If you’re asking yourself, “I wonder when the best time is to buy a boat,” the answer is most likely NOW! If you live in Georgia, you’re blessed with temperate climates year-round – which means boating isn’t solely seasonal. Of course, those lakeside breezes can get pretty chilly during the winter months, so you’ll see fewer boats on the water in February than in July. However, that shouldn’t stop you from shopping for that boat of your dreams in the off-season. While you can visit most boat dealers virtually 365 days out of the year, perhaps the best way to get a comprehensive look at the latest models from the broadest range of brands is to attend a boat show. Boat shows often represent multiple dealers who are industry experts and can help you find the best boat to fit your needs and budget.
Make a Note of Boat Shows in Your Area
You can start by creating a calendar of boat shows in and around your city. Take note of whether they are on land or in the water. An in-water experience – like the Lake Lanier Boat Show – will have a very different feel than your traditional “conference center floor” boat show. You’ll actually be able to climb aboard the boats and – depending on the crowd size – might even be able to take one of the models you’re eyeing on a test drive. Hosted on the docks of Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, when attending the Lake Lanier Boat Show, you’ll also get a taste of the “lake life” courtesy of booth vendors, live music, panoramic water views, great food and drink, and a strand of white sandy beach. We traditionally host two shows per year – one at the end of Winter/start of Spring and the other in the Fall. Check www.LakeLanierBoatShow.com to learn when our next show will be.
If You Feel Inspired, Become a Boat Owner THAT DAY
A little-known fact among most first-time boat showgoers is that you can actually BUY A BOAT at a boat show. As a matter of fact, an estimated 30-50% of annual boat sales by boat vendors and manufacturers are made at boat shows. With representatives from 19 boat dealers showcasing more than 80 boat brands on hand, the Lake Lanier Boat Show is well-poised to help you find the boat you’ve only dreamed of calling your own – until now. We’ll also have lenders on site to assist you with financing your new boat and can connect you with local marinas to store your boat until you’re ready to get out on the water.
If You Miss the Show, Don’t Worry
In addition to hosting Atlanta’s Premier In-Water Boat Show two times a year, the Marine Trade Association of Metro Atlanta also represents 24 local boat dealers, offering 85 respected boat brands that run the gamut from Absolute to Yamaha. If we’re in between shows and you’re ready to make your move now so you can rock the wake come summer, we invite you to visit our website at www.BoatAtlanta.com. Click on the Our Members Page and scroll down to Boat Dealers to find our list of members. Each button features a clickable link to their individual websites.
