By: Olivia Hudak on December 15th, 2022

Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes at a Boat Show (Shopper’s Guide)

Boat show season is here and in full force. Boat shows take place all over the country and likely, there’s one taking place not too far from you. If you’re in the market for a new boat in the near future, it may be worth a trip to your local boat show to explore your options. 

Today, you can find so many different boats with a number of different purposes and features. That’s the great thing about boat shows, you can explore many of the different boats all in one place. This makes comparing different makes and models easy.

However, before you head to the boat show, I have some advice for you. There are a few common mistakes people make when shopping at a boat show. I want to help you avoid those mistakes so that your time at the show is well spent. I will also explain why these mistakes are so common and how to avoid them. 

1. Not Dealing With Your Local Dealer

For this example, Henry has found a particular boat that sparks his interest. There are two dealers at this show that carry the same brand. He believes he found the perfect boat based on price and color combinations. Perfect, right? Well, not quite. The dealer (Dealer A) is over 3 hours from where Henry boats but there is a dealer (Dealer B) 10 minutes down the road that carries the same brand of boat. 

You could be asking yourself, what’s the issue here? If he buys a boat from Dealer A, he can just use the closer dealer (Dealer B) for service and post-sale needs. As simple as those sounds, it’s not quite that easy. Most dealers are very loyal to their customers, i.e., the people who purchased from them. This means that Henry will be last in line for service work if he buys from Dealer A and calls Dealer B for maintenance. 

Henry is left with two options at that point, to continue to use Dealer A whom he bought the boat from, or switch to Dealer B who is significantly closer. For future service needs, Henry should buy from Dealer B right off the bat.

Because of this exact situation, we advise you to buy from your local dealer only. It will save confusion and frustration in the long run. No matter how little you want your dealer to be involved with your boat, at some point or another you will need assistance. Whether it be for parts, warranty issues, storage or general maintenance, you will need to have a relationship with a dealer. 

In the end, work with your local dealer when purchasing a boat from a boat show. It will reduce hassle and future issues. You’ll be able to spend more time on the water and less time worrying if you follow this advice. 

2. Not Speaking to a Manufacturer Representative

Barb has been looking forward to her local boat show for a few weeks now. She’s decided she is ready to buy a boat and has done copious amounts of research herself. She is between two different brands of pontoons. She can’t wait to see both of them in person in the same room so she can compare the boats. 

Barb already knows who her local dealer is and heads straight for their booth. She jumps on boat #1 and really likes everything about it. She checks out boat #2 and knows her heart is with boat #1. Rather than speaking to any sales representative about either of the boats, she goes with her heart and purchases boat #1.

Do you see the issue with this tactic? Boat shows are full of people who are very knowledgeable about the products they represent.  When at a boat show, you have the ability to talk to different representatives from the manufacturer. These representatives are able to talk about the quality behind the build and design of a boat because they work at the factory where these boats are made. Who knows, maybe boat #2 would have been a better choice for Barb had she spoken to a representative.

Take full advantage of the opportunity to gain useful information from those who are experts on the product. You’ll feel confident about your decision for whichever boat you decide is best.

3. Settling For a Boat You Don’t Love

Frank has been looking forward to boat show season for a while now. He’s determined to buy his dream boat at a show so that he can have it for the upcoming boating season. He’s decided which boat he wants so he’s hoping his local dealer has it in stock. 

When Frank gets to the show, he checks out the booth his local dealer has set up and realizes they don’t have the boat in stock. Instead of placing an order to get his dream boat, he decides to go with his second choice since they have that boat in stock. 

He settled for the boat that wasn’t his top choice so he could have it as soon as possible. However, had he placed an order right then, he likely would’ve had his dream boat by the upcoming boating season anyway. Don’t settle for a boat that is not exactly what you want. In the end, you will be spending a good portion of your money on something you don’t love. 

Frank will look back and regret his decision. It will be lacking features that he had looked forward to, maybe not as much horsepower as he hoped, and the list goes on. In the long run, it pays to wait for the boat you really want. You’ll inevitably be happier and more content with your decision. Don’t be like Frank, get the boat you love.

4. Not Asking About Carryover Models from Previous Model Years

Martha is at the boat show and talking to her local dealer about the boats they have on the show floor. She knows what she’s looking for when it comes to the size, model, and floor plan. She also has a budget in mind and would like to stick to it, this is a deal breaker for Barb.

After talking to her local dealer, she realizes they don’t have exactly what she’s looking for at the show this year. So, she continues on her way and decides that maybe now isn’t the time to buy a boat for her and her family as there’s nothing in her price range. 

The issue here is that Martha never asked about carryover models her local dealer may have back at their dealership. They might’ve had the perfect boat in a previous model year with a good price on it. It’s worth asking the question when you’re talking with a dealer at a show and price is the most important aspect for you. They might have your dream boat back at their location, all you need to do is ask about carryover boats from the previous model year. 

5. Not Asking About Any Special Promotions 

Bob was checking out the boats that his local dealer had at the boat show. He really enjoyed learning about the craftsmanship that goes into each vessel from the experts. He found one he could see himself purchasing for the upcoming boat season.

He saw a sign with the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) posted for the boat. Before asking anyone, he realized that boat may be a bit too far out of his price range. So he decided to pass and continue on his way. Bob missed an easy conversation that would have set his mind at ease and potentially led him to buy the boat. MSRP is not necessarily what the dealer has the boat priced at.

[Video - An Explanation of MSRP]

Bob failed to ask about any special promotions that could be going on during the boat show. Sometimes manufacturers, engine companies, or local dealers place discounts on boats they have at shows. It never hurts to ask, and it may end up getting you a deal within your budget on your dream boat. Don’t be like Bob, talk to someone so at the very least, you have all the facts you need to make an educated decision. 

Avoid These Mistakes at Your Next Boat Show

The mistakes above are seen far too often at boat shows. All of these mistakes will limit your ability to make educated decisions and could keep you from finding the right boat. If you are aware of these common mistakes, you’ll be less likely to make one.

Ultimately, you will get more out of your boat show experience, and you’ll leave feeling educated and good about the decisions you made. Any boat show you go to will have experts on the products you’re looking at. It’s important to utilize those people to learn as much as you can. 

As long as you avoid these 5 mistakes, you should be in great shape for your next boat show. Don’t be like Henry, Barb, Frank, Martha, or Bob if you want to get the most out of a boat show. Learn from the mistakes of these five and don’t do the same thing. You’re all set to head to the next boat show now.