Question re buying new boat

B

bob Petritsch

Active member
Have narrowed down the new boat search to two. Both 1860s one by Lowe and the other by Crestliner. They are like the old Plymouth Valient vs Dodge Dart. Same boat different logo.
Anyway, my question is how much can you haggle over the MSRP. I've never bought a new boat and was wondering if it is like a car, or is it like a quart of milk....everyone pays the same. Is there a website that gives suggested prices for boats?
 
Good question. I learned last year that most dealers set their prices and if you call around you will get slightly different prices from each for the same thing.

My last purchase was a tracker. The manufacturer sets the price, dealers are not allowed to stray from it.

Tracker is a cheaper boat, and you get what you pay for, but for the bad things I put duck boats through there was no reason to pay more for a nicer boat.

In short I would at least call several dealers and get your best price, then ask your local dealer to match. Also, this time of year is a good time to buy as dealers might have stock left from last year they need to unload.

Btw. I had a Lowe boat. Great boat. Crest liner makes a great boat too. You can't go wrong.
 
Isn't there a "blue book" for boats? Seems to me I have used one to look up used boat/motor values. Don't know if it has prices for new boats.
 
I was in the market myself. I have a friend who deals in Lowe boats. He tells me today there is very little margin in boats sales. So although he has a little dealer discount off the Lowe MSRP it's not much. The cost between those two boats here in my area would probably be $100 or so. With that in mind look more for customer service with the dealer you choose. I was just about to pull the trigger on a new 1860 Tracker CC (Lowe was $1000 more than the Tracker with a smaller motor). Good price and $1000 year end savings off on the motor from Mercury. Payment dollar wise was great until the length of time (120 months) sank it and I got cold feet. Good luck. Check NADA for boat prices. Boat prices seem to be accurate. Used outboard motor prices vs what a dealer wants today is NOT very accurate IMO.
 
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