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Bargain-hunting Tips For Winter Boat Shows

Bargain-hunters shopping for a boat or boating accessories can find some of the best deals of the season by attending a boat show this winter.

With a variety of products under one roof, boat shows provide an opportunity to compare different types of boats and negotiate with dealers.

"Boat shows offer one-stop shopping that saves time and money," said Ben Wold, executive vice president for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). "Shows help you find exactly what you're looking for at a discounted price."

With boats for every lifestyle and budget, shopping can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. NMMA offers the following tips for those attending a boat show:

* Determine what, where and who. What do you want to do with your boat: fishing, waterskiing or cruising? Where will you be boating: lake, river or ocean? Who will be joining you?

* Do your homework. Visit DiscoverBoating.com for pictures and descriptions of more than 30 types of boats to help narrow choices to one or two categories based on your interests and requirements.

* Map your course. Find dealers that sell the brands and boat types identified during your pre-show research. While at the show, get as many opinions and options as possible.

* Choose the right dealer. Select the dealer that goes the extra mile by offering the best deal and ensuring he will be with you after the sale. Ask a dealer's finance manager about handling the entire transaction for you, from assisting with the application to the loan closing and vessel titling.

* Take a test drive. Depending on the boat show and time of year, some dealers offer test

drives to experience how the boat feels on water. Test-driving several boat types and sizes will help you make the best choice.

By: Rick Young

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NMMA sponsors more than 20 boat and sport shows across the country. For show dates, locations and other information, visit DiscoverBoating.com. - NU

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