What are the Pros & Cons of Purchasing a Boat from a Boat Show?

Vancouver Island is some of the best sportfishing places in Canada. Therefore, fishing and other water activities in this western Canadian part attract anglers from the country and from all over the world.

Fishing, watersports, and other marine activities require an excellent operating vessel and supporting gear. And a boat show gives you great exposure to see, check, and choose from different vessels. You can find numerous boats, from inflatables to pilothouse fishing vessels, from tug boats to luxury yachts to commercial-duty vessels.

It is nice to have such a wide array of options in a single place. It can help check the specifications, working, benefits, and other features while watching boats live.

However, analyzing vessels and buying them are both separate stories. There are a few cons of purchasing from boat & outboard clearance sales at boat shows.

But first, let’s look at what you can find at such an event.

What is a Boat Show?

A boat show is where you can find some of the most incredible, famous vessels, accessories, marine electronics, and even expert sessions & advice. You can find various types of boats for sale, like aluminum boats , cabin cruisers, commercial fishing boats, bowriders, pilothouse boats, inflatables, and more, from dealers in your area in British Columbia.

Suppose you go boating or fishing in the locations like Campbell River, Nootka Sound in Central Vancouver Island, or even for Chinook fishing near Tofino, Port Alberni, Ucluelet, etc., on the west coast. In that case, you can find good dealers from your area at such events.

Pros of Buying a Boat from a Boat Show And Why Should You Buy Boats from Local Dealership

1. Exposure: As mentioned earlier, you can have good exposure to different types of vessels, motors, and boat electronics at events.

The local boat dealership can show you all the options for both new and used boats for sale with their relevant, recommended components. Hence, you can pick up the correct option from a boat dealer showroom based on your preferences and budget in a much more convenient way than a boat show.

2. Tough Competition Among Sellers: As you have multiple options to buy from at a single location, you might have a cheaper deal due to the cutthroat competition among the selling teams of different companies and individuals.

When you visit a boat dealership in Port Alberni, Tofino, Clayoquot, or other locations in BC, their team can give you a good test drive of the vessel and motor based on availability. It will help you to run & check the marine product properly before the purchase.

3. Perks & Bundles: Often, dealers offer additional benefits like extra items and services for free to close deals. So, you might end up with, if not cheap, then a clubbed package.

A local dealership team will make you understand all the ins and outs of the product you buy. You can ask them any questions or queries with all the time you want to take for the complete fulfilment of your needs. No time limits no hurriedly made discussions, and no rash buying.

Moreover, the dealership in your area has an experienced team. The professionals can help you better understand the conditions of the waters where you usually go for boating and fishing. The marine specialist can also suggest the appropriate option for the water conditions you might have yet to look at or research before visiting the showroom. The local dealer can also offer you options for boat repair in Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Victoria, Vancouver, Comox, Courteney, and other cities. Ultimately, you get worry-free and hassle-free boat maintenance and repair in Canada.

Cons of Buying a Boat from a Boat Show

1. Limitations

Despite having multiple types of models and brands, a significant drawback of such exhibitions is that you might only end up looking at brand-new models. Brands and dealers want to showcase their most advanced, newly launched products and increase sales at such events. You might not see used boats for sale, old but valuable boat electronics, or money-saving options. If you want to purchase, you must only choose from the available high-range boat models.

2. Look, But No Testing

Generally, you can only analyze vessels, boat motors, and other marine products at such events. The sellers do not allow to run the boat on the water for the test drive. If you buy a boat from an exhibition, you may have a model you haven’t tried personally.

3. Sudden Decision

The boat show is generally a highly-charged environment where you can see many people and products in a single place and lots of discussions and deals happening. Sometimes, a situation may arise where you buy impulsively and make rash decisions without knowing much & doing proper research about the product.

4. Lack of Experience

As dealers from all over the country may participate in the event, chances are you end up with a guy from the east who still needs to be aware of the west coast waters and conditions. Lastly, the person may insist you buy a new vessel which might not suit the different saltwater or freshwater conditions in your area.

In short, you get more drawbacks than advantages when you buy a vessel from a boat show rather than a local dealer.

Still, Which is the Best Boat Show in BC if I Want to Visit?

Some most popular boat shows in Western Canada give anglers an excellent opportunity to check many vessels in a single location. Events like the famous Vancouver International Boat Show, which happens every year, catch the sight of thousands of boats from the reputed boat dealers in Victoria, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, and many other places in BC.

It might be challenging for any boater to spot, experience, and analyze such a considerable number of vessels on display other than at boat shows. The next Vancouver International Boat Show will be held in February 2023, where your trusted boat dealership – Alberni Power & Marine, will also be available as an exhibitor to showcase the array of vessels and outboards for your different marine requirements.

Conclusion

This post shows the pros and cons of selecting a boat from a boat show and why you should always buy a vessel from a local, reputed boat dealership. We also looked at the attractions you can find at such an event, and which famous boat show is happening next in BC before the upcoming fishing season.

Suppose you have some queries about vessels and boat motors for sale in BC, boat storage on Vancouver Island or anything else. In that case, you can connect with our team at Alberni Power & Marine. We will happily provide you with the best solution for your marine requirements. Get in touch with us TODAY!