When is the best time to buy a boat? Each season has its own advantages, but understanding the different seasons for boat-buying can help you find a better deal. Whether you are buying in the height of summer or the chill of winter, knowing how the different seasons affect boat sales can improve your overall shopping and purchase experience.
- When is the best time to buy a boat?
- Buying new vs. used boats
- Why you should buy a boat
When is the Best Time to Buy a Boat?
Spring or Summer
If you were to take a poll of boat owners, you’d likely see that spring and summer are, in general, considered the worst times to buy a boat. These are, after all, the boating seasons—so more people are out buying a boat, driving demand and, in some cases, increasing prices. Because of increased competition for boats and a large pool of people shopping for their next craft, many people avoid shopping in the spring and summer.
However, there’s a reason that so many people want to buy a boat during these months. Summer is boating season, so buying in the spring allows you to prepare for your new activity, and buying in the summer allows you to enjoy the water right away.
Fall
Many people will argue that the fall is the best time for buying a boat. This is because most of the manufacturers start offering discounts around September and October. When demand begins to decline, dealers often provide incentives for buyers in the form of discounts and deep cuts in pricing. For both new and used models, you can often find some of the best prices by searching for a boat during the fall.
In addition to the superior pricing, if you buy a boat in the fall you can use the entire off-season to install equipment and accessories. You can also ensure that there is plenty of time to get the boat ready before the start of next boating season.
Winter, aka Boat Show Season
The winter might seem like an odd time to buy a boat, but many people feel that this is the absolute best time. Why? Because of boat shows! Boat shows bring together a large selection from the most popular manufactures from across the globe, allowing you to explore various models across all ranges of price, size, and style. Exhibitors show off new models and display the latest features, and you can look at many boats from different companies without going from one location to another.
“Boat-show season” usually starts around January and lasts through March, and you can often find great deals at these events. Even dealers in warm climates are trying to sell their year-end inventory, so there is usually a chance for a quality deal even if there is no off-season for boating.
Buy a Boat When You’re Ready
The truth is, there is never a bad time to buy a boat. The best time is when you’re ready for fun and adventure on the water! If you want more information on the best boats, contact us today. We’ll help you make a confident decision on your next boat purchase!
Buying New vs. Used Boats
Why to Buy a Used Boat
Price! You will likely get a much better deal on a used boat than a new one. If you’re buying on a budget, this may be the right choice for you. Like a used car, much of the depreciation value of a used boat has already happened before you’re considering buying it. So what this means: a used boat will hold its value better than a new one.
The disadvantage of buying used is that you can’t always know exactly what you’re paying for. Make sure you’re cautious when buying a used boat, and do a thorough inspection before you buy.
Why to Buy a New Boat
You’ll get exactly what you want. When you buy used, you take what you can get. But when you buy new, you may have the option to customize your boat perfectly to your desires. New boats are clean and shouldn’t have any mechanical issues. For these reasons, this is why many buyers choose to purchase a new boat – for reliability and quality. Manufacturer’s warranties also help!
The disadvantage of buying new is the price. You’ll almost always pay more for a new boat than a relatively similar used one.
Why You Should Buy a Boat
Regardless of what kind of boat you’re thinking about buying, there are plenty of advantages to owning a boat. If you’re on the fence about buying, let us convince you! Here are several great reasons why you should buy the boat:
Boating reduces stress.
We all know how stressful daily life can be, especially over the last year. Being near water is an instant mood-booster for many people. What’s better than being near water? On it in your own boat! You’ll be happier after you buy that boat.
Boating provides exercise.
Another way to relieve stress, there are so many water sports that you might partake in once you buy a boat. Think water skiing, wakeboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and even fishing. These recreational activities offer lots of exercise. Get out there!
Owning a boat requires mastering new skills.
You read that right – you’ll have to learn more skills when you own a boat.
Owning a boat can strengthen your relationships.
If you want to take your family out on the weekends, surely spending that quality time together will strengthen your relationships. Boating offers many fun experiences for friends, partners, and families.
Owning a boat makes you part of a fun community.
Being part of the boating community is a great privilege. You’ll meet lots of folks you may not have had a chance to meet without a boat. Make new friends!
There are many more reasons why owning a boat will bring more happiness to your life, but these are just a few. Go for it – buy the boat you’ve had an eye on, and get out into the water!
Greenville Marine
We are your local boat, motor, and trailer dealer. For many decades, Greenville Marine & Sports Center has been serving Pitt and Beaufort counties and Eastern North Carolina. We offer many brands of boats and engines—both new and used. Our awesome sales and service staff is excited to help you buy a new or used boat!
If you’re looking to buy a boat, look no further! We’re here to help you make the best decision for you and your future boating life. Check out our boat inventory and let us know how we can help you. To contact our boat shop, please call (252) 758-5938. To contact our outdoor shop, please call (252) 758-5945. Come by and see us!