Is there a good time to buy gear?

[PeterWolsey]

Maybe daft question but is there a good time to get a bargain on instruments?

I'm after a B&G Depth and Speed package, but can't make it to the boat show. Just thought someone may know if the end of the season was the best time to buy equipment. Or do swindleries always win?!

 

[Tranona]

Best time is when you want it. The days of boat show specials have largely gone, although Cactus had some reductions at the show.

However you can usually find the best price going just using google.

 

[[70521]]

Best time is when you want it.

+1

 

[matthewriches]

Best time is when it is cheap lol

Picked up a brand new Simrad AP, cheap as chips as was wrongly specified by a customer and the store couldn’t send it back. Will I use it, probably not but might come in handy one day. It’s in the project drawer

 

[pvb]

However you can usually find the best price going just using google.

Google doesn't always find the best prices. Right now, I think it's hard to beat JGTech's £749 price - http://jgtech.com/shop9.htm#h1000du

 

[PeterWolsey]

Thanks for your views.
Turns out Cactus are offering the speed/depth pack at £650 (boat show special) so may well go for that!

 

[pvb]

Thanks for your views.
Turns out Cactus are offering the speed/depth pack at £650 (boat show special) so may well go for that!

On the Cactus website, £650 is the price before VAT is added.

 

[Concerto]

A few years ago I wanted a Raymarine autopilot. After using this forum I was pointed at some continental dealers which never came up in google searches. The list price was £1500, but discounted to £1250. The prices in Germany were certainly cheaper than the UK, but eventually bought it from Sweden. Allowing for paying their 23% VAT and £50 carriage, I still saved £180 over the best boat show price of £1100. Naturally I was worried about the guarantee, but it is world wide. It makes no difference where the elctronics were bought, where they were fitted or where the boat is. So I was very happy at beating the best boat show offer.