Options on a new boat, More Expensive?

[Ed Wardell]

Why are options more expensive when purchased with the boat? I.E. Spare tire/wheel BPS price $100, purchased as option $250, Keel Guard BPS price $130, option price $300. Does anybody know why the price difference is so large? I would think installation charges would be included in dealer prep charges. I'm thinking it would be better to buy the boat without options and install the additional features myself. Is this a stupid idea? I think I can save a few hundred dollars, by doing a little bit of work.

The additional features I feel in need, for my new 901, are: Hotfoot, Keelguard, Spare tire, Wheel Trim Lever. Am I missing anything important.



Thanks in advance

Ed

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Ed, you will save a lot more than a few hundred bucks. In fact, forego the package TM and get a good one and mount it yourself. You save a lot this way. They figure the average angler has enough to get into a boat but doesn't have the $$$ up front to buy the extras. It's easier for a guy to add only $8.00 a monthly payment for a fish finder instead of $200 up front. Except he pays on the invoice $350 for the "option" and over the course of the loan probably $650 for a $200 finder. It's all numbers. The mfrs and banks love it, and most people don't realize how bad their paying thru the nose. The other benefit of installing things yourself is you know it's done right and should something break or fail in the future (and they will) you will know first hand how to replace it. Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[Craig Roberts]

Rob, remember, Tracker is the "package" boat leader. You're 'gonna pay (at least a part) for the std. trolling motor weather you get it or not. Unless the dealer is willing to eat it.



Ed, the $100.00 BPS tire is for a tire & painted white wagon wheel, while the $250.00 one is the matching tire/wheel already on the trailer. As for the other items, except for the keel guard (I'd have that professionally installed), if you have a little mechanical ability, you could do the work yourself. Remember, adding a hotfoot means changing the throttle cable (you'll need a longer cable).



Craig

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Craig, You mean I couldn't order a boat without the TM if I wanted to. Well, I could....but they'd still charge me for it? I'm just pointing out, it's much like the auto industry. You pay say $1500 for a "option' stereo, that is by no means a $1500 stereo. If I were to buy a truck or car new, I'd get it without the stero, pay for one at the store, get twice as much stereo for half as much money. I was just pointing out that all companies do that. Don't know why, but in business, usually the margins are made on the little things. Ever priced what it would cost you to build a Ford Escort from spare parts at the dealer? LOL

 

[Craig Roberts]

Because Tracker uses "national" pricing (ie. they publish the price of every boat they sell in their brochures, and the brochure lists everything that comes with the boat, hence the "package" price), and every boat that is priced with a trolling motor is shipped to the dealer with the t/m under the shipping wrap, the dealer either eats the cost of the package t/m, or gives the customer credit (.50-.75 cents on the dollar).



Craig

 

[Michael Snow]

Check and see what KIND of keel guard they're referring to. If they are installing a Hamby's for $300, it's a bargain. You can't BUY a Hamby's (not the lightweight version) off the shelf. There's a lot to installing one and only a dealer can (Hamby's won't sell it to you or the install kit). The $130 keel guard is NOT a Hamby's. I've never found a boater willing to tell me that his non-Hamby's is as good as a Hamby's. When people refer to my need to get one, they say "get a Hamby's", not "get a keel protector".



On the spare tire, it might also be that there's a spare tire carrier mounted on the trailer that otherwise wouldn't be. My 911 has the normal u-bolt looking thing, but maybe that's not "standard" since the wheel didn't match either).

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Mike, I've never heard of a Hamby's. What's the difference. How do you get them? Only thru a dealer and they have to install it? That's going to steer away a lot of potential customers. But really, why is it so much better?

 

[Ed Wardell]

Rob Hamby's web site...see link below



Mike Nitro keel guard is a Tech 5 not a Hamby. Any info on a Tech 5?
http://www.hambys.com/

 

[Scott S.]

