Around this time each year, boat dealers are starting to get new models in stock. But, they often have leftovers from the previous model year. That is just one reason that buying a boat during the “off-season” can be the way to go if you are in the market for a new boat.
Brant Behler, owner of Petaluma, California’s Marine Unlimited, said that right now is a great time to buy a new Ranger. They have aluminum and fiberglass models in the new model year, as well as a few remaining models that can be purchased at a steep discount.
An advantage for Buying Last Year’s Model
The ability to save some money by purchasing a new, but year-old model, is nothing new to vehicles of any type. It is common to see significant discounts on cars and trucks at the end of the year, as the dealership needs to make room for the new models. The same is true with bass boats.
When it comes to Ranger, the prices are set and available right on their website. “We can offer year-end discounts, and buyers can easily save a few thousand dollars, and the boat is still brand new,” said Behler.
At the time of this writing, Marine Unlimited had a handful of 2019 models, as well as a dealer demo that can also be had for significant savings.
Dealer Demo Boats
Each year, boat dealers can obtain a demo boat at substantial savings, and the eventual buyer is the one who often benefits the most.
“We use the boat for boat shows and a handful of demo rides for customers. Mine hardly ever gets used on the water,” Behler said. “To give you an idea, my 2019 demo that we have for sale only has 13.5 hours on it.”
Besides the ability to get a boat with low hours, a demo boat is often decked out with every option imaginable to showcase what Ranger can do with a bass boat.
“That boat is loaded. The retail price of it is over $90,000, and we are selling it for roughly $78,000. The buyer will be the original registered owner of this boat,” he shared.
Year-End Promotions
At the end of the year, outboard manufacturers and boat brands do their part to help customers save money on purchasing a new boat. They do this in the form of year-end promotions like those that are currently running.
Ranger has a "Fall Savings" promotion that offers a factory rebate based on the outboard size, a deluxe boat cover, and a Ranger clothing merchandise gift card for those who buy a new Ranger aluminum boat.
Mercury is offering five years of warranty, Yamaha is offering six years, and Evinrude is also providing five years of coverage. While the Mercury and Yamaha offers are promotions, the five years of coverage is standard with new Evinrude outboards.
The Newest Model Year
If a new model boat is what you are after, Behler says that Ranger’s Cup models are a great value.
“You can’t build them out on their website for as low as they are selling them for. These boats are a great deal, and the packages include the things that people want,” he said. “They come with Power-Poles, 12” electronics, upgraded wheels, a Minn Kota Ultrex, and keel protector. They are completely loaded.”
Marine Unlimited is Ranger Only
There are plenty of places to buy a new Ranger boat on the west coast, but Behler pointed out that they solely sell Ranger fiberglass and aluminum bass boats. This is an advantage, as they know the product line inside and out.
“We strictly sell Ranger, so we are not going to try to sell you something else,” he said. If you are set on a Ranger boat, Marine Unlimited and the team are there to help make your dream come true.
Service at Marine Unlimited
Beyond boat sales, Marine Unlimited has a 20,000 square foot shop on four acres, and they service the three biggest outboard brands in the industry.
“We are Mercury, Evinrude, and Yamaha certified, and with Evinrude, we are a Platinum Service center,” said Behler, who himself is a certified outboard mechanic.
He is unique in that he is an owner that can truly fix what he is selling. He’s worked in the industry for 30 years and has owned Marine Unlimited for the last two decades.
There are many options when it comes to purchasing a new or used boat. In Northern California, Marine Unlimited has been doing it for 20 years as a specialist with Ranger’s line of boats.
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