Buying Strategy

[Swamp Grizz]

Hello All!

While I'm sitting here trying to accumulate some clams ($) to put toward my purchse of a Skiff, I wonder when the best time to purchase the boat would be? In other words, would I get a better deal say, after the first of the year, just before Christmas?, or early spring? I want one RIGHT NOW, but I'm willing to wait a little while if I can save a few bucks. I want to be real clear here, I'm not looking to get something for nothing, because to be fair to the dealer, he has to make a living too. I just want a fair deal at a fair price. When do model years change? Are there deals to be had then?

Some other questions......Are you better off buying the "bare bones" boat and adding the extras (depth sounder, trolling motor, etc.) yourself, or would you get the dealer to put what you want on it to begin with? If you custom order a boat with what you want, instead of getting the "package" boat he has on the lot, how long does it take to get it from the factory? Any recommendations for a dealer within a reasonable drive of Savannah, Ga?

Thanks for the insights and information. I'm real pumped about getting a Skiff. On one of the other forums somebody described it as the "Willys Jeep" of the boating world, and I think they nailed it. It's versatile and you can set it up any way you want.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Swamp Grizz

[Harry]

Not real sure on the best time to buy money wise, But it is best to buy a pre-rig ( bare bones) and set it up yourself.

What are you looking for?

[Fillet1]

My thought would be after Christmas - nobody wants to buy anything then. I bought in Feb and got a nice deal. I would look for when the dealers offer an extended warranty on the motor as well. Boat show specials can be good too.

[Shakespeare]

Grizz,

Some of the dealers have 2008's in stock so the model year has already changed. Chatlees in Sanford NC has a pretty good reputation and it's a straight drive up I-95 and a left turn on Hwy 421 for you. I'd say the best time to buy something in stock is at the end of the year or immediately after Jan 1st as they want to unload inventory before they get taxed on it. The worst time to buy is Spring time because that's when everybody wants to get on the water and the dealers know it. Someone else can chime in on their experience with special ordering a boat. Intuition says there will be a delay and how long depends on the time of year you place the order. My sales guy hemmed and hawed at some of the things I wanted to do, like upgrade my trailer. Don't let them box you in and if you got to have something a certain way, then by gosh, make it clear that's the way it's going to be. Their intention is to get that boat off the lot as quickly as possible.

If you're mechanically inclined, then the installation of accessories is best performed by you in order to save some $$$ and to make certain the job was done correctly. If you're not so good at the handyman thing then no shame in letting the dealer do it. I had the t-top and swim ladder installed by the dealer and I put in the VHF radio, GPS, and sonar transducer myself. I'll do the trolling motor after Santa brings me one (I hope  008).

About that "fair to the dealer" thing... here's and article you need to read before you get swept up in a boat buying frenzy. Believe me, the dealer won't take a loss on a boat unless he has some compelling circumstances. Be sure to read the entire thread as the article is broken up into segments.

http://www.ncangler.com/forums/f59/dave-b-s-boat-buying-guide-4871.html

Anyway, hope this helps and good luck with your purchase.

Mike C.

[al_e._gator]

You can drive up I16 a couple of hours to Perry, GA (near Macon) for the Perry Sportscenter, www.thesportscenter.com. They sell a lot of CS boats and I got a good price with good service. They only carry Mercury and Evinrude though so if you want something else you'll need to go elsewhere.

[spraynbuckshot]

Coastal boating Center is off of Quacco Rd and Hwy 17. Talk to Rich or Robert. They are a father/son team and their prices are way better than most. They only deal with Suzuki, so if you are looking for something else, get the hull/trailer there and motor elsewhere. I don't think they have many or any 2007 models there any longer. I would install the accessories at a later time. just my 2 cents

[Swamp Grizz]

Thanks for the responses.

I'm looking at a 198 or 218 DLV Elite, but my wallet's looking at a 178DLV or 198DLV. I have heard good things about Suzukis, and I had a Yamaha 70HP 2 stroke that was a GREAT motor, so I would like to stay with a 90 Yamaha four stroke, but I would consider the ETEC.

My hunch was that somewhere just before or after the New Years would be a good time to buy, so it's good to know I'm not too far off base. I also suspected that springtime was the worst.

Spaynbuckshot- i know where ther dealer is that you're talking about, but I didn't know he carrifed CS. I'll drop by and talk with him. I really want to go somewhere and look at all the options and ask some questions before I commit. I may take a ride down to Lockwood Marine in Shellman Bluff as well. Anybody know anything about them?

Thanks Again,

Swamp Grizz

[Harry]

Grizz you got a PM

[spraynbuckshot]

They have carried Carolina Skiff for a long while. They seem to know their stuff. They always answered any questions I had. I would have bought a brand new boat from them at the first of the year, except I found a great deal on a used one.

I didn't make it down to Shellmans Bluff, but I did call them. They wanted $2,000 more for the same set up as Coastal Boating Center except for putting a Yamaha on back.

[lakebiker]

Don't know about where you're at but I found out while shopping for my C.S. if you're talking to a dealer, be sure to let him know you're looking at other dealers as well. These guys seem to hate each other and will about do anything to "take away" another dealers business. I ended up buying mine at Smith Mtn. and they beat all the "local" N.C. C.S. dealers hands down.
012

[workinprogress]

Hey Grizz,
I'm guessing Harry's PM was about this, but if not and you would consider slightly used, Harry's got a sweet boat for sale in the range of what you are talking about.