Dealing with the Dealer

[airdvr1227]

Re: Dealing with the Dealer

How about the fact that most reputable dealers will stand behind what they sell, even most used units. Think ahead when putting your deal together. Do you have all of the necessary safety equipment? What about storage during the off months. Delivery? VHF radio? Winterization? All things that can be negotiated.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Dealing with the Dealer

OH NO 1227 !!

You make buying, supplying & running a boat like it is some kind of responsible job compared to being a passenger or renting a boat.

 

[Philster]

Re: Dealing with the Dealer

I am buying a new 2012 boat right now. It is a custom order, but here is how it's going down:

1) the dealer asked me for half down to place the order. My answer: that ain't happening.
>>>This means that to order the boat, the dealer has to pay 50% of the sale price to the builder and hope I don't disappear between order and delivery (loans will be approved and my 10% deposit will clear)
>>>The dealer repeated the 'half down rule' several times over several weeks. I just kept balking. I wasn't doing the deal if it came to this and found a 2011 model as a backup.

2) the dealer will dial the boat in when it is delivered, taking 2-4 hours to fully set up and verify performance

3) Coast guard package, lines and fenders are included upon delivery

4) The final price and how we got here all comes down to having some personal guidelines. I ain't dropping 25 g's to have someone start a boat build -- PERIOD. Cash is KING in this economy. Always use someone else's money when buying something as inherently worthless as a boat.

Irony: The dealer I am doing business with is up to his ears with orders and work. Busiest November of his life.

Greater Philadelphia, PA area in the USA.

.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Dealing with the Dealer

Give me his name.

I need a new plywood rowboat.

Rich

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Dealing with the Dealer

The PRICE is the price you are comfortable with......

One of the biggest issues the marine industry faces is; dealer service. I have a couple of good ones, I deal with. It took me a while to identify them.

Find a dealer that has a good reputation and PAY him for that reputation. If you need service, and you will, a good dealer makes the difference between a bad boat experience and a pleasant one.

I happily pay for good dealer service, whether it be; boat, ATV, car, etc. Nobody touches my stuff other than me, or an OEM dealer......

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Dealing with the Dealer

Between greedy owners, untrained staff, Mechanics with a set of tools & a hand held programmer, fork truck drivers with bad eye sight. The marinas are always busy.

My marina owner told me NOT to buy new exhaust bellows, as I happen to have a very good year of Mercruiser V8. No recalls or sinkings at the dock.
Rick is a no nonsense owner. They replace a single part 1 time. My 2002 V8 is still a total Virgin. other marinas have said it needs lots of parts replaced. Just to be safe. They have been saying that for years to me.

It would have been better publicity for a different yard to have REALLY replaced the stuffing box packing as they were supposed to & charged. In stead on a all seniors trip, 4 days later, water is pouring out of the stuffing box. 3 handkerchiefs later it was stopped.

I almost told Rick the Sun shines out of his --- Back pocket. Great crew there. He was also the first marina in our area to get Canadian NO E85 gasoline for us. I LIKE giving my money to Rick. I do tip the workers on exceptional service. I want them there as much as Rick does.

Life is good.