Unlock the Benefits of Attending a Boat Show:
All You Need to Know About Finding the Perfect Boat
Are you in the market for a new boat? Are you looking to upgrade your current boat? Then it’s time to consider attending a boat show! Attending a boat show gives you the unique opportunity to compare models and find options that best cater to your needs. But with all of the choices available, how do you make sure that you select the right one for your family?
Here at Premier Boating, we understand the challenges of finding just what works perfectly - so whether you plan on visiting us at our own “Early Access Event” or checking out one nearby such as Grand Rapids Boat Show - this post is here to help guide you through some key points about investing in a brand-new boat for your summer adventures.
What a Boat Show Is and Why It's Beneficial To Go
Boat shows provide an opportunity to compare the newest makes and models, as well as get valuable advice from experienced professionals about what kind of boat will be best for you. They also provide a great chance to see the most popular new boats on display in person, allowing you to get up close and personal with your favorite boats.
PREMIER BOATING’S EARLY ACCESS EVENT - Going on now!
At Premier Boating’s in-house boat show - our “Early Access Event” you will be able to take advantage of exclusive deals on new and even gently used boats, as well as have access to knowledgeable sales staff, in a more relaxed environment, that can help you make an informed decision about which boat is right for them.
GRAND RAPIDS BOAT SHOW: February 15-19, 2023
At the Grand Rapids Boat Show, you can see some of the newest models from all of the major manufacturers and dealers from all over MI. In addition, you can also check out gear, and other boating supplies you might want to have a safe and fun summer.
Boat shows are a great way for both novice and experienced boaters alike to learn more about boats, meet other passionate boaters, ask questions directly from experts in the industry, pick up tips and tricks on how to properly use your boat or maintain its condition over time, as well as compare prices among different brands or dealers before making a purchase. Plus, many boat shows also offer seminars that can help teach people how to safely operate a boat so they can have fun on the water without risking their own safety or that of others around them.
Preparing for the Boat Show – What You Should Do Before You Go
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH.
When preparing for a boat show, there are several things that should be taken into consideration. First, research the type of boats you may be interested in so that when you attend the show, you’ll know more about the different kinds of boats and which ones are best suited for your needs.
Start at a high level. Shopping for a pontoon or tritoon has different considerations than a wake boat or fishing boat. It may seem obvious, but decide what type of boat you are looking for first. You may think you want a wake boat to take the kids tubing, when a pontoon with a sufficient horsepower motor is actually a better fit. Thinking through this will bring up the questions you’ll want to research before heading to boat shows this season.
Are you looking for a cruising pontoon for relaxed trips on the water? A more sporty tritoon you can haul the kids behind in a tube? What about that high-performance wake/ski boat for all your watersports? A fishing boat to land the “big one”? Or something that can be versatile in a lot of scenarios?
Then get a bit more specific. Think about how many people you’ll typically be bringing with you. How many people is the most you’d bring? Will you be towing your boat from location to location? Are you going to be spending long days out on the water? Or do you have a cottage with a dock you can head back to for restroom stops and snack breaks? Will you need lots of storage for toys and equipment? Are you going to be towing a tube behind the boat? Taking frequent swim breaks? Anchoring to snorkel or dive or go for a paddleboard exploration? Think about your ideal time on the water, and work backward from there by finding the features that meet your goals.
Just like cars, boats have tons of features and options. Try to have a general understanding of what features you need, as well as those you might want. Consider factors such as size, hull type, propulsion system (outboard engine or inboard/outboard), fuel efficiency, seating capacity, storage space for gear and supplies, electronics package (such as sonar/GPS), trailer options (if applicable), amenities such as swim platforms or ladders - all these things should factor into your decision-making process.
These questions, plus other considerations will help you narrow down choices and go a long way in helping us help you find your perfect boat.
Don’t worry if you’re on the fence about a decision or two. That is what your boat dealer is there for. The best boat dealers will help you answer these questions, and maybe even ask a couple you weren’t expecting.
2. BE PREPARED WITH A BUDGET (AND A DEPOSIT).
Third, if you’re serious about making a purchase this year, think seriously about your budget. Look at the typical price for the type of boat you want and have at least a basic understanding of what creates a difference in prices.
