Are Boat Shows Still Relevant? | Buying a New or Used Boat

Posted By Sean Horsfall On February 10, 2014

“Are boat shows still relevant?" It is a valid question. We often debate this at boat dealerships, industry events, and with customers. The abundance of easily accessible online specs, reviews, videos, "build-a-boat", forums, blogs, etc. has made "researching" boat brands and types easier in some ways. If you want to know any boat facts, you will find them online.

Even though you may begin the information gathering online, and may have even narrowed your search to a few models/makes, you need to bridge the knowledge gap between knowing and doing. There is no substitute for getting in a boat, pulling it apart, feeling the way it is built, and getting to know the dealership and the people you will be buying it from.

Fact: Boat Shows are likely the most comprehensive, single source, for researching and/or completing a boat buying decision. They can be considered as such because one will never find a venue with as much product, literature, and expertise under one roof.

boat show booth

You should expect that a boat show is a time for marinas, boat dealers and manufacturers to display what’s new and announce models changes, features, and events. Boat shows can be filled with different seminars and side exhibits throughout the day. They may consist of deals, special announcements, and presentations.

Fact: Shopping for boats (and the services/people that keep you boating), is not the same process as purchasing a book, toaster, or even a car. More on this later.

In the not-to-recent past, boat shows were primarily just “a SHOW”. Some dealers sold some product, and were happy to leave the event with a few sporadic deals. There really weren’t any special prices or promotions at the show. In those days, it was key to make a relationship, tempt a visit to the dealership, and hopefully convert a boat show visitor to a customer later in the season or next. Most actual boat purchases were completed in May and June once the weather was nicer and everyone became excited for the upcoming boating season. It was common for dealers and marinas to keep many boats in inventory at that time, and a buyer could simply pick the model and colours/options out of dealer stock. They would then make arrangements for delivery soon afterward.

Fact: Pre 2008, for every 10 boats a dealer sold, they would stock 8, and custom order 2. Times have changed! Dealers now stock only 4-5 boats for every 10 they sell.

By May and June, dealer inventories shrink to much lower levels, and there are very few choices left. Boat builders no longer carry stock of finished product, and have significantly longer turn-around time for ordered boats. When May comes around, there is often not enough time to get the boat you want for that coming season. The biggest benefit of the boat show season, is that it represents the last point in this model year that you will have a choice to buy the right boat for you.

Well organized dealers have secured "build slots" in April and May for popular models so they can customize your boat for what you want. Once those build slots have been spoken for, they are gone for that model year.

Consumers are researching ahead of time now, and the boat buying cycle is accelerating to October through March. Some keen boat buyers have already completed the purchase BEFORE the show, and the majority have been researching on-line over the winter months to be ready.

Fact: The boat show has really turned into a BOAT SALE! The deals are always the best of the current year (except for non-current pricing in August/September for left-over inventory).

If you are ready, or close to it by doing your research early, then come to the show prepared to buy! It's your last chance of the season to get the right boat at a competitive price. As soon as spring rolls around, the best opportunities have passed. Keep tuned for more boat show tips and an e-book that you can download here or click the link below. We are right in the middle of boat show season!

Boat Show Buyer's Guide