Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Whaler Woes

Posted by PatrickInEverett on 09/02/21 - 9:09 PM
#1

Just venting here... It sucks trying to buy a boat in 2021. I ordered a new 150 Montauk back in February. They were supposed to start building it on July 19 with delivery in early August. Then they pushed my build date out twice to August 16, with delivery in early September. I think they did finally start building it, but it was supposed to ship last week. I learned today that it hasn't, and it's still at the factory. I think I'm going to get it just in time to put it away for the winter. At this point they might as well take their time and wait until March.

Furthermore, the buying process has been crappy. This is not a normal buying scenario, where you have a boat to look at, test drive, and bargain over. I was naïve and didn't realize that the only time I could really negotiate was before I put my deposit down. Since doing that, I have been at their mercy. In addition to being very late, they did a couple of "involuntary upsells". First of all, the GPS I ordered was suddenly discontinued, and I had to buy the more expensive one or not at all. Then, my boat became a 2022 model that was more expensive, essentially charging me more for the privilege of waiting forever. I tried to use all this to negotiate a better price, but they are very hard nosed about it and won't budge (not surprisingly since I don't have much leverage). I feel like they kind of have me over a barrel and are just going to have their way with me.

Part of the reason I decided to go with a new boat is that 150 Montauks almost never come on the market on the west coast. Today, in my frustration I started browsing used boats again, and came across a nice looking 2007 150 Montauk - at the same dealer that's selling me the new one. It said "sale pending". It probably would have made a nice boat for me, and $14k less than new. Ugh.

Well, hopefully I'll get to enjoy it next year. Until then it can collect dust in my garage.