Buying a Boat in the Off Season

Posted by Alumi-Span Docks on 11/2/2020
Do you daydream about your dream boat?

Have you been wanting to upgrade your boat and boat dock but have been putting it off?

If you’re in the market for a new or used boat, the off season can be the perfect time to start shopping!

In Michigan, boating comes to a standstill in the winter, but the deals are still hot. Even if you didn’t think you were actively in the market for a new boat, you might have found yourself browsing online for that next boat.

Your daydreaming in the winter months could pay off! To get a jump on the spring buying season, winter boat shopping is definitely the way to go for the best deals and plenty of time to get both your boat and boat dock prepped for the busy summer season.

To make sure you get the best deals possible, here’s our boat shopping tips:

  1. Research boat models and types: Explore boats by size, type, price, and geographic area. If you’re checking out a certain model, you might be willing to go out of your region to buy it, especially if it includes options you want.
  2. Get a reliable boat guide to compare models: There are several boat guides on the market that can help you pick the right type or model. For comprehensive listings of all models both old and new, try the latest PowerBoat Guide.
  3. Check out resale values of boats: An appraisal guide when shopping for a used boat is a great resource to have in your back pocket.
  4. Attend a winter boat show: Sometimes seeing the boat models and types in person is the only way to make a well-informed buying decision. You can also shop for accessories and boat dock materials – Alumi-Span makes appearances at several boat shows every year (pandemic permitting), so make sure you follow us on social media for updates!

Get a Deal Buying a Used Boat in Late Fall or Early Spring


The last tip we have is about knowing the right time to buy. If you’re looking for a used boat, September, October, and November (the end of boating season) are great times to search. Similarly, before boating season really kicks off in early spring – March and April – sellers face increased costs if they don’t sell before the season starts, so they usually have great deals.

The bottom line is to make sure you’re well informed before you buy! There are great deals for new and used boats, and you can score yourself the boat of your dreams with a little bit of time and research. For information about boat docks, boat dock parts, and dock accessories, we’ve got the expert tips you need. Contact us to learn more!