www.iFourWinns.com

As you all know I intend to buy a new H180 and was wondering if any one has any advice on not just getting a good deal, but maybe getting some extras thrown in ie ss prop, various covers,engine hour meter etc. The problem is the nearest FW dealer is 500 miles away so playing one dealer against another is tricky. Any ideas are welcome even if they seem a bit out there
thanks
Ardy
South Australia
ps the other dealers deal in bayliner, Maxum, crownline none of which take my fancy

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

Around these parts a common approach is to check the Four Winns website for local dealer 'boat shows'. At a Dealer boat show there generally are pricing and financing incentives, and sales people are highly motivated to move boats. In my experience, the Dealer was most motivated to move in stock boats, but wasn't too put out when I elected to order one instead. Not sure if any of this holds true 'down under', but I'd expect it'd be worth a trip to the FW site.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

I would say your best bet is to play one brand of boat against another. Even if you aren't considering some of the other boats, it is probably worth your time and effort to get some "quoted on paper" pricing on different comparable models. The fact that you have other offers to go against what your four winns dealer has to offer would probably be your biggest playing card. Whatever extras any other dealers thow in or features that other boats might come with can be used as a comparison to the price of the Four Winns. That, and playing "casual cool" with the salesman would be my $.02.

Oh, and don't forget to get pricing out the door, including the delivery charge. I was shocked to find out that delivery varied as much as $800.00 when we were buying last season!

Good Luck Ardy!

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2009 H180 w/3.0 Merc
Homebuilt Minimax Hydro
2011 Zodiac Cadet 310

How do you get a good deal? It takes lots of hard work and patience. In my business we use the "three quotes" principle. You simply create a fax that is very detailed on exactly what you would like ie. your specifications. On the bottom you put a line for other options that you would like but don't necessarily have to have ie. extended warranty, boat cover, hot chick in bikini when you pick boat up, whatever.... Ask about financing options if required. Give them a date to respond by. Now fax this out to every dealer you can find. remember that in todays day and age, negotiations can happen flawlessly by email or phone not necessarily face to face is required. You may want to send a generic spec sheet out to some similar brands also. As much as I would hate to see you not buy a FW there is a possibility that a competitor could have a sweet deal you won't be able to pass up. As you get the faxes back start a spreadsheet for easy comparison. You may be surprised at the N/C beside some of the "options". These could be the deal breakers in the end. The dealers that don't respond don't want your business and the ones that do respond can easily be compared and whittled down. Pick your best three choices and call them to get a "feeling" for them. Pick the guy you like and start negotiating. If this fails go to the next guy or negotiate with two at the same time. If he's a thousand miles away ask if he will split the trucking charges with you. If he's in your back yard tell him to throw something in because the guy that is 1000 miles away will ship it to you costing him "X"$. It's simply a matter of taking your time and not rushing. If your not in a hurry, they will begin to make you offers ie. old stock that just may tickle your fancy.
My boss buys all our vehicles this way and it usually takes a good three months for him to sign a deal. He saved 30K on his Cadillac Escalade by letting two dealers compete for his business.
Your money is your money and you should make it as hard as possible for them to get it. End of season is generally an excellent time to buy a boat especially if you can take it so they don't have to store it.

Happy hunting and keep us informed.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Keep in mind, there's not much mark-up on an 18' boat. My last dealer told me staight up if someone wanted to hagle on a small boat, he's just turn him onto the sales manager. These guys don't have much incentive on the smaller boats, other than hoping you'll trade up in a few years. That may be your best angle. Say, for example, you want something affordable for a few years, then use that experience to pick a nicer/larger/ more expensive boat in the future. Not much, but worth a try.

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.