I’m kinda in the market for a new boat and at the dealership the other night the salesman pretty much told me they’d be willing to put me on their pro-staff. I’m sure it varies from dealer to dealer and manufacturer to manufacturer but can any of you guys tell me what kind of deal to expect on $30,000 boat?
Most entry level deals run 6 – 15% off dealer cost.
Hey Phish,
Are you familiar with this dealership? Do they know you on a personal basis. The reason I ask is it’s not an easy thing to get on the “pro staff” of most boat dealers/manufactures. Sorry for being skeptical, just don’t want you thinking you are getting a smoking hot deal because you are a “staff” member only to find out you are just joe smoe like the rest of us. Good luck!!!
Most dealers have access to programs from the manufacturer that allow the dealer discretion to add a staff member or two with little or no input from the manufacturer.
For example, Crestliner’s program in the past was called the Team 100. Accepting a position on this program meant you were sponsored by the dealership and NOT directly by the manufacturer. So it is possible that a dealership could sponsor someone of their chosing. 
From what I’ve heard the dealerships can accumulate points on each boat the sell so evey so often they order a boat and get a 5-15% discount by using the points. They then sell this boat as a “prostaff boat” because its not the full price. Take any discount you can get, 5 percent helps out on 30K, 15 is awesome!
I know them a little bit and they seem very positive about working me. I ran into a situation a few years ago where a dealership was putting a team together and wanted everyone to buy a boat at a “discounted rate” when in fact i could go buy the same thing at a different dealership for less so I know what you’re talking about. These guys seem like the real deal though. Thanks for the input fellas
The discount will most likely be on the “boat only” since different manufacturers are responsible, in many cases, for the motor, electronics, trailer, etc.
So on a $30K boat I would guesstimate $12K for the boat. Take a “midrange” discount of 10% and you’ll save $1200.
Certainly that’s othing to sneeze at.
Weigh your responsibilities with the dealership in exhange for the deal, if any, against the savings before signing on the dotted line.
You have to start somewhere when it comes to a boat deal. As others mentioned, you will most likely be getting a deal through the dealership, not the boat company directly. Make sure you have a good working relationship with the dealership you choose, as that will be key to your growth.
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