Guys, I know some of you may hate me for owning a Lund... but I like Trackers and quite honestly anything thst floats. When I did my boat shopping at last years boat show I tried hard to do apples to apples comparisons of Many Brands including Tracker and what I wound up with a Lund.. What really sounded like great pricing on Trackers Part, upgrading the motor, adding a trolling motor, freight, prep, spare tire, fishfinder, sun top, etc really got the price up there fast.. My Lund was quoted to me As Boat, My Motor, Trailer, Spare, boat show promo pack, and all freight and prep delivered as 1 price right from the start.. This was not just from 1 dealer but 3 separate dealers. 1 got my business as they were $500 less than the other 2. This made the purchase price easy to understand. Only additions were a fishfinder and trolling motor + separate battery installed by myself.. My thinking was Tracker was a great "value". I agree but there are others out there doing the same... even the well known companies such as Crestliner, Lund and Alumacraft. You can shop your own finance rates too, using what the dealer has to offer may be convienent, but I would rather save some $$ if possibe and put it toward more fishing stuff of course!

 

[Staci Matheis]

I know that you're gonna be thinking "he's at it again", but.....



A couple of years ago, I don't remember whether it was on this board or over at BFHP, I posed a question to a representative from one of the keel guard manufacturers about the differences between the various brands.....



The bottom line to his answer - which fell between several other lines - was that they're all the same material with different marketing techniques. Kevlar is Kevlar is Kevlar.



me!

 

[Staci Matheis]

I found the post. It was here on the NTOWS.....



Questions for Mike Roy @ Tech 5. by Scott, 11/30/2000 20:39 CT

Category - General Information



Mike -



Thanks for your comments in the earlier fix-up post.



I've been thinking for some time now that I ought to install a keel protector on my boat - and my next boat will definately have one. But, in all honesty, when I saw that Nitro offered one from the factory and I didn't recognize the manufacturer I had doubts about getting one installed there. When I think of a keel protector, my first thought is Hamby's.........



So...... Trying to be absolutely fair to all manufacturers and wanting to get the best value for my hard earned bucks........



What are the differences between your product and the other manufacturers? (In particular Hamby's.)



Do you sell only through boat manufacturers? Why? And who besides Nitro?



Everything I see says that home installation is easy IF you follow the instructions. If your product is available through retail outlets other than BPS, who are they? (Being Nitro owners doesn't mean we're married to BPS and we couldn't even get the good folks at Nitro to send Rich Stern a couple of caps for he and his son! Pierre Voisine sent them to Rich!) Can we buy directly from you?



Thanks for your help!



Scott



re: Questions for Mike Roy @ Tech 5. by Mike Roy, 12/1/2000 09:05 CT



Thanks for the heads up Scott. There are 4 keel protectors on the market today. TECH 5, Hamby's, Megaware, and Keel Shield. The TECH 5 and Hamby's can only be factory or dealer installed because of the design and installation process involved. They are priced higher ($300 and up, installed) because they cost more to manufacture and install. That's also why they give you more long lasting value for your dollar. The Megaware and Keel Shield are designed differently and can be purchased through catalogs like Cabella's, Bass Pro, and Overton's. Thay are priced lower, (average for an 18ft boat, about $150)and will do a good job if installed properly. There's the catch. The installation is the key, you only get one chance to do it right. If not, it's a throw-away, there is no fix. With my many years as a 3M Adhesives Technical Rep, I can say with certainty, a person with average ability has less than a 50-50 chance of doing it right the first time. Their advertisements claim it can be installed easily in minutes. I can assure you, if you attempt to install it, have a helper and plan at least 2 hours. Even at that, you may or may not have long lasting results. If I may suggest, please check out the web sites for a better understanding. www.tech5kg.com, www.hambys.com, www.keelguard.com, and I think the last one is www.keelshield.com. The bottom line is, the TECH 5 and the Hamby's are your best bet on a new boat or one that still has substantial value. They will pay for themselves in repair costs and resale value. If you have good mechanical ability and a friend that can help, the others will do on an older boat. But check the web sites, our TECH 5 is offered as a factory installed accessory on 12 quality boat brands. It meets and exceeds their quality and durability standars. I'm sure it will give you great, long lasting value too. Good luck, Mike Roy, president

 

[Ed Wardell]

Interesting thoughts, Esox. I'm actually going to do the same thing. Right now, the 901 looks like the boat I want, but a few trips to winter boat shows may chnage my mind. I'm going to configure the 901 with what I want and see who's price is the best. I may end up with a Triton or Ranger. Who knows.



