Boat buying - What to ask?

[Shane]

This is for those in the know and maybe those who go stung in the past.

When going to talk turkey with a boat dealer what should you ask for?

Straight out % off?

Sounders thrown in?

Tank of petrol?

etc.

Any bad/good experiences in purchasing your boat due to ordering process.

How did you get the misses out of the room to upgrade the sounder package without her knowing

[GregL]

Originally posted by Shane
This is for those in the know and maybe those who go stung in the past.

When going to talk turkey with a boat dealer what should you ask for?


How did you get the misses out of the room to upgrade the sounder package without her knowing

Get 2 invoices, one for you and insurance with itemized bits and another as a total boat package price for the mrs

Greg

[Mrs.Shane]

Originally posted by Shane
How did you get the misses out of the room to upgrade the sounder package without her knowing

Start with a Mrs who doesn't read your forums!!

I'm on to you now buddy

[madsurfe]

Hi Shane

If you are buying a boat interstate then I would recommend factoring in a cheap return airfare to test drive it, especially since you may not have the same craft available in WA.

It is peace of mind!

As some know I got stung by a *anker who purported to know what he was talking about and I stupidly took his word. I regret not flying to Brisbane to inspect the hull. If I had done that I would never have bought it and would have thereby avoided the accident and the insurance company declaring the hull unseaworthy. That is why the name badges were removed from my boat and I didn't promote it. Contary to rumours I was only travelling at 40kmh (22 knots) when I lost control and took some mangroves branches across the face and shoulder, I nearly lost an eye and broke my shoulder.

You should know the affect it had Shane as you fished with me on the Sub' in WABT Perth 2005 with my shoulder heavily strapped.

The stress involved really affected my attitude and fishing and it cost $3500 to bring the hull up to spec and create a good ride.

You'll be right if you're buying a reputable brand like Haines Hunter or Skeeter etc brand new but with any 2nd hand hulls factor in a ride and inspection.

[Lone Ranger]

Good work Al!

I wouldn't say I am in the know indeed but hope this may help somehow. After any verbal discussion with your dealer, fax/email a list of confirmation. A lot of times, they forget and on final day may turn out saying but you never said that, etc etc. Ensure that the product/boat is actually exactly identical to their catalogue if they don't have it there for you to look at. With mine, the item was different on the web site and also on the catalogue they had given me. And as you know being disadvantages in WA, a lot of times we don't get the opportunity to see the product. Any adjustments to your preference where possible should be done via a diagram by fax. Where possible, confirm everything in writing down to cost however delivery date is a different matter.

And before putting in a deposit or making final payment, then yes straight forward asking for things to be thrown in is fine in my opinion. They may try and say oh but we are throwing in flares and the basic crappy PFD 1's already. In today's world, these are now standard items that are included anyway so ask for what you want (e.g. those fancy PFD like the one you have, a proper RST course worth about $300, jerry cans, cleat, sea anchor, upgrade the winch control to dual, see if they can throw in a spare tyre .. that's pushing it) . Even petrol and oil (the original) should be part of the package deal. Would you buy a car with no petrol? And make sure you take it out for a test run if possible, and remember the law is on your side, you have that 30 day thingo to change your mind etc etc (I think, may be wrong! )

As for % off, what have you got to loose, in fact, I would get bring Alison along at that time, and get her to ask that question. As for the sounder, may be possible, if you sell yourself etc (as I had mentioned in the past)

JMO

[Shane]

BUSTED!!! Shh... everyone be quiet the misses is watching

Nah not getting anything fancy JP, just getting an ali boat. I dont buy a boat everyweek, if it was a computer I would know what questions to ask

Got some good info so far, keep it coming your not only helping me but the misses will be happy when I stop my constant "I want a boat"

[madsurfe]

but not how I finished the weekend

[madsurfe]

not a nice way to finish the weekend. The pic was taken the following day

[madsurfe]

nps Shane

I gather if it's Ali then you'll locally source the boat. Anyone else considering a major purchase interstate please take heed because good planning on the purchase will go a long way towards avoiding problems and disappointment.

[Stu_000]

Originally posted by Mrs.Shane
Start with a Mrs who doesn't read your forums!!

I'm on to you now buddy

Busted lol

Does it float? is the first thing I would ask

[madsurfe]

Originally posted by Mrs.Shane Start with a Mrs who doesn't read your forums!!
I'm on to you now buddy

Mine can read as much as she likes nps except she wants more Bream related stuff than me

[shane(aka greg)]

hey shane, not sure if your buying new or not but see if you can get them to throw in any inshore safety gear ect ect .....to sweeten the deal. i tryed ....and got jack... but you might be spending more than 14 grand

[Rod]

Jesus JP put a shirt on talk about a thread killer

Shane make a list of everything you want included and in some cases list the product you would like.

IE : Boat 4mtr trophy with all standard features as per catalog
Yamaha 40hp 3 cylinder
Dunbier easy loader trailer
Gme 27 meg radio and ae 60 Ariel
Hopefully you get my drift..

Then give it to the dealer and have them give you a full price in writing listing what they are offering. If they don't have the product you want then tell them to detail what they are offering on there quote. Also ask for delivery dates to also be in writing as this seems to be the biggest let down i often here of.

Honestly there are loads of Pitt falls but if you do your homework then you'll be fine

If you like and would like I'm happy to extend a offer to look over any quotes you may get to help and pick the small details. This isn't a plug just a free offer as i do know the industry, as well as the styles of boats we all love to play with

Other than that good luck.

And JP know i need counseling

[Rod]

Sorry one more point is to talk thru how they intend to do things like plumb live wells, fit kotas, and sounders . These things are very different and can be the differance between a good job and crap that needs re doing

Sorry i'll leave it alone know

[Acanthopagrus]

Will that stainless steel propeller still be on there when I pick the boat up?