More specifically, a used boat?

I know that during  spring boat shows, dealers often offer special prices on boats, but I won't be in the market for a brand new rig.

Do prices / dealers get more flexible with prices during fall and winter, once the weather turns and most folks are off of the lake?

I really need to upgrade to a more dependable, as -new -as -I -can -afford boat at the end of the year, and am trying to develop a game plan as to how best to plan for a trade and upgrade.

Thanks for any advice!

New boats I'm not sure how much the price will go up or down.

A used boat will be cheaper during the fall and winter.  People either aren't using it or don't want to pay to have it stored.  While memorial day to 4th of July I think the boat prices are the highest because it's the prime time to be on the lake.  My guess is Labor Day to maybe Feb is when you will find boats a lot cheaper.

Like everything else, buy it when it is the off season so it is a lot cheaper then during the peak of the season.  Rather it be camping gear, hunting/fishing, etc...

My first reaction was, "Whenever SWMBO says it's OK."

My first reaction was, "Whenever SWMBO says it's OK."

Exactly!    

Around the end of the year holidays when folks need extra money or even around April 15th when some are also in need of a few extra $$$s. I see GOOD deals on bass rigs out here in CA all the time. A lot of people buy nice rigs and then either don't use them enough to warrant keeping them or they loose interest in fishing and sell all the stuff they bought.

More specifically, a used boat?

I know that during spring boat shows, dealers often offer special prices on boats, but I won't be in the market for a brand new rig.

Do prices / dealers get more flexible with prices during fall and winter, once the weather turns and most folks are off of the lake?

I really need to upgrade to a more dependable, as -new -as -I -can -afford boat at the end of the year, and am trying to develop a game plan as to how best to plan for a trade and upgrade.

Thanks for any advice!

Here in MO if you have it after July 4th you expect to winter it.  Most dealerships are on a floor plan with a bank or boat mfg.  They are paying interest on new and used boats.  By the first of August many are willing to make units go away.

By the first of October fall fishing is picking up and boats have more value so deals are a bit harder.  Things taper off again in late Nov but dealers are getting ready for boat shows so deals aren't quite as good.

If I were looking for a buy from a dealership, it would be late July to mid August.  That is when my sales people were lean and the owner wanted rid of anything.

I would get a real good idea of my boat and then study prices. You see boats listed all the time that want hugh $.

My goal would be true value boat and options and condition.

Biz failures, divorces and deaths happen year around.

And boat sales the same.

Now let the games begin............when the $ and the boat add up BUY

Garnet

I have a buddy who is a real penny pincher and always goes car shopping on new years eve. He says the sales people are extra helpful and REALLY want to make a sale because its the last day of the year. Might work for boats too.  :-/

Usually around here you start seeing the used boats go up for sale in the fall,but with the price of gas going up I've been seeing alot more than usual for sale

Just wait until gas prices hit $5 a gallon. You will find great deals!

Robby is right on target....

If you've got the cash, right now.  The boat shows are pretty much over, sales are at thier worst in years and gas prices are through the roof and climbing.  

If you want a new boat, dollar for dollar this is about as good as it will get if you can find one that fits your budget.

With gas prices going up, boat prices will probably be starting to come down.