Boats, marine and boating trends

Boat Industry Experts Share Insider Tips for Buying a Boat

Boat Shows Offer Best Deals, Largest Selection Under One Roof

CHICAGO (2006) — For the best deals on recreational boats, bargain hunters should visit their local boat show to comparison shop in a single location and negotiate directly with dealers and manufacturers. In fact, nearly 50 percent of new boat buyers visited a boat show before purchasing a boat, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. “Boat shows offer one-stop shopping that saves time and money by providing a variety of boats and accessories in one location,” says Amy Murray, director of Discover Boating programs at the NMMA. “It’s a visitor’s market at boat shows, with hundreds of dealers, manufacturers and resources under one roof there are great deals available well below standard retail prices.”

With boats to fit every lifestyle and budget, shopping can be overwhelming – especially for first-time buyers. To navigate the boat-buying process, NMMA offers tips to find the right fit:

-- Determine What, Where and Who. Determine what you want to do with your boat and where you’ll be boating – lake, river or ocean. Whether fishing, water sports, local or long-distance cruising, there’s an ideal boat for you. Visit DiscoverBoating.com for a glossary of boats to help narrow down the choices.

-- Give Your Boat a Home. Will it be a boat you pull on a trailer and keep on your property or at a marina? Decide the types of boats you’re interested in and determine where your boat could be stored. It’s time to start the shopping process!

-- Do Your Homework. The best place to shop for boats is a boat show. Prior to the show, stroll around a marina and go boating with friends to find out more about the types of boats, brands and models that meet your needs.

-- Find the Ideal Boat/Dealer Combination. Select the dealer that goes the extra mile, offering the best deal and ensuring first-rate service after the sale. Depending on the season, ask for a “test drive” to experience first-hand how the boat performs in the water. Like car shopping, test-driving several boat types and sizes will help you make a selection.

-- Loop in the Loan. If buying a new or pre-owned boat from a dealer, ask for help with the loan process. Work with the dealer’s finance manager to handle the entire transaction, including the application through loan closing and vessel titling. Many dealers provide financing through National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA) members, which is ideal.

-- Hone Your Skills. Complete a boater education course with family members before the boat is launched. Everyone will have more fun with confidence in their abilities as “smart boaters.” Boating safety and seamanship courses are offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. Classes are typically free, aside from the cost of materials, and can help reduce boat insurance prices.

After finding the right boat at the right price and completing the boater education course, you are ready to enjoy the upcoming boating season with the nearly 70 million other recreational boaters in the U.S. NMMA sponsors more than 20 boat shows across the country. For more information on boat shows and recreational boating, visit DiscoverBoating.com.

The Discover Boating Program helps first-time boat buyers determine the type of boat that is right for them. The program has many useful resources available to the public free of charge, including a free Get Started in Boating DVD, Discover Boating Centers, the Discover Boating and Take Me Fishing Tour, and a variety of other helpful materials.

About Discover Boating

Discover Boating is a public awareness effort managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) on behalf of the North American recreational boating industry. Discover Boating programs focus on increasing participation and creating interest in recreational boating by demonstrating the benefits, affordability and accessibility of the boating lifestyle while helping to educate potential boaters and offering opportunities to experience the fun and togetherness of being on the water on a boat. Each year nearly 70 million people in the U.S. enjoy boating, the recreational activity that "connects like no other.” To find out more, visit DiscoverBoating.com .

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Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association