STAY FLEXIBLE

With inventories low and waiting lists for new boats as long as 18 months, shoppers might consider a model that’s more readily available, or at least available within a shorter time frame, marine-industry veteran Kim Slocum says.

Slocum currently sells Jeanneau boat brands for Elkhart, Indiana-based Walker Marine, but was also with Rinker Boats for 47 years, where he ascended to president and part owner of the company.

Slocum points to the example of the Jeanneau NC cabin-cruiser line. “For instance, while you might be eyeing a new 35-foot Jeanneau NC 1095, the wait could be shorter for a new 26-foot NC 895,” he says. In this case, you have to make the decision as to whether you want a smaller boat sooner or a bigger model later.

The same principle applies to new outboard motors, says

Gus Blakely, executive vice president of sales and service for Suzuki Marine. “Consider an alternative horsepower category,” he explains. “For instance, you might be thinking about a 200 hp outboard, but there’s high demand for that power rating.

“Think instead about settling for a less-popular and morereadily available 175 that will get you ready to go and out on the water sooner.”