One problem I have right now, is that I can't even sit in a 901. None of the dealers around me have any. I've ridden in Rangers and Tritons, but never a Nitro. The reason I'm considering a Nitro 901 is price and warranty. Aside from that, I feel these three boats are built basicly the same.

 

[Adam Murray]

Rob...you can order that new car/truck without a stereo, but the only "deal" will be in your mind. The mfg. ships 99% of their retail fleet with some type of sound system installed (amongst many other items you think you can install yourself cheaper). This being said, the mfg. processes are built (and priced) around these items being installed. The dealer receives his floor-plan allottment (based on budget/forecasting) and advertises/sells these vehicles to achieve said budgets/forecasts. When a customer wants to order something outside of store inventory, two things occur: (1) Dealer has to order a vehicle outside of his floorplan allotment (ineligible for most incentives)and risk not selling an in-stock vehicle, enhancing his aged units exposure (2) The plant must alter its mfg. process, making it less productive and cost effective (hence the lack of incentives)



This is a long way of saying...the dealer ain't gonna make you a deal 'cuz you wanna a save a couple of bucks on a stereo. If money is that important to the deal, just buy an in-stock unit, tear out the factory radio and install your own.



Also, you said "the other benefit of installing things yourself is you know it's done right." That's only true if you know how to do it right!! LOL



Let a mechanical idiot like me get ahold of it and you better buy 3 trolling motors...I'm gonna tear up the first two trying to make 'em fit!

 

[Adam Murray]

Scott...we must've been posting at the same time!



I think you're partially correct, however, I think I read into that more than just "kevlar is kevlar". Design differences and adhesive products in his brand require professional installation, ensuring a higher quality/longer lasting product.



You can buy a cheaper one from a catalog, install it yourself and run (according to his figures) a 50% chance of screwing up and having to buy another one. Or, just suck it up the first time, buy his product that includes a professional dealer/service network and not have to worry about it.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Yeah..... That's pretty much what he said.



BTW, Adam..... You remember my old friend, Ken, from the "prized 240Z" story? He's a Regional Manager in Texas for Car Toys. So, if you ever want to upgrade to a killer stereo, let me know, I'll see to it that he helps you out!



me!

 

[Adam Murray]

No kidding? What part of Texas? I am in the market for new speakers for my truck. Actually knocked one loose last week while driving around our duck lease and figured I'd replace them while I had the panel disassembled.

 

[Bob G.]

For those of you that have not heard of TECH 5, I ordered one when I ordered my boat. Since the techs at my boat dealer have never installed one, Mike Roy personally drove to S. Burlington, VT from Massachusetts (I think) and instructed the techs on the installation. He had a special heated bucket to keep it pliable. He also used a vacuum machine to draw the air out and then sealed the ends with caulking of some sort. How do I know this? I watched him install it and I would not have wanted to install it myself. I he had messed up, he would have gone to his car and got another one. If I mess up, I get to buy another one!!



Bob G.

 

[Michael Snow]

Two problems with that statement. Heck, I'll just say "aluminum is aluminum is aluminum" as a rebuttal. Riveted aluminum is less waterproof than welded aluminum. Rivets pop and leak, a weld either cracks/breaks or doesn't. .080 vs .100 thickness matters.



The thickness and length/width of the keelguard matters, as does HOW it's attached. Kevlar at the bottom of the lake doesn't help. If you beach the boat hard and it breaks loose in the process, you've saved nothing.



I won't discuss Tech5 since I've never seen/heard of it, but Hamby's installation technique sounded very similar, I know they stretch, vacuum seal, etc when they are installed. I won't say they actually stretch the keel protector, but use positive stretching to secure it. It takes a couple of days of being strung up before the Hamby's is ready to hit the water.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Adam - I just sent you and Ken an e-mail.

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Adam, you really should learn those kinds of things about your boat. If for no other reason then someday it might save your rear on the water. I have had to make dozens of on the water repairs sometimes just to be able to get back to the dock. The key to doing things yourself is PLAN, and be sure you have the right tools. You can't install a TM with a stanley knife and a screw driver. Well.....you could, but I wouldn't want to use it afterwards! LOL Seriously, get what you need to do the job, and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! Then just take your time and do it. And remember the old adage "measure twice and cut once!" It aslo helps open your eyes when you go to a shop and they try to charge you some outrageous install fee for a job you know only takes an hour. There are many benefits to doing things yourself. One last one is that you REALLY get to know your boat inside and out and that is very valuable.

