DIY Network

Is there any advantage in waiting until the end of the summer season? We are going to purchase a new pontoon boat. MY DH wants to wait until after Labor Day. I have the money now and would like to enjoy the new boat for this season. We live in central New York There is probably 2 1/2 months left of the season.
Connie

I HAVE GOTTEN MY BEST PRICING ON LAST YEARS BOAT AFTER NEW MODELS COME OUT.IN JAN.2001 I BOUGHT A 2000 BOAT,SAME MODEL AS 2001,SAVING $1000 OFF 2000 PRICES.

Due to the high gas prices boat sales and usage are at an all time low so yes you would save money in the later part of the season but if you really want to save money look at a used boat. Thousands of people go out and buy a new pontoon boat to spend more time with the family and soon find that the kids could care less about going slow and want to go jet skining or water skiing and the boat just sits out in the yard or at the dock. Any boat is worth at least 25% less the day it leaves the dealers lot and you can get some real deals on boats with low hours.
PS I'm not picking on people that buy pontoon boats. I used to live on a boat, delt in boats, moved boats from VA to Fla. on the ITW and every weekend there's millions of dollars of boats just sitting at the docks.

Joecaption: Hmmmm, Yes you seemed to have nailed that one Joe!

Connie,
Jimfro is correct. Here in Central Wi. we live near two large bodies of water. Boats in general are for sale everywhere. Pontoons are really plentiful. You can pretty much pick what you want. Decide what your wants are, if you have to trailer it, does it come with a trailer and will your vehicle pull it? Then go bigger than you think you need.
Good LUCK!

I bought mine off of craigslist.org from outside philly. 97 Wellcraft with a 3.0 engine which is really nice on the pocket and exceptionally fast for the small engine. When buying a new boat you have to follow the break in instructions carefully and have the service done professionally. If you are more of a diy shop around for a used boat, you'll save lots of money by doing your homework up front. You'll want to see service records and test drive the vehicle before you pay for it. Also, be aware of what you are looking to do with the boat. If you are just hitting the lake for day trips you'll find an open bow is adequate. If you're planning to voyage out into the ocean look for a cuddy cabin. I found some good sites http://boatsafe.com to help you get started with safe boating practices. You'll want to google your state boating policies as well. Some water ways require you to have insurance and a safety certificate from that states fish and game. Also, if you buy a used boat find an expert to look over the boat before you buy. Might cost a couple hundred for their insight, but may save you thousands in the end. Make sure your vehicle is able to pull the boat you buy.

Hi Connie, everyone has good advise! now are you near the Finger Lakes or the big S river?. Watch your website list, no offense to Webberz but I would have to say he got lucky esspecially off of Craigs... What you should do is start looking at and talking to mariana's on the lake/river you'll be useing get prices, get info, (you need to have work done so you need a good marian too) Your shows yes you'll get good deals but not as good as you think, many dealers push their new old models at the fall and winter boat shows.That's where you get your best deals. many will give you the same if not better deals before the shows just to get rid of stock. Consider a couple yr old model with little or no hrs on it.a few yrs back we saw a 36fter in the showroom that went from about $85g's down to under $35g's because it just went to 4yrs old by the calander but never left the show room floor same warrentee's and all, by the way we missed it by literaly 2 1/2hrs someone else bought it!!!
Now the dealers/marina's are having a harder time selling their stock, at least the smaller boats, shop around see what they offer, remember the price isn't everything, what extra's will they give???
Also try and test drive some most will take you out, if not I would stay away esspecialy if they are on the water!!
Good luck with whatever you buy/do remember you don't "need" a boat to survive, they need to sell them to!

Thanks for the advise. I did buy a new Tahoe after searching our area for used. I live in central NY South of the Adirondacks. Unfortunately the only lakes with boat business are too far away. Our summer home is on a small lake in Otsego County call Canadarago Lake, everyone on that lake tends to keep their watercraft forever. The only boat dealership is the Tahoe. Got a very nice package. The day I stopped in, the owner was just coming back from purchasing his 2009 models.

Once again, thanks.