Would You Put Your New Boat in a Boat Show?

[78-Quality Time]

I have a new 78 Marlow coming in February. The manufacturer would like to put it in the boat show">Miami Boat Show before I take delivery. Has anyone had any good or bad experiences with this ?

[delmarrey]

How much is he willing to pay you for delayed delivery?

[paradix]

Not exactly the same, but we bought the first house in a new development which the developers then used for a show home for a few months before we moved in. It was no problem at all - they were very careful with people removing their shoes etc., cleaned it meticulously several times a day (as you'd expect, they wanted it to look its best) and "dressed" it with new furniture, the best of which they allowed us to keep afterwards as an incentive. So no complaints at all. My only concern was potential thieves scoping the joint for later access, so we made sure to change the alarm system after we moved in.

I guess the number of people through a boat show would be significantly higher, so I would mainly be concerned about how many representatives they plan to have looking after the boat, and how they will manage the access.

Make sure you get some goodies from the deal!

[imagine2frolic]

My question would be.....What's in it for me? It may turn out to be a good thing for you?.........i2f

[Tellie]

My 2cents is to show your boat to your friends not strangers. I delivered a Catamaran for an owner that a few years back allowed his new boat to be shown at the Miami show. After that experience I'd vote no. I'm pretty confidant in speaking for the owner that he would vote absolutely not. It's common practice for builders to do this so it's not unusual. The builder should pay at least a daily rate for allowing your boat to be shown. This rate will be a great insight in showing you who you are dealing with. I work this and other shows every year. Though there will be people who will respect your boat when they board, have no doubt that there are thee others. They run the gambit from hard knob turners, pokers, electronic button whackers, throttle jammers, door slammers, wire tuggers, shoe kickers (yep they board with street shoes all the time), key and belt buckle scratchers and part stealers. Don't forget the slightly to totally inebriated beer swillers that leave blood stains from falls and the faint smell of puke for weeks. Those are just the adults! The kids from parents that couldn't raise a tomato plant, much less a child, are a treat as well. It's only money, make sure you get a lot of it from your builder... UP FRONT!

[Quads]

We did it for a larger boat which was shown at the Monaco show, and all turned out well. There were agreements in place prior as to the expectations on boat sides. Most importantly being that there would not be general traffic coming on and off the boat. Qualified / appointments only, and at all times escorted by the Manufacture or their Agent.

All turned out well. They were able to showcase a new build, and we got some perks out of the deal. That being said, while the engagement was positive for all parties, I don't know that I would do it for a smaller boat where 'general traffic' and 'tire kickers' came on and off the boat.

[Chief Engineer]

Why not....just as long as you don't have to pay for all the gadgets.

I've got my golf shoes and my girfriends have their stilleto heels ready.

[David M]

Sure, if the dealer gave me a large enough percentage of his commission on any sales. I see no other reason except perhaps for some ego gratification.

[eyschulman]

I think the consensus is that this is usually a better deal for the dealer than the new owner. On the other hand if you are buying a simple unfinished aluminum work boat there may be no problem.

[maxingout]

Exit Only was in the Miami Boat Show. My deal was straightforward. They put gear on my boat - upgrades - as the cost of being in the boat show. It worked for me, and it was well worth it.