perspective on this...

IMHO I think boat shows are a win / win for both the consumer and the manufacturer.

It gives the consumer the opportunity to look at several different brands all in the same venue. You can really compare quality, features, and prices.

It gives the manufacturer the opportunity to show off their goods, whether it is a new model (Like the new 236 or new 210) or a staple in their line (Like the 196). It also is an opportunity to attract someone who isn’t familiar with your product or who was considering another brand.

Obviously the vast majority of folks who attend the shows go to look and not buy, and I'm sure the dealers expect as much.

I don't go to the shows planning to buy. I enjoy looking at the boats and any new features offered. (All the boats - not just the CCs.) I enjoy looking at any new Marine products. I also enjoy taking a few minutes to talk to my CC dealer.

Not to mention, a boat show is also a great way to get out of the house on a cold New England winter day. It also reminds me that spring isn't too far off...

[AbunDiga909]

hollywood, I'm totally aware of that, and I dont expect these to be 100% accurate at all.. if its just accurate for those who are online, than we'll just take it for that, and its better than nothing... it is what it is...

[M3Fan]

One thing I will say about the boat show is I'm always more excited about it than it really is. I get there, hit the 3 booths, and I'm basically done. I'll probably skip it this year.

[Onthewater]

We have not bought a new boat and most likely never will. We go to drool, check out stuff, meet people, and hit a bar or two afterward.

[Sinkoumn]

Re: RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

Anyone looking to buy a boat, go do it now!

:grin: , hopefully getting done in the next two weeks :grin:

[darrel409]

RE: Re: RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

They sell beer at boat shows, thats gotta be a boost for boat sales.

[bkhallpass]

RE: Re: RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

I go every year. Really no intention of buying anything. I just love boats. I end up checking out all kinds of boats that I would probably never buy - yachts, toons, bass boats, whatever. The antique boat displays are great. I also spend a lot of time in the equipment hall checking out skis, wakeboards, gadgets, etc. I could live without the the live flycasting exhibitions, but what the heck. I talk to a lot of people, usually run in to old friends. I've also met and chatted with a lot of "names" from the industry including
Sammy Duval, Jason Paredes, Sean Murray, Mike Suyderhoud, Bob Maher, Kris Lapoint, Gary Meloon and others. For me it's just a good day to hangout. BKH

[Hollywood]

RE: Re: RE: Boat Shows: worth it?

There is always lots of eye candy at boat shows as well, which is nice to see in the middle of winter. Like BKH said, it's fun to check out all sorts of boats you don't see usually.