Another great boating season is coming to a close, and the fall boat show season commences! Here are a few observations from a yacht broker’s perspective to help you maximize your boat-show experience.
Whether you’ve never been on a boat
, or you’re an ‘old goat’ (sailed 30 or more Mackinaw races), boat shows are wonderful nautical events to attend. For some, it’s a great learning experience; for others, a shopper’s paradise; for the few genuine boat buyers, boat shows represent a smorgasbord of boats to consider. For me, the experience contains elements of a reunion, touring a museum or art gallery, and sometimes, a circus.
For those people just enjoying the experience You’ll have a better time by inspecting boats at the beginning and at the end of the day because there will be fewer people on the docks. Save running the tent gauntlet through the equipment displays until midday to avoid the sunniest part of the day.For casual boat shoppers Minimize the number of boats you inspect, take notes or maybe a few photos or video, and do your best to go aboard when the boats are the least busy. When you attempt to inspect 20 boats in a day, you end up with sore feet, a sunburn, and you can’t remember anything about any of the boats that you viewed and stood in line so long to look at—this is commonly known as a case of "boat brain."
Super serious boat buyers Be the first or last person on board, go aboard your target boats at least twice since first impressions don’t always count. Ask a lot of questions, and strike up a relationship with your dealer. He or she may become a good friend and advisor for many of your future boating needs, so you might as well get properly acquainted now. Bad weather days are the best for spending quality time on a boat. If you’re the impulsive type, you may want to leave your checkbook at home—pretty boats can be quite seductive!
How to communicate with the ‘blue penguins’ (blazers or polo shirts). The brokers, dealers, and factory reps you will meet while viewing boats are doing their best to be friendly to all who come aboard, to offer whatever information you desire, and to qualify the one percent of the attendees who are serious buyers.
If you are just looking then simply say, "I’m just looking," or "My, what a beautiful boat you have here!"
If you are researching for the future then ask away—most buyers dream about buying a boat for years before they actually do the deed, and then they usually buy a used boat. Boat brokers are just like all other boaters—there’s
nothing they would rather do than stand around and talk about boats all day!If you really want to catch someone's attention then state: "I’m pre-approved for financing," or "I just sold my boat."
The ebb and flow of a boat show Thursday—good day for serious shoppers; dealers are enjoying meeting their boat-show friends on "reunion day" and taking care of last minute items.
Friday—busier, especially at the end of the day; lots of couples; referred to as "date night."
Saturday—busiest day; long lines; referred to as "crowd control" day.
Sunday—starts and ends slowly, but is usually busy after church and/or brunch.
Monday (or bad weather days)—if you're seen on the docks, you’re either a super-serious boat shopper, a serious boat-aholic, or you'll do anything to avoid a crowd.
General suggestions and reminders:
Bring change and/or something to drink—soda and water at the show will be insultingly pricey.
Don’t use the heads on the boats
—seriously.No leather-soled shoes, cowboy boots, or high heels.
Wear loose fitting sneakers or topsiders—you’ll be taking them on and off all day.
Comfy clothes, hat, sunglasses, and suntan lotion—it gets hot out there on the dock!
Buy a shirt to commemorate your day at the show—they really are special events to be cherished.
See you at the show!
