SeaRay SLX 250

[DDay61]

New to boating. Interested in getting an SLX 250 new. Covid and civil unrest have changed the way I view my free time during the summer.

The above boat fits our needs and I've already taken the safety courses as well as watched lots of videos (BoatUS is great). I plan on getting some professional instruction; but, again the pandemic has made that hard. I have friends who have offered to train me on their boats.

I want to buy the boat next winter, possibly order a new one, and start using it next spring. I plan on rack storing it at a local chain of lakes.

My questions are about buying a boat. I've bought a lot of sports cars and the discounts vary greatly. I know these are loaded questions.
What is a reasonable discount to expect on a new $150-160K MSRP boat?
What is a reasonable discount to expect on the same price custom-ordered boat? I can choose from 2-3 dealers in the 200 mile range. I'd rather go with the dealer closest to where I will use the boat.

I hope it's not the same with sports cars where ordering directly from Germany gets you a pretty slim discount..

 

[blaster]

Not so much new boats, dependent on manufacture/dealership.

I would shoot for 25% off something in stock they want to move or 15% off a special order.

Results may vary based on current demand.

Although corona put a squeeze on manufacturing and parts distribution. Good luck buying a new Quad or UTV or New HD truck that’s not a Dodge, I mean, Ram or whatever the Italians call it now.

 

[paulswagelock]

I ordered mine, and was able to get them to discount. Dealers varied but in 2018 the discount ranged from 0 to 18% for a factory order.

 

[El Capitan]

Lots of brands are in back order so some dealers feel they have all the negotiation leverage.

I’d look to make a purchase when temps are below 40.

Negotiations are all about leverage and you don’t have any in this market. It’s crazy.

My plan now is not to buy in this sellers market and go to a boat show (fingers crossed) and buy at the show.

 

[DDay61]

was planning on buying at year end. it'll be below 20. hopefully, boat shows will be on.

 

[DDay61]

Thanks,

average discount 16-18% for a new build.

now, what options are absolutely must haves and which are nice but not essential?

here's my list to consider:
flooring
seadek swim platform
covers
bimini (std, manual sports, or electric)
cockpit table
bow table (or just one or the other)
head upgrade
bow washdown
transom washdown
cockpit side entry
docking lights
fire suppression
pressure water system
Head? pump out vs. vacu
shore power or on board battery charger
windlass
starboard wiper
led lights

questionable?
ss anchor?
gray water system
ski mirror
hydraulic swim platform
fender clip system

thanks and sorry about the length
feel free to comment

 

[paulswagelock]

See my replies - most are really a matter of preference


here's my list to consider:
flooring - infinity vinyl is very nice but very hot. Carpet stays wet. Snap in Seadek is ridiculous. Your preference.

seadek swim platform - must have for me

covers- bow and cockpit

bimini (std, manual sports, or electric)- matter of preference.

cockpit table- yes

bow table (or just one or the other)- use the cockpit table, too small a boat to need 2

head upgrade-no

bow washdown- yes to clean off anchor

transom washdown- yes

cockpit side entry- no

docking lights- no

fire suppression- yes

pressure water system- yes

Head? pump out vs. vacu- vacuflush

shore power or on board battery charger- charger, 2 batteries

windlass- well worth having but overpriced.

starboard wiper- no

led lights- interior

questionable?
ss anchor?- no
gray water system- no
ski mirror- no
hydraulic swim platform- no
fender clip system- no