Outfitting a New Boat w/optional equipment

[BoxedUp]

Originally Posted by eMKay

If it were me, I would be buying the boat with zero options (except those that MUST be done at the factory, like keel or rig) Because I can't see how anyone can justify charging $700 for a VHF, or $900 for a CD player, or $2000 for a 15" TV, or $2200 for helm sheeting, or I could go on and on and on. I started a thread on it, but I got the impression there that most people would rather roll up a wheelbarrow full of money than do a little work on their own.

I agree to some extent but just because those are the asking prices, it doesn't mean that you can't negotiate a more reasonable deal...unless the dealer is just looking for a one shot sale rather than trying to form a long term relationship with a customer. I would think that there's more profit in winter storage and spring commissioning than the few hundred that can be had with overpriced options.

[BoxedUp]

Just came across this post and I think it answers some of my questions on who should do the electronics install:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/350248-post1.html

Always comes back to "Caveat Emptor"...

[CaptKermie]

Originally Posted by eMKay

If it were me, I would be buying the boat with zero options (except those that MUST be done at the factory, like keel or rig) Because I can't see how anyone can justify charging $700 for a VHF, or $900 for a CD player, or $2000 for a 15" TV, or $2200 for helm sheeting, or I could go on and on and on. I started a thread on it, but I got the impression there that most people would rather roll up a wheelbarrow full of money than do a little work on their own.

Yes, this is what I did, I bought brand new with minimal options to keep the price down, in hindsight I should have rolled up a wheelbarrow full of money, time is money.
There are a few options that can and should be done by the factory for economies of scale since they can buy in hundred lots. Then there are options that are better done by your dealer so that you have someone close by to help when the need arises. Then there are those things you can do yourself but you better be handy, have the right tools for the job, and have the time to do it.
I had to do a lot myself and learn in the process. Sure I learned alot, and I know how every little thing was installed because I did it so if something fails I can trouble shoot it pretty fast.
That said it is still a major PITA to be a DIY kind of guy and the cost of doing something after the fact can be high. For example, I scrapped the rollerfurler option to save some $$, but within the first year I realized what a dumb decision it was. It took me a few more years to get a furler and install it myself and then have the hank-ons converted to #6 luff, after all was said and done it would have been less expensive and less frustrating to have taken the roller furler option at the outset. Ditto for several other options but I had to go to the school of hard knocks and learn the hard way. Yes I learned how to do a few things for myself but I also learned some lessons in frustration.
Like someone else said it is paramount that you have the confidence in your dealer to do the work properly otherwise it is best you do it yourself and endure the frustration, at least you know it is done to your satisfaction. Still if I thought my dealer could do a good job, and he has done some work for me in the past I would get him to do it. If the dealership changes management and you are not familiar with the new folks, you are taking a risk, back to DIY. My biggest complaint is that many dealers do not provide the level of aftermarket options/service that some buyers would like, and I would be one of those buyers with a wheelbarrow. It is just easier and less frustrating to have an experienced person do the work for you than have to learn yourself, at least that is my experience and I still engage in DIY projects just because I cannot always afford to pay someone else. Life sucks!

[blt2ski]

Some manufactures offer prewireing options, ie power to the nav desk for VHF. probably a good use of $$ spent at the factory if you will, then your boat does not need to be torn up in the end to run wires! If you want an outside shower in the cockpit, probably better to do at the factory! Heat from what I can tell, is a so-so option. Some cases better to do at the factory, others save your money!

Bimini's can be so-so too. Some factory ones are great, others, you want something a bit different, so have it down locally!

Price out the options you want aftermarket, vs factory vs DYI and decide on your time availible, $$ in sheelbarrow etc. Not that this is a boat, but when I bought by Bobcat skid steer for work, I figured out which options I wanted, which were literally factory best installed, and which the dealer did. Ordered the best at factory options, and left the others be!

marty

[xort]

problems can arise when they offer packaging. if you want the transom shower, you have to take the autopilot; or some such nuttiness.

[Cruisingdad]

My answers are in your questions below.

Originally Posted by BoxedUp

One of my strong points (can be considered a fault as well), is not taking things at face value with a little bit of over analyzing...probably OCD has something to do with it.

I'm looking at a new boat and these questions have to do with optional equipment.

Met with a dealer that had a 2009 and it was offered with optional equipment (electronics,autopilot). Even though the options were priced @ MSRP(which he was discounting), they were not installed on the boat as of yet.

Here's my questions...

-Is the dealer attempting to increase his profits by installing these options locally rather than ordering the boat from the factory outfitted a certain way?

It all depends. Honestly, I think that some dealers do a better job than the factory. However, sometimes it may be easier to install at the factory when things are not so tight or pieces are missing. I will tell you that I prefer for the owner or dealer to do many things like this and let me tell you why:

1) When things break, the person that put it in knows right where to go. He installed it, after all.

2) You want to make sure that EVERY installed item can come out just like it went in. The reasons for this are obvious.

-Is there an advantage/disadvantage having options installed at the factory?
ie: quality of workmanship, warranty issues, etc.

I think on some things it does not matter (basic electronics) while on others the factory may do better and in some cases a sub contractor may do better. For example, I really think Catalina does a great job on their basic canvas. However, if you want some changes in that or you want something more heavy duty, youwould be better off dealer installed by a pro where you can discuss the things in detail.

-Is it better to have any canvas/cushions come from the factory or have it custom made locally?

Answeers above. however, regarding cushions, go with the factory. I would probably do the same with canvas. They make so many of them that they have the process down very well and you may actuially save $$ because of that.

Thanks for your responses and hope this doesn't turn into a "buy a previously owned boat" debate......