Get started with powerboating with NauticEd’s FREE online Navigation Rules for Powerboats, or become a competent powerboater with the Skipper Large Powerboat Course – a comprehensive online powerboating course for beginner to intermediate powerboaters wanting to learn how to operate larger powerboats greater than 26ft. Or upgrade to the Bareboat Charter Master for Powerboats Bundle of online courses to also master multiday and near-coastal powerboating as well as charter powerboats on vacations.
When’s the Best Time to Buy a Boat?
There’s no single “right” answer—only the time that’s right for you. But if you’re looking to play the game smart, here’s how to think about boat buying based on what actually happens out there, not just dealer hype.
Don’t Buy at the Boat Show—Buy Right After
Boat shows are fun. Champagne, flashing lights, all the bells and whistles. But let’s be real: most of the boats at a show are spec’d out with every option under the sun. Translation? They’re loaded with high-margin extras.
Yes, dealers sometimes offer manufacturer-backed “boat show deals.” But here’s the trick—those same deals often stick around after the show is over. In fact, once the lights go off and the carpet gets rolled up, dealers are sitting on unsold inventory they don’t want to haul back. That’s when you can start negotiating hard. The markup is already built in—sometimes to the tune of $20K or more. If they didn’t sell it at the show, trust me, they want to move it.
Fall and Winter Are Gold (If You’re Patient)
If you want to time the market, late fall into the dead of winter is prime. Sellers are thinking about offloading to avoid storage fees, and dealers are clearing out last year’s models. The catch? There’s less inventory. So if you’re picky about color or layout, you’ll need to be ready to pounce when the right one shows up.
Also worth noting: if you’re shopping for used boats on places like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, winter is when people post to sell fast. Whether it’s to make room, free up cash, or avoid storage—motivation is your best friend.
Used Market: Less Predictable, More Emotional
Used boats are their own beast. In Florida, or other warm areas, there’s activity year-round. But if you’re in a hot market or high season, expect inflated prices and faster competition. The trick is patience. Watch the listings. When something hits that fits and is priced right—don’t hesitate.
Also, understand why someone is selling. Spring and summer listings often mean someone wants to upgrade—or get rid of a problem. Read between the lines. If the boat looks clean, the story checks out, and it’s a fair deal, strike.
When You’re Ready Is the Best Time
You can try to time the market, wait for prices to fall, or hold off for that perfect unicorn deal. But boats aren’t just purchases—they’re about time on the water. And if you wait too long, you miss the season. Or worse—you wait forever.
If you’re in a good spot financially, have done your homework, and you find what you’re looking for—go for it. Don’t let another summer pass you by. Like someone once told me: you can always make more money, but you can’t get back time.
Final Thoughts
The best time to buy a boat?
- When you’re not desperate.
- When you’re ready to act.
- When you find a motivated seller with the model you want.
- And most importantly—when you’re excited to use it.
Life’s short. Get on the water.
Get started with powerboating with NauticEd’s FREE online Navigation Rules for Powerboats, or become a competent powerboater with the Skipper Large Powerboat Course – a comprehensive online powerboating course for beginner to intermediate powerboaters wanting to learn how to operate larger powerboats greater than 26ft. Or upgrade to the Bareboat Charter Master for Powerboats Bundle of online courses to also master multiday and near-coastal powerboating as well as charter powerboats on vacations.