In-stock inventory tends to go fast for most boat dealers during boat show season. Often, new boat delivery schedules are determined on a first-come-first-served model. That means negotiating and sealing the deal on a new boat now can mean the difference between you being on the water in your new boat early this spring, or mid-summer.
Be sure to bring along a deposit in case you find something that catches your eye and want to purchase it right away: $500 - $1000 is typical for a smaller boat but if you are planning on buying a large sleeper-style yacht, you can expect the required deposit to be higher.
3. GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL BOAT DEALERS
Boat shows are a great place to see lots of different boats. But they’re also a perfect opportunity to get to know your local boat dealers. The truth is who you buy your boat from is just as important as the boat you buy. Researching the boat dealers that will be at the boat show is crucial to narrowing down who you want to shake hands with while you’re there.
Not all dealers are built the same. Some are long-standing, and some are just getting started. Some boat dealers are award-winning, while others aren’t. Does the dealer have a service department? Is that service department certified? Do they have winterization and storage options? Do they offer delivery and orientation to help you get to know your new boat?
Some boat dealers are local to your community, some even family-owned and operated… others are huge organizations spanning many states. Some have hundreds of positive reviews on Google and social media platforms online - see what they say. Decide what type of dealer you want to work with and take the opportunity to align those values at the boat show.
At boat shows, ask questions about their history, their ownership, if they’ve won awards, if they have a customer or two you can talk to about their experience, as well as any other values they offer to their customers throughout their boat ownerships. The best boat dealers will offer priority service and storage, discounts on gear, and other incentives to their customers. After meeting a few dealers, the distinction between A+ dealerships and those of a lesser grade will become clear.
Why Choose Premier Boating?
Premier Boating is a local, family-owned-and-operated, award-winning dealership. We've been in business for 30 years, and we've helped thousands of families enjoy their summers on the water and consistently have customers return to us to buy their next boat from us. We have one of the highest ratings, and most reviews of any dealer in the Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo area. We're proud to say we treat our customers like family and we'd love the opportunity to do the same for you. Come see our commitment to excellent customer service in person!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE "EARLY ACCESS EVENT"
Come meet us and let us help you find the perfect boat!
Making an Informed Decision – What to Consider When Choosing the Right Boat
Attending a boat show is one of the best ways to make an informed decision when choosing the right boat. At Premier Boating’s in-house boat show - our Early Access Event - you can view new and used models from the major brands and talk to knowledgeable staff about their features and capabilities. You can also compare boats side-by-side, so you can be sure that you pick the one that fits your needs perfectly. Furthermore, you can take advantage of special deals and offers available during the show only.
Meanwhile, Premier Boating will also be at the Grand Rapids Boat Show. This show is a great chance to explore new trends in marine technology and boating accessories, plus see what’s available from other dealers in the area. It’s also an opportunity to compare prices on different models or negotiate a better deal. Plus, there are often seminars and workshops at these shows which provide valuable information on safety, maintenance, and more.
Whichever show you decide to attend, it’s important to do your research beforehand so that you have a clear idea of what type of boat you’re looking for. Consider factors such as size, hull type, propulsion system (outboard engine or inboard/outboard), fuel efficiency, seating capacity, storage space for gear and supplies, electronics package (such as sonar/GPS), trailer options (if applicable), amenities such as swim platforms or ladders - all these things should factor into your decision-making process.
The experts at Premier Boating are here to help guide customers through this process every step of the way - from selecting your ideal boat model to helping secure financing - so don't hesitate to ask questions at our shows! With proper preparation for both events and expert advice from our team along with careful consideration of all factors involved in choosing the right boat for your lifestyle needs; we are confident that attending either the Premier Boating In-House Show or the Grand Rapids Boat Show will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to buy a boat.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Come meet us and let us help you find the perfect boat!
In conclusion, a boat show is a great opportunity to see boats up close and personal under one roof. It is the perfect place to discover boats of all sizes and styles that meet your needs. When attending the boat show, it's important to do some research ahead of time by preparing a list of features you are looking for in your next boat. When at the boat show, take advantage of knowledgeable staff who can provide detailed information on each boat they have on display, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your dream boat. Make sure to take note of all the different benefits, as well as the level of Customer Service that Premier Boating offers compared to other vendors. With amazing discounts and deals also available, this could be the perfect moment to get your hands on something bigger, better, and longer lasting than before. Why not check out what we have in store today?
