Things to Keep in Mind While Attending the 2017 Boat Shows

Boat show season is upon us. This is the time of year when you can get the best deals on boats, boat lifts, and other boating accessories. Make the most of your time at these events by keeping these boat show tips from Summerset Boat Lifts in mind.

Photo Credit: Overland Park Boat Show Website

Attending a Boat Show

Whether you're in the market for a new boat or just interested in browsing what's new for 2017, attending a boat show can be a fun way to spend your day. Grab your family or get your buddies together for a good time. Boat shows often include much more than just boats; vendors from a variety of companies will be there with demonstrations, presentations and more. You're sure to find something to keep you entertained!

Boat Show Tips

If you are actually in the market for a new boat, there are some things to keep in mind as you're making your way through the exhibits at this year's boat shows. Here are a few of our top tips:

1. Do Your Homework - Before stepping foot into the boat show, do some research. You want to have some idea of what you're looking for or you can get easily overwhelmed. Make a list of questions that you want to ask the dealers. Be sure to have a budget in mind before you start your search as well. 
2. Think About Financing - If you're serious about buying a boat, it's important that you have an idea of how you will pay for it. While some people may have the cash to buy a boat, most will need to get financing secured. You might want to consider getting a pre-approval before you attend any boat shows. By doing so, you'll better be able to set a budget for how much you can afford - and you won't be tempted to fall in love with a boat out of your price range. 
3. Check Out the Show Guide - Many boat shows will have a list of all their exhibitors and vendors available prior to the show. Take a look at those and make a list of who's booths you want to be sure to stop by. With so much going on at these events, you can easily get distracted and miss something you wanted to check out. 
4. Talk with the Dealers - Rather than just checking out the exhibits yourself, be sure to talk with the dealers. Ask the list of questions you prepared ahead of time. Not only are you looking for the best values in boating, you want to make sure you're working with a reputable and knowledgeable dealer. Customer service is very important when it comes to such a big investment as a boat.

Photo Credit: Overland Park Boat Show Website

Boating Accessories 

If you already own a boat, you'll find all the accessories you could need at the boat show as well. Swing by the Summerset Boat Lifts booth at the Overland Park Boat Show to see what our Galva-Hoist floating boat lifts at the Lake of the Ozarks have to offer. In addition, we provide a variety of boating accessories such as dock lockers, remote controls for your lifts and more! Find a solution for all your boating needs at one of this year's boat shows. If you're unable to attend the Overland Park Boat Show January 26-29. Keep in mind the St. Charles Boat Show is coming up March 9-12. For more information on the shows or what our Lake of the Ozarks boat lift company has to offer, give us a call at 573-348-5073.

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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6 Tips for Attending a Boat Show

The Overland Park Boat Show is this weekend and Summerset Boat Lifts is here to help you prepare!  Last week we discussed tips for purchasing a boat. Whether you're shopping at your local boat dealer or at a boat show, those tips will help you purchase the right boat for you. However, boat shows can be a little overwhelming. In addition to thinking about what type of boat you should get ahead of time, you should also think about the boat show experience and what you can do to get ready to attend. Here are 6 tips for attending a boat show.

1. Have a General Idea of What You're Looking For. 

Boat Shows are packed with various vendors, and not just those selling boats. In order to wade through the chaos, have an idea of what type of boat you're looking for. Are there any special features you want? How much can you afford? Check out last week's blog on Tips for Buying a Boat to help you decide what you'll want to look for when you arrive at the Overland Park Boat Show. Knowing the details ahead of time will help you compare options with careful consideration. Otherwise, the show can get very overwhelming, fast!

2. Check Out the Show Guide Before Arriving. 

Many boat shows will have their complete show guide listed online so you can read it before arriving. The Overland Park Boat Show has all the exhibitors and vendors listed on the website for you to check out. Go through the list and pick out who you want to talk to based on the decision you made for boat options. With so many things going on, you can get easily distracted. With a plan in place, you can stay focused and ensure that you don't miss any of the exhibitors or venders that you really wanted to talk to!

