When is the best time to buy a boat?

The best time of year to buy a boat is typically in the fall. The weather is getting cooler, and the boating season is mostly over. Boats are going into storage for winter, and most people have finished shopping for boats until the spring. With fewer buyers in the market, it can be easier to negotiate with boat dealerships and sellers who want to sell their boats before the winter.

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Why is fall the best time of year to buy a boat?

The best months to buy a boat – both used and new – are typically September, October, and November.

  • Manufacturers start offering discounts and price reductions on watercrafts
  • Demand for boats is down once the weather turns cool
  • Sellers are motivated to clear their inventory to prepare for the next year's models

All these factors may help you find a good deal on both new and used boats.

What are the worst months to buy a boat?

The worst months to buy a boat are the spring and summer months, March through August.

  • Buyers typically want to be boating as soon as the weather warms
  • Sellers can capitalize on the demand in the boating market
  • Demand is high for boats during these months, and sellers want the best price, which makes it hard to negotiate a good price on a new boat

Learn some tips to guide you when you're buying a boat for the first time.

Do boat prices drop in the winter?

While fall may be the best time to buy a new or used boat, the winter months signify the boating offseason, which means the boating market slows down and there is a decrease in boat prices. Private sellers may not want to pay to store their watercraft in the winter, and boat shows are offering incentives to buy. This makes winter the perfect time to buy a new or used boat.

No matter when you decide to buy a boat, obtaining boat insurance can offer dependable protection for you and your watercraft—both on and off the water. Learn more about how boat insurance works and what boat insurance covers.

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