Thanks everyone

[srperry01]

Hey I just wanted to thank all of you for your input on some of the questions that I've put out here. I feel like I've learned quite a bit in a very short timeframe. I've done some shopping and modified a few aspects of my search to really help me find out exactly what it is that I'm after. I'll probably be waiting a little longer than expected to actually make my first boat purchase because of finance's but hopefully it won't be too long. Speaking of, is it true that you can negotiate better deals in the winter months with boat sellers? That's really when I feel like I'll be prepared to go all in. Anyways, thanks again for all of your help and just keep in mind that I'm going to have more "knew B" questions to come.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Thanks everyone

welcome

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Thanks everyone

Knew B<br /><br />Fall may also be a good time, right as owners are facing winter storage and winterization bills. And the boats are still in the water so you can test ride them. Just some food for thought.......

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Thanks everyone

an old northern winter trick is to circle/save<br />adds from paper that look like they fit the bill.<br />after winter has set in (Dec.), start calling.<br />most boats have been sold, but a few haven't.<br />x-mas is coming and a good time to get a great<br />deal <br />don't tell anyone! LOL<br />M.Y.

 

[srperry01]

Re: Thanks everyone

good idea mellow. I'm starting today. I've found a few in the past week or so that I felt like I should have snatched up but wanted to do the responsible thing. Hopefully one of them will still be around in December. so what exactly is involved when you winterize a boat? I'm assuming you drain all fluids but what else?

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Thanks everyone

Short Answer: MONEY!<br /><br />Well, for those that can afford for the boatyard to do the work..........

 

[Vdub144]

Re: Thanks everyone

Most of the marinas in my area have signs up already that they have begun clearancing out the 2004s. Over winter, if they don't have showroom space for them here, they will get wrapped in plastic and covered in snow and ice, which always makes for a hard sell. In the spring, the '05s will be out, and "last year's" models will have to be deeply discounted. <br /><br />By Christmas, the dealers will get their advance '05s for the showroom, and (although I can't say from experience) my guess is that the prices would then go up... Discounts then would probably be on "advance orders" that the dealer wouldn't have to finance or store, and you would have a boat first thing in the spring...<br /><br />Another thing to consider... In '06 the regulations on 2 cycle motors change making (I think all of) them illegal as new motors. See other posts on this topic in Engines, but in a nutshell, a certain amount of gas/oil is ejected each rotation since intake and exhaust is open at the same time making them less environmentally friendly... <br /><br />So, the remaining inexpensive 2 cycle stock is going to get pretty scarce this next year - if that's what you're looking at.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Thanks everyone

a boat stored inside is a good start. if she's out<br />in the elements with no cover, pass on by!<br />a 25yr. old well kept boat can be more reliable<br />than a 5yr old abused boat...<br />as for winterizin', OB's don't really need.<br />inboards is crucial since they hold cooling water.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Thanks everyone

I'v bought my current and last boat at the end of season like around September of October, both were a great deals, I also convinced the Dealers to warranty the boats for 90days (bought used) starting May of the next season, providing that I allowed dealer to winterize the boat. If you do happen to buy a boat during winter months, then I suggest a 10% down and full payment upon your satisfaction of water test, make sure its written into your "offer to purchase" and if water test is not satisfactory then deposit is to be refunded, but this would only be feasible with a dealer, If they don't want to agree to those terms, I would look elsewere. Good luck and remember there is always another boat for sale.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Thanks everyone

You should always drain your lower unit oil, and fill with fresh, before winter sets in. Why? Because if you have water in the oil, it will freeze and crack the lower unit.<br />Also, clean the engine, decarb, fog, disconnect and warm store the batteries so you can charge them up every month during the winter.