Florida Boat Shows: Finding the Best Deals

Florida is home to some of the best boat shows in the world. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the Miami International Boat Show are two of the biggest shows around. At these shows, you can browse hundreds of boats and explore a wide variety of styles, from luxury yachts to fishing boats and everything in between. Not only do boat shows offer the chance to see the latest models up close, but they also provide an opportunity to snag some great deals.

Do Boat Shows Have Deals?

Yes, boat shows are known for offering deals, as salespeople are often motivated to move inventory and meet sales goals. Manufacturers and dealers tend to offer discounts that you won’t typically find outside of the show. These deals can be a great way to save on a new boat purchase.

A good deal at a boat show generally starts at 10% off, with the best deals offering 15% or more off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). You’re likely to find the best discounts during the fall and winter months, as dealers are needing to make sales after the boating season. Be aware that prices typically start rising in January as the early boating season approaches.

What to Look for in a Good Deal

When browsing boat deals at a show, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

  • Discounts: Look for deals offering 10% to 15% off. Anything below 10% might not be worth jumping on unless it’s for a rare or high-demand model.
  • Extras and Upgrades: In addition to price discounts, many dealers offer extras like extended warranties, free accessories, or upgrades (such as electronics, trolling motors, or premium seating) to make the deal more attractive.
  • End-of-Season Timing: The closer it is to the end of the year, the more motivated dealers will be to offer bigger discounts. Late fall and early winter are prime times to find the biggest savings.
  • Negotiation: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you’re not satisfied with the deal offered, you can always return later in the show or even follow up afterward.
  • Research: Before attending, do some research to know which models or sections you want to explore. Take your time at the show and don’t rush into any decisions.
  • Dealers: Use the show as an opportunity to get a feel for the dealers. Check their reviews online, see if they have a service department, and get a sense of their customer service.
Close-up of a person wearing a dark suit and white shirt, extending their hand forward as if offering a handshake. The background is dark, emphasizing the outstretched hand in the foreground, symbolizing an offer, agreement, or business deal.

Why Buying at a Boat Show May Not Be Ideal

While boat shows can offer great deals, they aren’t always the best place to make an impulse purchase. Here are a few potential downsides to buying at a boat show:

  • Rushing: Avoid making rash decisions. Take time to research the style of boat that suits your needs, and consider how you’ll use it, store it, and transport it before making a purchase.
  • Wait Times: Be aware that delivery times can vary, especially if you’re ordering a popular model. Ask about wait times upfront so you know what to expect.
  • Test Drive: Not all shows offer sea trials, especially smaller ones. If you’re serious about buying, you’ll want to test the boat in real-world conditions, so prioritize shows that offer sea trials.

Sea Trial: What to Look For

Before finalizing a purchase, always request a sea trial to ensure the boat handles well on the water. Make sure you print out the checklist that you want to verify. Here are a few things to look out for during the trial:

  • Handling: How long does it take to get onto plane? How does WOT feel like, what RPM is best for cruise?
  • Fuel: Major expense for all boats, what’s a realistic MPG that you get at cruise speed? Do you want a diesel or gas motor?
  • Rougher waters: Actively look for other boats’ wakes, drive through, and see how the boat handles.
  • Visibility: How’s the visibility, is the helm station at a good location?
  • Passengers: Bring your family with you, do they like it?
  • Style: Is this boat good for 90% of the boating you will do? Don’t buy for that small chance you’ll go on a big trip, buy for 90% of the boating you do.

Watch Out for Fees

When closing a deal at a boat show, keep an eye out for hidden fees. The only fee you should expect to pay is a standard administrative fee, which covers the processing of paperwork. Be wary of other miscellaneous fees like handling, preparation, or delivery fees, and try to get the dealer to remove or reduce them. These fees are often negotiable and can add up quickly if you’re not careful.

Financing at the Show

Most boat shows offer financing options, but you’re going to pay a small markup compared to getting a loan through your bank or credit union. To avoid this, consider getting pre-approved for financing from your bank before attending the show. If you can pay cash, but only negotiate these after you agree to a final price.

Conclusion

Attending a boat show is a great way to explore different types of boats and potentially score a deal. To maximize your chances of finding a good bargain, look for discounts of 10% to 15%, negotiate whenever possible, and be on the lookout for unnecessary fees. Always ask for a sea trial to ensure the boat meets your needs, and come prepared with pre-approved financing if you plan to buy. Plan in advance for these shows as they can get very busy with hotel accommodations and parking.