Where to Find the Best Boat Deals at the End of Season

The boating season is nearing its end in many locations.  Boaters who are pulling their boats in from use this past summer may be deciding to sell instead of storing.  You may have been considering purchasing or upgrading to a new boat, and the end of the season is an ideal time to find the best boat deals!

Is the end of the boating season a good time to buy a boat?

Yes!  This is a good time to buy a boat.  There are several reasons why you should consider the end of summer as a great time to look for boat deals.

Dealers are motivated – It’s time to move inventory.  The old models need to make room for the new season’s models.  There will be end-of-year discounts on new boats as well as promotions for select brands.

Less buyer competition – The demand for boats decreases after the summer, which is the prime boating time.  Fewer buyers will be looking for new boats, so supply goes up when demand goes down. 

Sellers are more motivated –  Since there are fewer buyers out looking, sellers will be more willing to negotiate.  They want to avoid storage costs in the winter or doing another round of boat maintenance.  National Vehicle’s boat listings are the perfect place to find motivated sellers at the end of the season.

Manufacturers have incentives – You can get discounts directly from industry competitors in the Fall.  This is because they are trying to increase their end-of-year sales as well as move inventory.  Those boat deals can include additional warranties, accessories, and rebates.

How much can I save buying a boat after summer?

Don’t forget, you may be looking at immediate costs of winterizing your boat and storing it after purchase, but the savings can outweigh these initial costs.  The amount you save varies, but there are several things you can do to save by buying a boat after summer.  Here are some ways you can save more.

• Negotiate the sale of the boat to include a month or more of boat storage costs.
• Ask the seller to include the maintenance or winterization in the sale of the boat.
• Get extra amenities included in your purchase, like the boat trailer, boat covers, or other items the boat owner may already have and be willing to let go of.
• Shop around for lower interest rates that are being offered for off-season buyers. 
• Purchase a used boat – you can save 20-30% within the first year versus buying a new boat due to depreciation. 
• Look for boats that are 4-6 years old.  They can still be in good condition but not have all the overhead of a new model.  You can save on financing and insurance costs.

Tips for preparing for end-of-season boat sales?

When you are ready to buy a new boat (or new to you), it is always a number one priority to get the best deal.  Where and how can you help ensure that you are?  Here are a few tips to help you wind up with the best end-of-season boat.

• Shop Online.  The websites that let you search inventory – especially used boat options are a huge advantage.  For example, National Vehicle’s boat listings provide you with multiple photos, boat specifications, and highlights.  And you can directly send a question or make an offer to the seller.
• Research.  Visiting dealerships and boat shows is great for shopping around and getting an idea of what type of boat works for your needs.  Even if you plan to buy used or directly from a private seller, this is a good option for formulating what is the right boat for you.
• Inspection.  Be prepared to always have the boat professionally inspected.  Whether you are buying new or used, make sure you are getting what you are paying for.
• Financing and Insurance.  Shop the prices for the model you are interested in buying.  Know what the boat is valued at.  It is also important that you know what the insurance rates are for specific boat models.  And you want the best financing options before you purchase.
• Budget.  Don’t forget the costs after the purchase.  You will have boat payments, fuel costs, insurance payments, registration fees, regular maintenance, storage, and winterization.  One boat model may be a better choice over another due to these ongoing costs.
• Walk-Away.  Be prepared to say no to a potential purchase.  If the deal is not working out for you, continue to look.  Don’t get stuck in a boat deal that doesn’t work for you long-term.

I know all you want to do is get out there and start enjoying your boating experience.  Go slow.  If you follow these tips, it will make the end-of-season purchase a great experience.  And an even better long-term memory creation without the extra costs.  Happy boating!