Boat Show Shopping? Here's What to Bring:

So, you’ve decided to buy a boat—awesome! But when's is the best time to buy one?  Well, that depends on your situation. 

If you’re looking to get into something fast and it’s the middle of summer, then you’re at the mercy of the dealer and what they have in stock. If you’re planning ahead (which I recommend), boat show season is where it’s at!

Boat shows, usually happen between January and March, they’re a great time to score your dream boat at a discount. We have all full list of all the 2025 boat shows where Barletta will be represented here.

But before you dive in, here’s a quick checklist of what you should bring to make sure everything goes smoothly!

The Basics

Boat shows aren’t complicated—think of it like buying a car at a dealership. All you really need is an ID and a payment method. Easy, right? Oh, and don’t show up with a boat trailer thinking you’re taking your new toy home that day. Even if you buy an in-stock boat, you won’t be towing it off the showroom floor.

In-Stock or Custom Order?

At a boat show, you’ll either be buying a boat that’s in stock (possibly even on display) or ordering one custom-made. If you buy one in stock, you’ll probably finalize the sale within a week or so after the show. If it’s winter and you’re not ready to take it home just yet, no worries—some dealers might store it until spring.

Custom Order? Bring Your Build Sheet

If you’re ordering a custom boat, come prepared with a build sheet. You can whip one up on the manufacturer’s website by picking out colors, options, and all the fun stuff. This way, the dealer knows exactly what you want, and the process moves faster!

Don’t Forget the Deposit!

Whether you’re buying in-stock or custom, you’ll need to put down a deposit. Plan on somewhere between 10% to 20% of the total price, so bring a credit card or checkbook.

Financing? Get Prepped!

Many dealers offer in-house financing, so if you’re planning to finance, make sure your credit is looking sharp. Got a pre-approval from your bank? Bring that with you too—it’ll make things easier when it’s time to crunch numbers.

Trading in Your Current Boat? Bring the Details!

If you’re planning to trade in your old boat, don’t forget to bring all the important details. Dealers will need information like the make, model, year, condition, and any service records. The more info you can provide, the smoother the trade-in process will be. Plus, it helps the dealer give you an accurate trade-in value on the spot!

Trailers and Towing

If you’re getting a trailer, you might need to negotiate that into the deal. Some dealers include them, some don’t. And hey, if you’re towing, know your vehicle’s towing capacity beforehand so you’re not caught off guard.

Boat shows are a blast, and they’re hands down one of the best times to buy. Whether you grab a boat right off the floor or order your dream vessel, you’ll be cruising by next summer. Just make sure to shop with your local dealer—this way, you’ll have a service center nearby when you need it.

So, grab your ID, your payment method, and your sense of adventure—it’s time to find that boat!

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