• Starboard Choice Marine
  • Moore Boats


By Louie Stout

Thinking about buying a boat?

As exciting as that can be, there always is an element of apprehension - unless you’ve done your homework.

Now is an excellent time to begin your research at the winter boat shows.

Regardless of whether you’re shopping for a fishing boat, pontoon, pleasure boat or a versatile rig for multiple water sports, these shows are worth the visit. With multiple dealers under one roof, you can compare brands and models without burning gas and wasting time.

More importantly, you can save money. Dealers offer show specials that are only available during the show.

Andy Peterson of Starboard Choice Marine in Edwardsburg insists you really can get a better deal by buying now and not waiting until spring.

“A lot of boats the dealer has in stock are floor planned (financed) so it behooves him to move a boat this time of year,” said Peterson. “He can reduce the cost of holding onto the boat and offer it for a little less.”

There are other reasons, he added, such as manufacturers offer short term promotions, such as throwing in accessories like a boat cover or extended warranties. Dealers might even offer additional perks on accessories you’ll want or need.

“Another consideration for buying now is the supply and demand,” said Peterson. “Vendors are forecasting a shortage of seating this year because of high demand and will be cutting off the supply to some boat manufacturers.”

If you wait until spring to special order a boat in different colors or features than what the dealer has in stock, it will take longer to arrive.

“Currently, there’s a 6- to 8-week lag for dealers to get boats from some companies,” he added. “That will grow as we get closer to the summer. A lot of people don’t think about that.”

If you plan to buy at a show, look closely at the included equipment on “show specials.”

Oftentimes, packaged fishing boats come with budgetary items. For example, the engine may be the minimum power required for that model or the electric motor and electronics may be basic models. Will you be happy with that?

If you plan on fishing the St. Joseph River in heavy current, you may want to upgrade a 12 volt or 24 volt electric to the next step up. Ditto if your fishing takes you to big water where you’re exposed to a lot of wind.

Look closely at the electronics on the boat. Do they offer GPS? Mapping? And is the screen large and sharp enough for you to see while fishing?

I mention this because it’s better to upgrade at the time of the purchase than wait a year later when you discover you’re not satisfied.

If you do it now, you will only play the price difference. If you wait to upgrade, you will be paying the full price for the new equipment and have to re-sell your original equipment for a lot less money.

Show dealers can also help you repower an existing boat. Peterson said some motor companies offer promotional perks such as extended warranties, rebates, etc. to stimulate early season buying.

Financing is another factor to bear in mind. Obviously, it’s wise to check with your bank about boat financing, but Peterson said banks that work with dealerships often offer lower interest rates on boats sold at the shows.

Can’t afford a new boat? Many show dealers will have information and photos of used rigs they have at their dealerships, so that remains an option as well.

There’s no doubt buying a boat is a major decision. You need to get it right the first time but remember: There are definite advantages to buying earlier in the season than waiting until spring.