NOVI: Area boat dealers will be angling for buyers when they bring scores of new boats, all rigged for fishing fun, to the Ultimate Fishing Show-Detroit, January 13 to 16 at Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi.
Major boat and motor manufacturers will offer incentives that include cash rebates, extended warranties, special discounts and easy dealer financing.
NOVI: Area boat dealers will be angling for buyers when they bring scores of new boats, all rigged for fishing fun, to the Ultimate Fishing Show-Detroit, January 13 to 16 at Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi.
Major boat and motor manufacturers will offer incentives that include cash rebates, extended warranties, special discounts and easy dealer financing.
The two-year-long recession prompted dealers to cut back on factory orders, which meant customers couldn’t always get what they wanted in customized, ready-to-fish packages. That period is over.
So, too, are distressed boat sales, including bank repos, that flooded the market with too many boats. All of the more than 200 boats in the Ultimate Fishing Show-Detroit are new, and most are of 2011 vintage.
“It’s a whole new ball game,” said Dale Chapman, Jr., of Chapman Boat Sales in Lapeer, one of eight dealers coming to Novi. “Because buyers are used to great deals, though, no one is raising prices. In fact, there’s never been a better time to buy a new boat, motor and trailer, all tricked-out for fishing, cruising or skiing.”
At press time, most boat and engine manufacturers had not released 2011 factory rebate programs and other special buying incentives. Dealers at the show, however, will have the latest deals.
New boats coming to Novi include specialty bass and walleye rigs, pontoons, offshore trolling models, runabouts, canoes and kayaks-more than 40 brands in all. Factory experts will be on hand to answer questions and help anglers compare features.
Here are the boats, along with examples of hot deals from each dealer:
Wonderland Marine West in Howell will pack their exhibit with more than 30 fishing and family-fun boats, including South Bay pontoons from 20 to 24 feet. New angling models include G3 aluminum fishing boats, Ranger bass boats and Sea Swirl offshore fishing rigs from 21 to 26 feet. Stratos bass boats and Yamaha jet boats and personal watercraft are in the mix. Incentives include G3 factory rebates to $1,500 and Yamaha extended warranties or cash rebates.
Hot Deal: G3 Model 167 side-console fishing boat with 50 hp Yamaha, trailer, bow-mount trolling motor and Garmin fish finder for $13,999.
Wilson Marine in Brighton will present more than 30 fiberglass and aluminum boats ready for fishing, skiing and cruising. Several new 2011 Crestliner models from 16 to 18 feet are equipped with Mercury fishing packages. The dealer mix includes three different 20-foot Bennington fishing and cruising pontoons and a fleet of offshore Trophys from 17 to 23 feet. Also coming are Bayliner Discovery bow riders and cuddy cabin models with removable seats for more stern-end angling space, and several 15- to 19-foot Smokercraft aluminum V-bottoms in single- and dual-console. Look for Glastron fishing and fish/ski packages, too.
Hot Deal: a 13-foot Gillgetter by Apex pontoon with boat cover and a 15 hp Mercury for $9,995.
