Been trying to get a new(er) boat for a while now. Finally got tired of chasing a used boat that will book for asking price, and found a new boat that I want instead. It's at a new boat dealership, and they want $17,995.00 for it. I haven't done any negotiating yet, just made sure I am good to go with the necessary loan and paperwork.

Now it's time to talk turkey with the dealership.

How much should they come off the price? In casual asking, they say they are pretty firm on price. But they also let it slip that this year, in May, they have only sold 6 boats where they normally sell around 30 in May.

The boat comes standard with a cheap fish finder, and a smaller trolling motor than I'd like. I have a good Lowrance unit to go on it, but want the TM upgraded.

It's a CC Aluminum boat, and has no seat in front of the CC. So a cooler/seat would be a great addition too.

So tell me, based on the limited info I have given, what would you walk in asking for? What would you settle for? The boat otherwise meets my needs/wants.

Thanks

I have no idea what the dealerships profit margin might be on the boat you are wanting. I'd just suggest you be very careful buying from a new dealership! Will they be there after the sale?
I love to see new businesses successful and you can probably find another dealer if this one fails. I would just be careful.

It may be easier to negotiate upgrades than the actual price. Also, I would see if they can throw in some additional warranty.

yeah what kris said ask for the bigger trolling motor, a cooler with a cushion, and have them install your lowrance and make sure the motor is the rated hp that the boat can take or atleast close to it

wrong time of yr to play horsetrader with a boat dealer, you will probably get some added but my guess is not much.

Don't be scared to ask for everything you want, they can only say no. Remember that you are the customer and they are working for you. JMO.

I am going to have to agree that this time of year it won't be easy to get them down.

As with any negotation you have to be able to walk away from the deal if they dont meet your needs. I would get a fact sheet printout and do a NADA.com valuation. this will give you the dealers MSRP and the Trade in value. I would split the difference between MSRP and Trade in value and start there