Why Buy a Boat in Winter

By Andy Whitcomb

Dec 26, 2023

Although boating season is over, winter can be a great time to buy a boat. Here are a few advantages for buying a boat in winter.

The traditional “boating season” is over, at least in the northern states. Many boaters have gone through the winterizing checklist and protected their boat from the elements as best as possible. However, this does not mean that one should stop thinking about boating. Those warm, wind-in-your-hair, opportunities for adventures on the water will be here again soon. That is, if you have a boat. If you are boatless, you may want to consider buying a boat in winter. There are several advantages of buying a boat in winter. Here are a few:

No rush.

During the warmer boating season, while everyone else is smiling and cruising the lake or fishing the river, there may be an urgency to get on the water immediately. However, when buying a boat off-season, there is time to look around, kick some boat trailer tires, and do some research, asking the right questions and reading reviews. Especially if shopping for used boat discounts in winter, make sure everything works and examine for signs of moisture where it shouldn’t be and evidence of repair.

Possible Discounts.

Another one of the benefits of buying a boat in winter is the potential for end of year boat deals. If you are interested in buying a boat in winter, you may find motivated, attentive sellers working on reducing inventory for new arrivals or wanting to meet year-end sales quotas. And even if it is a really good deal, before you buy a boat in winter, make sure this is a boat that will get used, has a place for storage, and that fits your budget.

Boat Shows.

Most boat shows are scheduled during winter. If you buy a boat in winter, or any other season for that matter, it is exciting and there are many decisions. There are so many models and options to choose from and at a boat show you can board the latest models in a showroom and start imagining the fun. Put on your sailing hat and sunglasses if it helps. Too big? Too small? Not fast enough? Still don’t see what you want? Perhaps take a road trip to another, bigger boat show. There you’ll find even more watercraft options along with plenty of brochures and freebies.

Andy Whitcomb
Andy Whitcomb
Andy is an outdoor writer (http://www.justkeepreeling.com/) and stressed-out Dad has contributed over 380 blogs to takemefishing.org since 2011. Born in Florida, but raised on banks of Oklahoma farm ponds, he now chases pike, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. in Zoology from OSU, he worked in fish hatcheries and as a fisheries research technician at OSU, Iowa State, and Michigan State.