SIBS an observation

[DIW]

How can you make informed decisions on a choice of boat when, if you actually manage to get on board past the leggy guardian of the transom gate!, you are greeted by signs 'Do not sit on the upholstery' , 'do not lie on the beds',' no unaccompanied inspections' etc ,etc. Would you buy a car without actually sitting in it and taking a test drive. If this years experience at SIBS is any thing to go by a good many dealers expect you to sign up to a huge financial committment without the benefit of a full and intensive inspection and discussion/negotiation.
Why does there need to be a London Boat Show ?????????

 

[oldgit]

Mebbe cars are pocket money items ,so if it then scruffy heap gets flogged on as demo praaps 1K profit lost.Not a lot of money spread over 200,000 cars?
Having to major drop the price on one of your years production of in total 20 boats may simply not be possible.If you want to sit on the seat or twiddle the knobs ,surely you make an appointment to go and sea trial the thing to show a real interest.?

 

[Nickcf]

It's because the boats on display have (usually) already been sold to customers! The notices are to prevent unnecessary damage. It's agreed at the time of sale that the boats can be displayed at boat shows with the builder picking up the costs for making good any damage.
Boats are built in very small volumes, unlike cars, and hence most builders do not build large boats for display purposes only.

 

[Nautical]

No real problem with people having a good look around and trying out stuff but really object to those that have absolutely no intention of buying a boat and drag kids and sticky fingers and food all over your pride and joy. Dont forget we exhibitors pay a small fortune to be at the show and have to sell a minimum amout of units just to break even, a real downer when some scum bag has just stained your beautiful leather upolstery or had Mrs trample accross your lovely teak decks in stilletos, next guy along who is interested now wants a discount because its not perfect.

 

[oldgit]

Would have thought that show was for quick look round to get feel of boat,detailed examination involves trip down to demo boat.Surely nobody forks out real money on basis of 20 mins quick once over.

 

[goochie]

Agree with Nautical. It's a 2 way thing. At boatshows I always ask permission to come aboard. Just politeness really and sets things off on the right foot. Usual response is 'Yes of course Sir' and then on to a discussion about the boat. If you feel you need to test out the seats / beds etc. and ask the permission of the sales person first and you are clean and polite and don't have sticky fingered kids with you and obviously treat things with respect, then I've found they are always keen to oblige. I find politeness and communication generally opens doors and keeps people happy. BTW Nautical, VERY nice boat. Had a good look around yesterday with your colleague, who was very helpful, and then had a chat with Julie. Probably our favourite interior of the whole show.

 

[bob_tyler]

"then had a chat with Julie. Probably our favourite interior of the whole show"

Never heard Julie called that before! What were you inspecting?

 

[CaptainRon]

I'm interested in buying a used boat for my 1st boat and I have no intention of buying a new boat let alone at a show, but I wanted to get a feel for the differences between various makes, sizes etc.

I was upfront about this with the dealers at the show and found that they were more than helpful in showing me around, including lying on the upholstery. One dealer even invited me to their offices for a sea trial.

I guess the signs are there for a reason and some polite people choose to obey them.

This was the first time I've been to the show and I was really impressed by the hospitality shown by everyone I spoke with.

 

[hlb]

Cant really understand why you would want to sea trial his office. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif But buying a boat is more of an evelution than a decision.