Negotiating on New Boat with incentives

[MartyRobbins]

If I seem misinformed I apologize in advance as I'm looking at purchasing my first wake boat! I've been patient and have seen a lot of manufacturer incentives on remaining 2023 models ($20,000 off on new Malibu's and $30,000 off on new Centurions). I've been reading through posts on this forum about what a "good" deal is as far as how much off the listed MSRP percentage wise being somewhere around 20-25%, but my question is how to incentives play into this? If for example I am interested in a 23LSV and you get $20,000 off, would that incentive play in to what that percentage off is, or do you view the price minus the incentive as the new starting point to then negotiate from? Also, is the incentive a rebate the dealer gets sent by the manufacturer or is it coming out of their pocket?

Let's say a new boat is $175,000 and you get a $20,000 incentive, bringing the price down to $155,000, would it be rude to then ask for 20-25% off from that new price?

I appreciate any feedback, I've read a lot on this forum about how important a good relationship is with your dealer so I don't want to come off as insulting with an offer that's unrealistic. 

 

As a side not, I've seen a few boats listed as "new" with about 100 hours on them described as ambassador boats? Is their an opportunity on those boats to get a good deal?

 

Thanks! 

[ahopkins22LSV]

Welcome! In my experience the incentives play into the percentage off with Malibu. The incentives are the best way I’ve seen people get the larger percentages actually. I can’t speak to other brands but I imagine it is the same. 

[hethj7]

In regards to “ambassador” boats these are probably dealer demo boats and yes they can be a good deal.  By “new” I think they mean you would be the first owner and get the full warranty despite the hours.  And honestly, having a boat the dealer has already worked the initial kinks out of could be nice.  

[justgary]

42 minutes ago, MartyRobbins said:

would it be rude to then ask

43 minutes ago, MartyRobbins said:

I don't want to come off as insulting

I'm pretty sure you can't insult a professional salesman with a price.  Just tell them what you will pay and they will counter offer.  Don't be surprised if their counter is their original price less the incentive.  The next move is yours.  Keep in mind that any number you say should be one that you will immediately accept, and not tell him you have to go think about it.

Shopping for a discount in the spring can be a lot harder than waiting until fall to find a deal.

[Horns1]

Don’t have an answer to your question, but I was having to include a 10k Malibu rebate to get to 28% off a leftover 23 model. It was 23% off not including the discount.    I was told there should be some more rebate $$$$ available also.. 

[Olddognewtricks]

Agree with @justgary.   Decide on the price you're willing to pay and leave it to them to see how close they can get.   If they are willing to discount x dollars but know that incentives will get you to your target, they will almost certainly tell you.   The dealer relationship after also matters.   My dealer has been absolutely amazing and treats me like royalty. 

Where in the southeast? I'm in Alabama on Lake Martin and can't say enough good things about Blue Creek Marina (part of the Singleton group).