Best way to buy a new boat?

skunkman

skunkman

Active Member
May 27, 2014
452
Longboat Key
Boat Info
2014 330 DA sold
Current boat 2021 Formula 350CBR
Engines
Triple 350 Mercury Verado
I was looking at a Formula boat and the factory is offering 20% off. Is this the best I can expect? Do I visit multiple dealers?
 
The last time I visited a boat show I seem to recall the offers being quite a bit richer than 20% off MSRP.

Hit up the local boat show this winter!
 
There is the Miami boat show next month. I'll check it out
 
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20 percent is usually the starting point for a serious buyer. You can get that almost with out trying if you have a strong balance sheet personally.
 
Stee6043 said:
The last time I visited a boat show I seem to recall the offers being quite a bit richer than 20% off MSRP.

Hit up the local boat show this winter!
Click to expand...

We looked at the new Formulas a couple of years ago at the NY Boat Show when we were considering a new boat versus a used boat.
Aside from them being beautiful boats with lots of options to personalize, the salesman was really willing to deal.
We ultimately decided against new and went another way instead, but the Formula salesman stayed in touch for a few more months after the show and offered to sweeten the pot a bit more.
 
I think it depends somewhat on the brand of boat.

I got about 40% off my Sea Ray because it was in dealer stock, at the end of the dealer's fiscal year, and Sea Ray was offering additional incentives. Also, the price of small-midsize production boats such as the Sea Ray I bought tend to be more flexible.

However, when I bought my Back Cove I found that flexibility in pricing is significantly less. After speaking with multiple current and past owners, brokers, and sales people I learned that you're lucky if you get even a 10% discount.

I’d say your best chance with a Formula is at a boat show as others have suggested.
 
I inquired about an Aquila 36, MSRP in the 600-650k range?, boat show price was 549, the salesman called back the following day to note that we can get that number to begin with a 4, they sold a 2019 in mid-summer for 437k.
 
I'm looking at the 350 CBR with trip outboards. After 5 years of our Sundancer we realized we would get a lot more use out of the bowrider. We tend to take a lot of people out with us from time to time. Also with the shallow salt water in Sarasota I am going with outboards. I hope I can do better than the 20%.
 
No 350 SLX in the mix for you??? Those boats are sexy...

If I ever win the lotto I believe I'd first buy a lake house and then, shortly after, I'll have to pick up a 400 SLX OB to park on the water. I'll still want an overnighter, maybe a newer DA, but that SLX would be the perfect day boat for a team of five...
 
skunkman said:
I'm looking at the 350 CBR with trip outboards. After 5 years of our Sundancer we realized we would get a lot more use out of the bowrider. We tend to take a lot of people out with us from time to time. Also with the shallow salt water in Sarasota I am going with outboards. I hope I can do better than the 20%.
Click to expand...
I like the Aquila 32 or 36, as a day boat, outboards, 36 seats 23 people easy, 32 has huge swim platform, and seats 18 easily. Very shallow draft...
 
I went to the boat show and the sales rep came back with a proposal that is close to fair in my mind. They did add a significant fee for :
1. commission and prep
2. destination charge


Is this standard from your experience?

Thanks
Keith
 
skunkman said:
I went to the boat show and the sales rep came back with a proposal that is close to fair in my mind. They did add a significant fee for :
1. commission and prep
2. destination charge


Is this standard from your experience?

Thanks
Keith
Click to expand...

Yes. It was added to my current boat. I just got an offer sheet on a different boat at the NY show today, and it included dealer prep and destination fees.
 
b_arrington said:
Yes. It was added to my current boat. I just got an offer sheet on a different boat at the NY show today, and it included dealer prep and destination fees.
Click to expand...

We were flirting with the idea of biting the bullet and going for a brand new boat before finding my current boat.
The best deals I found were at the NY Boat Show and in the weeks afterwards when salespeople followed up with me.
 
skunkman said:
I'm looking at the 350 CBR with trip outboards. After 5 years of our Sundancer we realized we would get a lot more use out of the bowrider. We tend to take a lot of people out with us from time to time. Also with the shallow salt water in Sarasota I am going with outboards. I hope I can do better than the 20%.
Click to expand...

Pete Braun is the guy you want to talk to at Formula. The have no "dealers" in the traditional sense as they (formula) own all the boats and the "dealers" are glorified brokers - because formula owns the boats, you deal directly with them on trades too. Good luck - that 350 is a great boat!
 
Yeah, 20 percent is usually the starting point.
 
Ididntdoit said:
Pete Braun is the guy you want to talk to at Formula. The have no "dealers" in the traditional sense as they (formula) own all the boats and the "dealers" are glorified brokers - because formula owns the boats, you deal directly with them on trades too. Good luck - that 350 is a great boat!
Click to expand...

Agreed with all of this, especially since I built and owned a Formula 350CBR.

OP, you're welcome to message me for more details on the boat itself and the transaction.
 
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