Boat show

[Sangster21]

How do the boat show (Vancouver in spring) deals stack up? Can you shop around and find better deals than what is offered at the boat shows?
Alan

 

[Hookin'up]

I'll tell ya in febuary after I go, I have a nice list going

 

[Sculpin]

I have read on these fishing boards that there are great deals at the show's. I'm sure there are. I have been to quite a few and never bought a thing (that's just me not there to buy). I just like checking out all the new stuff and things I can't afford lol. I am heading down to the Seattle boat show again in January just to crawl around vessels and check things out. I find there are good deals to be had online South of the border. I don't do this kind of shopping very often for boating stuff. My local store here in Nanaimo has an annual sale every May with KILLER deals. I just wait for that.

I find there are 3 types of boaters that got to these shows. Folks that are just getting into or wanting to get into boating, folks that wait for the boat show specials, and folks that just like boats period.

 

[Charlie415]

We will be down at the Seattle show. Just follow the trail of drool and you will catch up to me. LOL

 

[Doug]

I went to the Van Boat Show last year and there were deals but even at the Boat Show you have to shop around before you start purchasing item.

I usually make a list of items I require and then start walking the show and checking prices, some item ranged in price up to 20% from booth to booth. At the end of the day I make all my purchases (last year $800) so I don't have to carry all the items while I'm checking out all the stuff.

I found item cheaper than Trotac's prices and Trotac's prices are usually very reasonable.

 

[Gunsmith]

I make a holiday of it. After a long cold winter it is nice to enjoy some of the weather Vancouver has to offer, sample some restaurants and look at boats and accessories. I have bought things but weighing the cost of shipping them back negates the the deals to be had.

 

[Sangster21]

I should have been more specific in my original post.... I am looking at new outboard engines. Probably a 150hp. Do the best deals come out at the shows or end of season?

 

[Doug]

Go to the show and take note of the prices and then go to a dealers in your area and negotiate, then if something goes wrong your engine warranty provider is close.
Main engine power usually appears to be a great deal at the show, but most of the time the price noted on the display doesn't include a prop, controls, gauges, and the installation which all add up.

 

[Sculpin]

I should have been more specific in my original post.... I am looking at new outboard engines. Probably a 150hp. Do the best deals come out at the shows or end of season?

I have seen some pretty good deals on old stock (i.e new motor that has been in inventory for 2 or more years). Just have to look around.