 

[Adam Murray]

Don't disagree with you one bit, Rob. However, my time on the water (or in the blind) is very precious to me. I typically get on an airplane Sunday night and get home very late Friday night (if I even get to come home!) I'll be dipped if I'm gonna spend my very limited free time installing something I could've paid a professional to do while I was out of town.



Perhaps I'm being a little facetious, though, when I talk about my complete mechanical ineptitude. I do have the ability to make some on-the-water fixes to continue fishing or get back home. However, I rarely have to even worry about this. I'm very confident in my equipment as it has been professionally installed and maintained on a regular basis by only those I trust.

 

[Rob LaMoy]

I hear ya, see I have this long 4 month period of down time called winter, and it allows me time to work on my boat and gear for lack of other things to do. Plus, I actually enjoy doing a lot of these things myself. I get the radio going and the shop heated, some diet coke or gatorade and just tinker along for hours, doing all the little improvements, mods, and repairs I thought about all season. It helps me get thru the winter. PLUS, it's at my father in law's house, 10 miles away from home.....just the way I like it! LOL If she wants to come complain, or give me a list of things to do, she has to get in the car in the cold and come over! Ain't happnin'! And there is no phone out there either! See, I'm smarter than I look.

 

[Michael Snow]

A) winter means nothing. The fish still eat.

B) I read the word "in-law" in there, so you ain't so bright buddy .

C) I've worked on my boat at home, only to figure out that I'd screwed something else up when I got to the lake.

D) If someone else does it, then it's their problem to fix when it doesn't work (shoot thru hull transducers on a Lowrance, for instance).

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Hey Mike, see my posts from Feb-June about having somebody else work on my boat and it being their problem. It WAS their problem for about 4 MONTHS! They kept screwing it up. And I was without a boat. Then I started doing all and every job myself I was capable of. I'm not talking rebuilding a lower unit here. But TM's, thru the hull ducers....no problem. New graphs, seats, gauges, throttle cables, on-board chargers, fixing carpet, trailer repairs, wiring, bilge and/or aerator pumps etc. Those things I do myself. I got royally screwed by two shops this past year. I now have one really good one I deal with that I found out of sheer distress. Anyway, it's a personal thing I guess. Sometimes....a lot of times, I don't have the luxury to wait for a shop to repair my boat as I have clients arriving and need the boat ASAP. So I'm up late doing the repairs myself, like picking up and installing a TM on an 896 hours before a quick guide trip and less than 6 hours from and Everstart pre-tourney meeting.

 

[Greg Meyer]

You guys have heard me brag about my mechanic... So, I won't bore you with his "greatness". But, I still do an extensive amount of work on my boat myself... Why, first, because I happen to like doing it... Second, it's like packing your own parachute (if you know how to do it right, you will, or YOU will pay!) Third, I like to "engineer" the custom stuff to my "exacting" (sometimes goofy) desires. And, a lot of that "engineering" gets modified in little ways as I go along... Finally, if you do it well, there is the "pride" factor.



However, I have and know my limits... I will not push the envelope too far... Each of us has a subtle blend of talents, skills and inclinations... What is the right "program" for me will not always be the right one for someone else. That said, this site adds to my abilities because so many here are willing to share good guidance and advice. A good example is when I want or need advice about metal... Jeff White (Magna 19) usually has or gets the answer... Craig has helped me with parts... And there are many, many, others that have given me help along the way...

 

[Adam Murray]

I know what you mean, Greg....Mac helped put me in touch with my feminine side!

 

[Greg Meyer]

Adam,



Sit down, relax... When they come for you just let them put your new jacket on and ride with them to the home... You should have TV privileges in a month or so... They'll probably let you watch Babe and stuff...

 

[Staci Matheis]

DON'T show your new friends your tattoo.

 

[Adam Murray]

Don't worry, Scott, still too cold for that! When spring comes, though....

 

[Staci Matheis]

Nurse Kratchet! Adam's showing his tattoo again!