So I keep hearing this rumor from friends that the best time to buy a boat is during a boat show. I did some research and found conflicting information on this so I thought I would reach out to the CF experts. What are your thoughts?
The biggest advantage to a boat show is you have many different models and manufacturers to compare all in one place at one time. Hard to do that otherwise. The majority of the dealers also run ‘boat show’ prices which are usually a significant discount from the list price. Could you possibly find a better price at another time of year, of course you could if you get lucky, but you will not have the option of all the models in one location to compare. If nothing else do your research at the boat show, jot down their best price and see if you can beat it later. Then again, that would depend on your time frame. I go every year whether I am buying or not; it is nice way to spend a couple of hours.
Pioneer 222 Sportfish
Yamaha 250
That makes sense. I will be looking over the dual consoles at the boat show next week and can hopefully pull the trigger on something if the price fits. Anyone have any suggestions or advice when it comes to DCs?
Where are you going to primarily be boating and what’s your budget? I just sold my ‘04 Sea Hunt 200 Escape that I had for 7 yrs. Great boat w/ a F150. The majority of my time was spent cruising with fishing being a close second. DCs offer a lot of comfort but CCs are far more popular in CHS. The 20’ Escape always handled the Wando (put in at Brickyard) and would get me to the jetties from Shem Creek. As with any boat, you will have to “pick your days” in the harbor.
If you can swing it, I’d suggest a 22’-23’ DC. This gives you a much better capacity and handles the chop better. The 22’ Grady White DC is the top-notch and big $$$. If this is your first boat, there are some great DCs in the 17’-18’ range. Pioneer, Key West SH. If going used, I would focus more on the power and condition rather than the brand.
My SH held value pretty well. Paid $17,500 in 2010 and sold for $13K this year.
Regards
A lot of manufacturers offer additional warranty as a “boat show special.” I received an additional two years of Yamaha warranty one year at no additional cost because I was making my purchase during the boat show season. It wasn’t even a complete package purchase just a re-power, but the dealer filled me in on the special and I was able to get the additional warranty coverage for free.
Are you looking to go offshore any? What’s your price range? The Pioneer 222 is a great seaworthy D.C. without having to go into the pricey Grady’s and Boston Whalers.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
This will be my first big boat. Meaning not a jon boat. I will primarily be cruising with the family but would like the option to hit some nearshore reefs or even the jetties if I wanted. I have a little aluminum boat now I will keep for the creeks. I am looking around 20’-22’ with a budget of around $35k. I’ve been doing some research online and really liked the Grady White…until I saw the $60+ price tag. I like the SH and Key West but really haven’t looked at the Pioneer.
My previous boat: http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale-wanted/819102-2004-sea-hunt-escape-200-sold.html
Jetties - Yes
Reefs - No (could be done but I didn’t)
22’ also gets you a head and the wife/kids will probably appreciate. Pioneer makes a great boat. A lot of CCs are adding backrests to the bow seating which gives you more comfortable seating if conditions are right.
I would use Searchtempest that looks up a lot of Craigslist locations in one search or get an app. I like CSmart
Regards
quote:
Originally posted by JiNative888That makes sense. I will be looking over the dual consoles at the boat show next week and can hopefully pull the trigger on something if the price fits. Anyone have any suggestions or advice when it comes to DCs?
Here are my non brand specific tips/observations after running a DC for a few years:
A dual console is a great family boat and is plenty fishable. If you’re more family than fishing, you can’t go wrong.
Dual consoles typically have more room in the stern since the helm is further forward. Great area for kids to spread out on a towel under the bimini top (see next comment)
Make sure to get the bimini top if it is not a standard option. Your family will thank you on hot July and August days.
Fixed VHF antennas can be tricky to mount on a Dual Console and most likely you won’t have the range (can’t be mounted on top of T-top, so you don’t have the height)
Most of the manufacturers use the same hull for their DC’s that they do for their center consoles. If you buy brand x in a 20 foot dual console, it will be the same hull as their center console, just with the DC liner. You see plenty of 20 foot center consoles at the jetties and nearshore reefs on good days, so it won’t be a concern in a dual console other than making sure your experience, comfort level and safety equipment are up to par.
Dual consoles require people (kids) to walk through the center of the boat to get to the bow. Obvious statement, but with young kids I like them in the center of the boat, not on the side. Even when you tell them to sit down when under way, they will get up and move.
Get Sea Tow or Boat US. You will need it at some point. (that’s a pro-tip regardless of the boat)
Good luck and have fun.
They also make great winter time fishing boats, much warmer and a place to get out of the wind.I fish a DC in the winter and a CC in the summer.