Newbie: Buy used at end of season, possibly for dealer?

[jaymoussy]

Newbie in the Northeast, I am looking at a few used boats, here and there.

Should I consider buying at end of (the Northeast) season, from, say, an upgrader, or from dealer used inventory (friendlier on the newbie?)?


BTW, it is amazing to note how many trashed boats are sitting out there...!

 

[oldjeep]

Dealer will normally be your highest priced options for used boats, but end of season is definitely the best time to buy.

 

[pckeen]

X2

End of season or midwinter are the best times to buy, as dealer's will mark down their stock, wanting to clear space for next year's models. The best deals from dealers seem to be new old stock boats - a model that is a year or two old, that hasn't yet sold. I've seen some really cheap prices on such boats.

Dealers vary greatly in prices for their used stock. For many, their boats are priced high, but assuming the dealer is reputable, he or she will have gone through the boat carefully to make sure it is in decent condition before taking it on trade. For others, I have seen some relatively good good prices, as those dealers try to buy cheap when taking a boat in on trade.

Your best bet is to educate yourself about the market by looking now: troll the dealers now to see what is out there, with an expectation that you won't buy now. Take a look at craigslist boats once you have done that.