3. Spend Time Talking with Dealers. 

As we mentioned in our previous blog, you're not only buying the boat, you're also buying the service. You want to choose a dealer that is easy to work with and has your best interest in mind. Some dealers can be very committed to customer service, while others are large enough to offer nice discounts. Some will offer continued service, while others may not.

Photo From: OverlandParkBoatShow.com

4. Plan for the Show to Take Up the Entire Day. 

With so much to see, you're going to need to leave yourself plenty of time to not only look at everything you want to, but also to process it. Use the first half of the day to tour the boats and take notes as you go. When it's time for lunch, go somewhere quiet and review everything that you've looked at. Boats have a tendency to blend together when you look at a buch all at once. By taking time to process what you've seen, you'll end up remembering something you want to take a second look at. In addition to taking notes, try to take some pictures. These will be helpful when you and your spouse are arguing over which feature was on what boat!

5. Speak to the Dealers a Second Time. 

Once you have narrowed down your choices, go speak to the dealers again. This time you'll want to ask specific questions about discounts, rebates, warranties, delivery dates, service, training and other value-added services. Ask each of your top choices to give you a final deal, while being open and honest about which other boats you're considering. If any of them have a positive reaction to what you're considering instead of theirs, ask them why. Is the other model built stronger? Does it have a better long-term reputation? These are questions you want answered before making such a big decision.

6. Make Some Calculations. 

Be sure to think about everything involved with purchasing a boat before you make a decision. Talk to other vendors such as a boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks. You need to consider the cost of a lift, dock, winter storage and accessories when deciding if you can afford a particular option. You'll also want to factor in maintenance and the amount you'll spend on fuel. When you are finally content with the choices you've made and the amount of money you can afford to spend, go back to the dealer and make a deal!

Be sure to stop by and see Summerset Boat Lifts at the Overland Park Boat Show this weekend! Doors open at 5 PM this Thursday, January 22. Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 & under. For more information on this spectacular event, contact the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association at 573-480-2300 or visit www.OverlandParkBoatShow.com.

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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Mark Your Calendars for the Overland Park Boat Show!

The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association welcomes you to the premiere show for boating enthusiasts all over the Midwest. Join us at the 2015 Overland Park Boat Show, January 22-25! Summerset Boat Lifts will be there to answer all of your Lake of the Ozarks boat lift questions.

Photo from: Overland Park Boat Show Website

Boat Show Hours 

• January 22: 5-9 PM
• January 23: 12-10 PM
• January 24: 9 AM - 9 PM
• January 25: 10 AM - 5 PM

Admission

• $9.00 for Adults
• $5.00 for Children 6-12
• Children 5 & Under FREE

Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association

The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association is made up of over 40 different Lake area marine dealers. They represent all the top lines of boats, personal watercraft, docks, lifts, marine accessories and everything else to promote fun on the waters of the Lake of the Ozarks. In addition to the Overland Park Boat Show, the association sponsors 3 other large boat shows: St. Charles Boat Show, Lake of the Ozarks In-Water Boat Show at Dog Days in April and the Lake of the Ozarks In-Water Show at Captain Ron's in September. They're also the primary sponsor of AquaPalooza in July. 

See you at the Overland Park Convention Center January 22-25, 2015! Call 573-480-2300 or text BOATS to 22828 for more information. 

Summerset Boat Lifts is proud to offer the Galva-Hoist product line of floating boat lifts. Galva-Hoist is engineered at the lake for The Lake…Lake of the Ozarks. The Galva-Hoist is extremely capable of withstanding the roughest waters here at the lake. No matter what brand of boat or dock you have, the Galva-Hoist at Lake of the Ozarks provides great value and performance! Check us out at the Overland Park Boat Show next year!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!

Like Our Facebook Page

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow Us on Google+