Been looking at some new aluminum boats the past few weeks with the idea of purchasing one real soon. My main question is how much negotiating can a guy do with their sticker (asking) price? I want to think it would be like purchasing a new truck, thus starting negotiations at the dealer cost. Would I be wrong to think this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You're not wrong to think like that. It gives you a place from which to begin negotiating. After it begins, their bottom line offer, discounts, and 'freebees' can begin to offset the overall cost. Things like diamond plate lead boxes retail at $80. Accessory costs can be hefty if you don't have these things already.

Although I spent a bundle, the salesmen at 3Rivers are honest and hard working for the buyer. What items I obtained better prices on elsewhere, I brought in and they installed.

I haven't bought new, just "new-used private party" on my last 2 sleds. I was REALLY close to pulling the trigger on a new Alumaweld last fall, and 3Rivers (at the time) were very aggressive in their dealings with me. I checked them against Stevens and they even beat the "factory prices". Excellent guys to deal with, and excellnt product also! It just wasn't the right thing for me to do at the time.

Ask for Dave Lee (one of the owners) and till him "snit" sent ya there ! Dave is a good egg, very knowledgeable, and you can expect (generally) a significant decrease in the sticker price!!!!

So I guess asking the sales person for their cost would not be out of line (actually paper work). I just want to get the best deal possible and not feel screwed. Thanks for the replies fellas and if anybody else some stories dealing with boat dealerships I would like to hear them.

hookemifugotem ,

Sometimes the time of year you buy your boat will get you a better deal.

Right after the boat show and pre-springer season boat manufacturers sell quite a few new boats. Later in the summer, and fall less boats are being sold. This is sometimes an opportunity to get a deal, when the dealer wants to sell some boats. Though different areas have different slow seasons.

I bought a new boat through motion marine in oregon, and got what I thought was a great deal. I kept in contact with the salesman, and got a discount during the slower months.