What season comes to mind when you think of boating? If you think of spring and summer, you’re not alone. While those are the most popular times for people to make cruising plans, here are 4 reasons you should buy a boat in the fall or winter instead.
1. Lower Prices
Whether you’re buying new or used, you’ll find much lower boat prices in the fall and winter. High demand for boats in warmer weather drives prices up compared to the “off season”. Winter is also prime time for boat shows, where you can often get great deals, exclusive promotions, and special discounts from dealers.
If you’re buying a used boat, the owner is probably looking to get rid of the boat before they have to winterize and store it. Make sure to ask sellers about their existing storage commitments or winterization plans and see if you can negotiate this factor into the price.
2. More choice & Customization
If you are looking to buy your boat in the spring or summer, you are competing against many others who are also looking to take advantage of the warm weather. This may mean compromising on the model or features of your dream boat because of the heavy competition.
That competition also applies to boats that are built to order, which often have waiting lists several months long. Waiting until the spring or summer to buy a customized boat may mean you’ll miss the entire season and have to store your boat until the next season comes around.
3. More Time to Get Shipshape
Preparing for boating season takes some time to ensure you’re ready to get safely out onto the water. This is especially true if you’ve bought a boat secondhand – you’ll want to make sure it’s in good condition and that you’re familiar with how to use and maintain it! Buying in the fall and winter will help you winterize correctly and prepare early for the boating season to start.
4. Winter Cruising
The final reason to buy your boat off-season is one of the most underrated of all: winter boating. With the right preparation for your boat, as well as warm boating clothing for yourself, boating in the winter can be a real treat. Not only is the scenery gorgeous, but you can cruise without the crowds you’ll experience during peak boating seasons.
Ultimately, the best time to buy a boat is whenever you are in the right place, financially and personally, to undertake a purchase of that size. The wintertime may be a smart move for many reasons, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time you should consider.
Whenever you do decide to buy a boat, your financial advisors at Liberty Bay are ready to help. Our boat loans come at a competitive low rate of 4.99%*, and with our speedy pre-approvals and funding, we can get you financing quickly so you can jump at the opportunity to buy the boat of your dreams.
Apply Now View Rates Contact a Lending Expert
*APR-Annual Percentage Rate. Rate is subject to change and is based on individual credit history/score. Terms are available up to 180 months on qualifying loans. For every $1,000 borrowed at a 4.99% APR for 35 months, you would pay $7.92.
