|
Boat Buying Decisions, What is your Motivator?
I'd like to do a quicky survey on what has/will motivate you in your
current/future boat decisions..A lot of you all know me, those that don't just want you to know I'll always
help as much as possible any boat rigging/driving issues you might have. I've been put in charge of fishing boats now at Rick Carter Marine in Marble
Falls TX. I'm getting ready for boat shows, and would like to have as much
input as possible. Our fishing boat lines are Bass Cat, Champion, Lowe, Alumicraft, and Shallow
Sport. Mercury and Yamaha. Now the questions are....
How much research did/will you do before you make your decision?
What is the final reason you will/did choose your particular boat?
Price?
Reputation?
Service?
Looks?
Would you make the same decision now if you know everything you do? If not,
what would you have rather done different?
Did/will you take a test ride before you bought/buy? How important is that?
How much do you think that dealer made/will make on your boat? What do you
consider "fair"?
Is/was a particular pro influential in your decision?
If any, what was unpleasant about your boat buying experience? Any and all responses would be appreciated, anyone who'd like to have a
conversation with me direct, please contact me a pat@**spam**rickcarter.com Looking forward to seeing what the responses are! |
Pat
Dec 7
2004
|
| ***Congratulations on the position Pat. I'll certainly try to help. |
Steve
Dec 7
|
| A lot. Several months of boat shows, trips to dealers, and online research |
SimRacer
Dec 7
|
| For me, I had already been fishing tournaments for several years when I
went to buy my new boat. I was really only interested in Champion and
Ranger. In the Rangers, I would not own a 300 series hull, and the 400
series had been out a couple years had a better ride. It came down to
dealer reputation and the ability to get good service. The decision was
actually made when the Champion dealer closed. Both dealers were 2 1/3
to 3 hour drive and I was passing by several local dealers in both
brands for the service. My Ranger dealer offered me a good trade on my
old Champion and I signed on the line. I wouldn't do anything
different except change out some of the stuff on the boat. I should
have grabbed a straight 24v trolling motor or better when they first
came available in the Johnrude's instead of staying with the 12/24v
system. I would liked to have gotten the hydraulic steering instead of
the No-Feedback, but that was the next year. I got a SuperStars boat
and it's been great. I shouldn't have bothered with the Ranger Deluxe
cover either. Otto's Canvas Shop, an Amish business here in Illinois
makes a much better cover, ideal for traveling. But really, nice friendly people and fair pricing, great service
department on a quality brand, is what sold me. And when I needed the
service, they were there and got her back going in a short time. Never
missed a tournament because of the boat. |
carlos
Dec 7
|
| I bought a 2002 Lund Fisherman 1800 with a 2003 Honda 115hp at the end of |
Shawn
Dec 7
|
| I'll buy only on features and construction quality. I keep my outdoor gear
a long time and need it to fit my uses and hold up forever. The price will
be fine when I have the dough, until then it's too damn much! I've been
looking at replacements for my current ride for about 5 years...Today it
would probably be a Skeeter, but the new Champs and the Bass Cats would get
a look as they are repped around here. I got a nice low pressure look at
the Skeeter at a recent show - that pro would get the first call. |
Eric
Dec 7
|
| Just two major things. Is it the boat I want with the features I want. Is it a good price. Some minor things: Ease of purchase. If the guy tells me to come back later or call him back
later for anything other than performing emergency first aid on a family
member when I am ready to buy I'll probably go down the street. Dealer service is really a grey area for me. I fix most of the small stuff
myself because I just can't wait for the dealers to work it in. On a new
boat that might be more of an issue. Bob |
Bob
Dec 8
|
| I bought a 2001 Gambler 20'1" Intimidator this spring Pat, it's got a 2004 |
go-bassn
Dec 8
|
| Thanks for all the great answers guys! I'm in the process right now of organizing the internet marketing, and of
course the boat show. Everything is a dice roll, what boats to take, how to present them, etc. Your input goes a long way in assisting in the process, thanks again. |
Pat
Dec 10
|
| GREAT post SimRacer! Very informative. Thank you. |
Bassmaster
Dec 11
|
| Quality, and features. At equal levels. And what I want the boat to do.
Since I fish for more than bass, and fish river systems with logs and rocks,
I went with an Aluminum jetboat. I looked at all the shows, and figuring I
could not write a check for a new boat of $26-28,000 in 1992, I saved and
looked at used of these boats. And in 1995 wrote the $20k check. Still
very happy with the boat. If I was only bass fishing, I would go with
either a Bullet or a Gambler at the top of the list. Just because I like
speed. Most of the top end bass boats are very good quality and are all
overpriced, just like any boat. Features are critical. When I bought my
14' aluminum boat, I went riveted, as they were lighter and since I
cartopped an Chevy van I need light weight, and wanted at least a 14' boat.
And went with the most reasonable dealer. Service is critical, but price is
too. If the dealer has decent service, he will get extra consideration over
a dealer with a bad rep. |
Calif
Dec 12
|
|
|
Disclaimer: This is a computer-generated and formatted feed of current postings to a public
Internet forum. We do not control the information delivered, nor do we endorse or monitor its
content. Internet forums may carry offensive, harmful, inaccurate, and otherwise inappropriate material.
|
|
