Negotiations on a new boat

[bfab33]

Hi, my name is Bill.
This this the first time I've ever posted anything on this forum. I would thank anyone for some information on this subject.
I'm thinking of buying a new custom boat, and would like to know what is a reasonable amount to start negotiating with that is below the set price?
The boat I'm looking at is approximately $70,000. Since, I've only owned used boats; I don't know where to start. How much should I ask off the boat $1000.00, $5000.00, $10,000.00 ?
Any advice that anyone could give me would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!

[HOOTER SLED-]

First of all, welcome. You know you got the L.A. boat show coming up soon. That's a good start. I always make it a habit to walk around and just ask the same questions(even if I know the answers to some). You can at least get a feel for what the builders are like. $70,000 is a good start. You could get alot of boat for that much $$$$. Depends on what you are looking for too of course. Start to narrow that down first. Good luck. I'm sure the winter would be a better time to maybe negotiate with these guys until the boat show.

[CJ]

I have a new boat in the mold, my second new one, but have little experience negotiating for one. I got lucky on my last deal and was in the right place I guess. I will make sure to show Bob and Eliminator my appreciation.
I believe there is lots of room for negotiation. I just suggest that you look at a couple of boats you are interested in, get prices then tell the salesman you will go elsewhere if you don't get what you want. Don't get too greedy . . . and I don't necessarily know what is too greedy. I bet they have a profit of around $20-30k in that boat.
This is a good question as it should empower buyers. Do your research and ask a lot of questions here and in other forums. There are MANY experiences out there. Search the forums for the manufacturer, agent and specific boat. Find everything you can. There will be bad experiences with many manufacturers as I have found first hand. Collect all these stories, ask the manufacturers about them, take what they say as a sale pitch and then make an EDUCATED choice on what you end up purchasing.
$70k is a lot to spend on a toy. Get the right information. Ask the right questions. GET IT IN WRITING! If you do all this, you will never second guess your purchase and every dollar will be well spent.
Great luck in your purchase! :clover: You are on the right road by being here. Make sure you keep us advised of your progress.

[RUCAV]

Ask alot of questions on these boards. Alot of knowledge here. Dont get too attached to a boat so you can walk away if the boat manufacturer wont work with you. There are alot of goods boats out there for that kind of money. If your gonna be out on Havasu on the weekends, I would consider going no smaller than a 24'. That I.M.H.O.

[phebus]

I've found that it is easier to negotiate options into the sale price, than it is to talk down the price.

[SHAKEN Not Stirred]

Bill,
Check your PM's......
CJG

[WUTWZAT]

For $70,000.00 which boat and builder are you looking at. It might not be how much you can negotiate that boat down but what other special features you want added for that price before taking delivery. One thing to do is to find out what models that dealer / builder will have at the boat show. They really like to be able to tell people, well this one is sold but we can build you something similar. Hence the custom boat. But you may be able to get a huge discount if your buyt the boat they plan on having at the show that everyone is going to drool over and fondle. And then you have the ability to tell everyone, yeah thats the bad boy that was at the 2004 L.A. boat show......
I personally would first see if their is anything in the world I would liked changed. Then find out what that is worth and would cost, then add about $5000.00 to that number. And while negotiating the price bring up the changes you want made, for example a silentenced exhaust system that can be changed to a loud system with the push of a button or pull of a handle, might come in handy at the zoo.
Just some ideas......
Jason

[Tequila-John]

We have a 26th Cobra Razor being built right now. I got a couple "FREE" upgrades but didn't really work on the price. I think Cobra builts a great boat. But I would really take this advice. Ask questions and look around. Gather up the prices. Compare what you get for the price. You will be shocked... Best of luck and welcome.

[bfab33]

I want a 25' to 27' cuddy open bow with a 496 HO. These are the ones I'm thinking of..
1. 26' Lavey Craft nuera
2. 26' Eliminator Eagle Xp
3. 25' Shockwave Tremor
4. 26' Cobra Razer
5. 25' or 27' Warlock

[Parker Dreamin]

I want a 25' to 27' cuddy open bow with a 496 HO. These are the ones I'm thinking of..
1. 26' Lavey Craft nuera
2. 26' Eliminator Eagle Xp
3. 25' Shockwave Tremor
4. 26' Cobra Razer
5. 25' or 27' Warlock
We are waiting on our 26 Cobra Razor....... I would check them out for yourself as well.