how much off MSRP can you expect to pay for a boat?

Answer 1

Depends on the time of year, type of boat, your negotiating skills, and the dealership. I wouldn't expect to get much off of a Mastercraft or Ski Nautique due to their popularity. But, something in a Bayliner or some such mass production boat, you can probably negotiate anywhere from a few hundred to a grand off the price and maybe have them throw in a couple of extras like ski's and a tow rope or life jackets, whatever.

Answer 2

Markup is approximately 30%. Most boats my company sold were reduced as much as 25% at boat shows and selected models. We sold Monterey, MasterCraft, and SeaDoo. JetSkis have a lower margin, 18%, maybe 20%.

In Georgia or the Southeast U.S. you can expect to get a reduction of at least 15% buying off the lot during peak season, April - August. Off season and especially at boat shows in the winter this will be more of a reduced price. Trailers can also be part of the deal. Trailers can get expensive from 21' and up boats, approx. $4,000 + but negotiable.

One question for the dealer, if, for instance, they are a MasterCraft dealer ask how many boats they have to sell. You can tell how big of a MasterCraft dealer they are and if they tell you approximately 50 per year or more you will get a much better deal because they have to move these units to maintain there dealership status. There orders are submitted and monitored monthly so your better deals are at the end and the beginning of the month much like a car dealership.

It is best, though, to go to a dock. There are so many people that buy boats, use them a season or two, or cannot afford it, then they are ready to sell. Remember the last 2 digits of the VIN is the manufactured year. If you are looking for new or close use this as an indicator. As always, have something checked by a professional. There are a lot of excellent/almost new boats out there. Don't buy if it has been in salt water unless you will use in same and buy a boat big enough. On a busy lake, Lake Lanier for instance North of Atlanta, buy at least a 21' with a small V-8 or larger.

Also, there is a trick in the business. Manufacturers will call a boat a 21' when it is really a 19' with a 2' rear platform. This is a 19' boat and don't buy if you need a 21'. But a true 21'. Many slick salesman will fool you to believe otherwise.

Last, have a vehicle that can pull what you buy if this is the case. Remember, most brochures show the weight of the boat with no gas. Gas weighs 7 pounds per gallon and trailers are at least 1000 # and up. This was my biggest reason I could not sell to particular people, autos or trucks not large enough to pull. Make sure, also, you get the proper trailer hitch, ask the dealer for all these details. Buy boat insurance!!!!

Answer 3

msrp can vary. most the time the dealer cost is 20 to 30% less than dealer msrp but have known of some that go as high as 40% markup no joke so start low and work it from there.. also cash talks

Answer 4

I'd shoot for half or less. They really mark them up. I used to work for a dealer.