HELP PURCHASING AT BOAT SHOW PRICES

Rabbits Hutch

Hi Everyone,

In preparation for my long awaited summer cruise, there are two pieces of equipment I wish to purchase and add to the boat. The first being either a 2KW or 4KW Raymarine Radome and the second a windlass.

As i'm in Iraq at the moment, I'm stuck with mail order and having it shipped to a relative's address back in the USA.

How can I find the best boat show price out there on such items so that I can make the purchase from afar? I know what items I'm specifically looking for.

Whatever advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary R.

20dauntless · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:54 am Post subject:

I have bought items from matt_unique for good prices. Send him an email for a quote. You can also do a Google shopping search for the items you want. Make sure you build the cost of the cable into the overall cost if you order from a place that doesn't include it.

Captains Cat · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 11:08 am Post subject:

I agree with the above. If you can't be there, it probably won't help to do a Boat Show Price. I have bought stuff from matt_unique too, he's got good prices and if you find an internet price for anything, West Marine will match it with just a reference to the website. Good luck!

Charlie

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 11:27 am Post subject: Another perspective

Gary,

While I can very much understand wanting to get the very best price, I offer that you should consider support in the equation. I purchased my C80 through a local marine electronics company (Rodgers Marine Electronics) here in Portland, and received pricing that was reasonable, and comparable to other retailers and catalog sales.

What I also got was a very good support organization. As an example, I had issues with my GPS failing to lock on, and taking the system down. Rodgers was very helpful in the troubleshooting process, did not charge me for their time, and again gave me reasonable prices for the replacement puck (which by the way, was damaged due to my over torquing the mounting screws). They have also supported me when troubleshooting a VHF issue.

So, if you have a local firm, I recommend you consider them.

Keep yourself safe over there, and thank you for your service.

Kind Regards,

Steve

Doryman · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 11:44 am Post subject:

I agree with those who suggest you really need to be there to make the boat show work. But also keep in mind that electronics is a very hotly contested area of marine sales, and the discounts are not as great as in other areas because the prices are already about as low as they are going to go. I agree with the others who have mentioned factoring in post-sales service. As for the windlass, if you know the brand and model and price you want to beat, I am sure there are any number of Brats who would be willing to help you out with buying it (I will be out of town otherwise I would volunteer.) If you are looking for a Lewmar Pro 700 I have one for sale. It is 2 years old and was working fine when I took it off to replace with an EZ Anchor Puller. PM me if interested.

Warren

arniehuff · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 12:25 pm Post subject:

Long distance shopping - both by phone and internet - we have had great luck with Cabela's. In our expeerience - they have given great backup if we had any problems.

Arnold
Loose Nut

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 12:58 pm Post subject:

As someone who was in marine electronics, I can tell you there are places online that you can buy product for what a dealer might sell it at the show.

Electronics is so low margin now that I'm only doing a little of it on the side to go along with boats I sell. The online retailing has reduced profits in many products. But as mentioned, there is no support, they are just shipping you a box.

You pays your money and makes your choices. If there is a dealer near you you like, ask if he is going to the show and will have a show discount. You don't have to be at the show to get that price, he does- so you could do everything via phone or e-mail if needed.

BoatLine · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 1:19 pm Post subject:

We have a new leftover 4KW Raydome for $1,235 w/o cable. E-mail me at bobh9447@aol.com if interested.

Doryman · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 1:26 pm Post subject:

Dreamer · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:04 pm Post subject:

Gary,

Once again the C-Brats come through! The Lewmar 700 Pro that Warren has will work perfectly on your 22. The 4kw Raymarine is at a very good price for a new unit. I would jump on both these deals. Who needs boat shows anyway?

Again, Thank You for your service.

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:32 pm Post subject:

I beleive that I have a cable for the radar that you can have. just send me a note on the side and I will ship it to you. When mine was stolen I ened up with a second I just have to find it. I will look for it tonight.

In the last few years I have been disappointted in the boat show prices. In the old days, 10 years ago, the boat and fishing shows where a place to unload old stock. Now with inventory on demand buisness models there is not old stock. last year I bought a remote for my auto pilots at a lower price and was told it would be shipped to me after boaters world got all their orders from the boat shows and then placed their order to the maker.

mailbox101 · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject:

Gary,

It looks like you've already found what you are looking for. For future reference though, it has been my experience that boat show prices reflecting a discount given by manufacturers, such as Raymarine, do not require you to be physically present at the show. The price breaks given are for all sales within a certain range of dates, and any authorized and reputable dealer in the vicinity of the show should be able to pass them on to you with, or without, your being present.

David B.

thataway · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject:

Although I have not needed to purchase any items from Matt_unique, he would high on my list. I have also purchased electronics from Jim at BOE. Jim does give full dealer service on electronics--but of course will not be local to you (you have to send the unit back).

There are so many good buys--and people like Jim at BOE gives all of the boat show discounts--that I don't see any advantage to boat show shopping at this point. A few years ago, that was not true, and if you got a entire setup, you could get a great buy at the boat shows. Agree that margin in Electronics is minimal--and local electronics dealers have to make their profit on installations.

Rabbits Hutch · Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 1:12 pm Post subject: You Guys Rock

Thanks for all of your help.

I will indeed be purchasing the windlass, radome and ask for the cable. Not sure what I would do without you guys.

Feel free to come visit and hang out with me in Iraq for a weekend and I'll treat you to a sand storm, some fine dining facility food, and quality time with the local nationals who have yet to figure out what a shower is for.

Again, thanks so much for helping.

Gary R.

hardee