In article .com,
"Mainshipman" wrote:

I'm curious to hear stories about how folks knocked down the price on
their new boat, particularly anything creative or innovative (buying
used or stripping off options doesn't count). Anyone find any good
sources of information or do anything clever? Thanks.

I have bought two new boats in the past five years.

One was a powerboat (with my second set of kids I decided time with them
was more important than purity). My son and I shopped for a
multi-purpose boat big enough for Lake Champlain (our 19 footer was not)
that we might cruise on. Of all the layouts, we most liked a Regal LSC
2550 for sale at a local dealer. I waited him out. Luckily, no one
bought the boat all season. Around November, we started talking. He
needed cash for new boats, did not want to be stuck with a neither fish
nor foul boat (only 24' sport powerboat with quarter berths -- had two
kids -- that was not a great cruiser or fishing boat or speed boat but
could do all 3). Because he had too much capital tied up in boat, he
took my 19 footer in trade after he lined up a buyer, sold me the one he
had for more than 30% less than retail.

The second was my ideal sailboat, a J/100. I wanted one but by the time
I heard about them, the price increases were too pricey for me. I just
told everyone that this was my boat and this was my price and when one
showed up, it was mine.

I ended up getting the boat, one of the hot boats on the market, for
about 16% less. I kept making sure I had the financing I needed if the
boat showed up, the money liquid to buy the boat, etc. When someone who
had purchased and never used one got news he had terminal cancer, and
one of the brokers who I had indicated my situation to heard about it, I
was the first one ready to go and the boat is now mine (I call her
Intencion because it was my intention to own her).

In both cases, it helped that I knew exactly what I wanted, knew what I
wanted (or felt I was able) to pay, told everyone the truth, was
extremely nice to everyone, was willing to wait till I got the boat I
wanted or died, and was ready to pounce (did not need financing, to
liquidate my cash, etc.).

Hope this helps...

harlan

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To respond, obviously drop the "nospan"?