As the boating season winds down in much of the United States, many boat owners are thinking about winterizing their vessels and putting their gear into storage. But for savvy shoppers, November offers a golden opportunity to find exceptional deals on boats, accessories, and maintenance services. This off-season period is when many sellers, from dealerships to equipment retailers, are eager to clear out inventory to make way for next year’s models, often resulting in significant discounts. Here’s a guide to finding the best off-season deals on boats and gear and making the most of November’s discounts. Off-Season Deals on Boats and Gear: November’s Best Buys
Above: A Starcraft aluminum boat with an array of boating accessories, water toys and gear. Photo by Ryan McVinney.
1. Why November?
November is often a transitional month in the boating industry, especially in regions where winter weather puts a hold on boating activities. Many dealers, retailers, and service providers aim to reduce inventory before the holiday season and the end of the fiscal year. Since demand slows down, prices typically follow, and it’s not uncommon to find discounts ranging from 10% to 40% off retail prices.
For buyers, this timing is advantageous for several reasons:
- Lower Prices: Discounts on both new and used boats, as dealers and private sellers are motivated to move stock.
- Better Bargaining Power: With fewer buyers in the market, sellers are more likely to negotiate to close deals.
- Upgraded Models at Reduced Prices: As next year’s models roll in, older models are often available at significant markdowns.
2. Best Off-Season Boat Deals
When it comes to boats, November is a great time to look for deals on models that didn’t sell during peak season. The type of boat that offers the best discount will depend on demand and inventory levels, but there are a few categories where you’re more likely to find enticing deals:
- Small to Mid-Size Boats: Fishing boats, center consoles, and bowriders in the 18- to 25-foot range often see price reductions as dealerships clear floor space.
- Older Models: If you’re open to buying last year’s model, you can save a substantial amount while still getting a nearly new vessel.
- Demo Boats: Dealerships may discount demo boats used for customer test drives. These boats often have very few hours logged and are meticulously maintained.
When browsing for discounted boats, try looking at trusted platforms like Boat Trader or YachtWorld. Both platforms offer a wide range of boats and allow you to search for off-season sales or special deals, making it easy to compare models and prices.
3. Discounted Boating Accessories and Gear
The off-season isn’t just ideal for boat purchases; it’s also a prime time to stock up on gear. Many marine accessory retailers offer clearance sales, especially for items like:
- Life Jackets and Safety Gear: Stock up on essentials such as life jackets, emergency kits, and first aid supplies. Retailers like West Marine often have sales that include these items.
- Anchors and Docking Equipment: Upgrading your anchoring gear or fenders might not seem like a priority during peak season, but November sales often feature deep discounts on these items.
Many of these accessories also make great holiday gifts for boating enthusiasts, allowing you to cross off a few items from your holiday shopping list while taking advantage of these sales. Off-Season Deals on Boats and Gear: November’s Best Buys
4. Maintenance and Storage Services
For boat owners preparing to store their boats for winter, maintenance and storage services are crucial. Service providers may offer discounted rates in November as demand begins to taper off. Here are some maintenance services you might find on sale:
- Winterization Packages: Service providers frequently discount winterization packages, which include essential steps like draining fluids, fogging the engine, and applying protective coatings to prevent rust.
- Battery and Engine Care: Battery storage, engine inspections, and oil changes can all be done at lower rates this time of year, ensuring that your boat is ready to hit the water next season.
- Shrink Wrapping and Indoor Storage: Secure, climate-controlled storage for the winter can be a big expense, but some marinas and boat storage facilities offer early booking discounts or off-season rates.
To find these discounts, contact local marinas or boatyards early in November, as they often have limited capacity and prioritize early customers.
5. Popular Onboard Items to Buy in the Off-Season
Here’s a list of specific items you can typically find on sale during the off-season, with links to some top-rated options:
- Foul Weather Gear: Good-quality foul weather jackets and pants from brands like Gill Marine or Helly Hansen are often discounted.
- Boat Covers: Investing in a boat cover is a smart choice for off-season storage. Look for weather-resistant covers from brands like Classic Accessories or Taylor Made Products.
- Fishing Equipment: Rods, reels, and tackle often go on sale in November, as retailers clear out inventory for the holiday season. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s frequently offer discounts on high-quality fishing gear.
- Water Sports Equipment: Wakeboards, wake surfing equipment, SEABOBs, water scooters, E-foils, Fliteboards and other specialized water sports equipment be found at a discount during the off-season. Check with manufacturers like SEABOB, Sea-Doo and Yamaha and with retailers like REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods who have clearance sales that often include water sports gear.
- Other Water Toys & SUPS: Off-season sales are the ideal time to pick up other water toys like kayaks, inflatable SUPs, and other gear that can enhance any boating trip. Brands like BOTE offer innovative inflatable standup paddleboards (SUPs) that pack into a convenient backpack, making them easy to store and transport. BOTE’s inflatable SUPs are known for their stability and durability, perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Other popular brands, including iROCKER and Aqua Marina, also offer discounts on SUPs, kayaks, and accessories, allowing you to score high-quality equipment for less as you prepare for next season’s adventures.
- Coolers & Dry Bags: A quality cooler or dry bag is essential for any day on the water, keeping your drinks cold and gear dry. Brands like IceMule, known for their waterproof, portable cooler bags, often offer discounts during the off-season, with select products marked down by up to 15%. YETI and RTIC also have off-season deals on durable, high-performance coolers and dry bags, perfect for boating, camping, or beach trips.
6. How to Maximize Your Savings
Here are some tips to help you maximize savings and ensure you get the best deals: Off-Season Deals on Boats and Gear: November’s Best Buys
- Do Your Research: Spend some time comparing prices across different websites and stores. Use online tools or browser extensions that can track price drops.
- Negotiate with Dealers: Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price, especially on boats and larger purchases. Dealers are often more flexible during the off-season.
- Look for Bundled Packages: Some retailers offer bundled deals on gear, where you can save by purchasing multiple items together.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Many retailers offer exclusive deals and early sale alerts to subscribers.
7. Planning Ahead for Next Season
Investing in boats and boating gear in November not only saves you money but also sets you up for a smoother start to the next boating season. By securing discounts now, you’re spreading the cost and can avoid the often higher prices of spring and summer.
8. Additional Resources for Off-Season Shopping
- BoatTrader.com: For browsing a wide selection of boats, including used and last year’s models.
- Amazon Marine: Offers a broad array of boating accessories, often with competitive off-season pricing.
- BassPro Shops: North America’s premier outdoor and marine equipment company has many current promotions, sales and off season deals.
- Overton’s: Known for off-season sales on watersports and safety gear.
- Mercury Marine: Check out discounts on outboard motors and repower options, which are often available at reduced prices in November.
Above: Retailers and online stores like Bass Pro Shops have seasonal promotions and everyday deals for boaters, especially during the off season. Image via Bass Pro Shops.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the market for a new boat, looking to upgrade your current one, or simply stocking up on gear, November is the ideal month for finding significant savings. Take advantage of these off-season deals by planning ahead, doing your research, and making smart purchases. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll be ready to hit the water with the latest equipment and plenty of cash saved for future adventures.
