Pricing for 2017 S21

[Je1279]

New to the forum but from what I've read it looks like a good community thats willing to help those with questions. My parents are interested in purchasing a 2017 S21 (21SL) with a 90 hp Mercury engine that has a MSRP of $25,690. I've read on here that 20-25% off MSRP is possible for some models but does that apply to the S series with only a couple of upgrades?


Also, are items such as freight and dealer prep negotiable or are they pretty much fixed? Either way, what should they expect to pay for these? Any help is greatly appreciated as I am trying to guide them in the right direction.

 

[kaydano]

It's like a car. Everything is negotiable. Visit 2-3 dealers if you can and work their pricing against each other. If you want a good deal, you'll have to work at it...  Much depends on demand, stock, time of year, etc.  Take your time. This is a good time of year, but it will quickly get worse as spring approaches. Some say boat shows are where you get the best deal.  I didn't find that to be true. Too many factors to give you good hard advice. Come back here with any questions. Everyone will help you spend your money.

 

[goldnrod24]

Welcome, Je1279. Yes, this is a helpful community, welcome.


Congrats to your folks for their display of good taste in considering a S-series Bennington. I love mine.


The kinds of questions you ask are affected by so many variables. We don't talk specific prices here as a result. Like many things, the higher MSRP, the bigger potential for discounts. The S-series (while not cheap) is Bennington's least expensive model lines so likely any discounts will be less than the higher series boats. Whether you could obtain 25% off MSRP depends on many factors. These include dealer motivation, number of units in inventory, time the boat has been in inventory, local market demand, etc. Sometimes dealers will load up on new models and offer larger "boat show" discounts (sometimes even when there isn't an actual boat show). LOL.


As far as prep and freight, I doubt any dealer will forego these costs since they actually incur these costs in the course of receiving boats and getting them ready for sale.


One more thing. As you read the topics on this site, you will uncover several instances where buyers bypassed nearby dealers and purchased from a dealer further away. There may have been good reasons to do so, but usually price isn't one of them.


Hope this helps. I see that as I was typing, Kaydano has replied, so maybe all of this is redundant.


Again, welcome and keep asking questions as they arise.

 

[goldnrod24]

PS: Don't let the knuckleheads here try to spend your parents' money. Next thing you know, your folks will be buying a fully loaded up Q-series boat with an arch and twin 350's!!!!!!


Provided your folks are looking for a cruiser, a S21 with a 90 is an excellent choice!

 

[Je1279]

Thank you all for the fast and detailed responses, I greatly appreciate it. They have a place on a small lake and just want something they can go out on and cruise with their friends and maybe pull my nephew on a tube on occasion. There is a good size boat show in our area (upstate NY) in early April so I will try to check out a couple of Bennington dealers prior to that and see if there are any specials at the show. Thanks again!

 

[TomS]

... pull my nephew on a tube on occasion.

uh oh, magic words, get the 300!


Welcome! They'll love the Bennington SL21 with a 90, fantastic boat, with a 10 year warranty bow to stern now! If you want options, yes, we can help ya with that too ;-)

 

[Michiman]

I agree with the comments above; there are many factors involved so I'm not sure that you're necessarily paying too much if you don't get the 20-25% discount. Actually, I tend to believe that my dealer does not offer the best pricing, but they are local and provide generally good service.


Like most large purchases, do your homework and you'll likely end up with something you want at a fair price. But hey, I believe you already know that.

 

[Vikingstaff]

Our recent experience putting in an order on a 2017 Bennington S-series was EXACTLY like buying a car. Know the market, current incentives, who has what in stock, and who is willing to deal to make showroom/floor space. Know your ideal range, and have a firm ceiling so you don't risk overspending.


Also, boat show season is upon us (at least it is up here in Michigan), which means there is still a little time to work a great deal before they fill up with spring orders...if you move fast!


Absolutely shop at different dealerships, and make sure they know you are doing it.  Someone is going to be hungrier for that sale than someone else, and they are going to work hard to steal your business. I literally inquired and fanned out across much of the lower Penninnsula of Michigan during my multi-month search.


Case in point, based on this forum and other sources, I knew we would not sign on the dotted line unless we got 20% off MSRP on a new order (we were hoping for 25%). We were also open to unsold 2016 models that were new and on steep clearance.  


We unexpectedly lined up an unsold 2016 at one dealership at 35% off MSRP because they really wanted to clear out unsold 2016 inventory to make room for 2017's.  It was a very nice boat, but it was not a Bennington.  After all my research, I knew I really preferred a Bennington.


We went back to our preferred Bennington dealer one last time.  I layed out the other deal, and asked if they could get close to it.  After two weeks of a little back and forth we closed a deal on an order for a new 2017 S-Series Bennington. In the end, we got PRICESLY 30.5% off MSRP - that's the out the door price too (taxes, extended engine warranty, and so on included).


I am a firm believer if you are knowledgeable going into it, firm in your price range with wants and needs, pleasant-friendly-and honest throughout the negotiation process, and if you shop at multiple dealerships so they know they need to compete for your business (and you know the alternative deals to be had), that you will come out with a great price.  


I see no reason why you cannot shoot for 20-25% off that MSRP price of $25,690. Frankly, I wouldn't buy it unless they can get minimally to the 20% off MSRP.  I'd be firm with that, and then push for more off...or a couple more options added in for that same price. 


 Finally, when happy about the deal, I'd still round the entire price down to the nearest $1,000 and say, "if you can get the owner to agree to this price, I will sign on the dotted line right now."  I think you can get down around 20-25% off, and likely do it with a few extra perks added in for options.  Perhaps get it for somewhere around $20,000-$22,000.  

 

[mattb]

Don't let the knuckleheads here try to spend your parents' money. Next thing you know, your folks will be buying a fully loaded up Q-series boat with an arch and twin 350's!!!!!!

Twin 350's, that's a bit much,... one should suffice.  Remember, you could very well inherit this boat some day.  Have them buy your last boat first.  Its a PADS thing, you'll, or they'll find out.  If you'll excuse me were headed out to the boat and RV show,  wife wants a new camper.  Seriously, these things are awesome, have fun.   

 

[Je1279]

Thank you all for the continued responses and suggestions. I did a lot of research here and elsewhere before suggesting an engine based on their needs but there were times where I was trying to justify way more than they needed (twin 454's, possibly supercharged  ). 


Vikingstaff - Congratulations on the great deal and thank you very much for detailing your purchasing experience. Hopefully the upstate NY dealers will also be willing to come down a bit from the MSRP.

 

[JTaylor]

Provided your folks are looking for a cruiser, a S21 with a 90 is an excellent choice!

Great advice -- they (and you) will love a Bennie!

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

Historically, S models start as the price leader. I don't believe they are typically discounted as far as more expensive models. Remember 10% of sales of $20K is much less than 10% of $30K. That's why dealers may budge more in higher priced models. There's more fat left to trim. 


You can get bare bones S at a very affordable price. Still a well built boat, definitely no slouch. Start throwing in numerous upgrades and you end up in base G price territory. Any model you go with, you can't lose. Plus you get to be a part of one of the greatest forums on the inter web.... 

 

[Je1279]

Plus you get to be a part of one of the greatest forums on the inter web.... 

I couldn't agree more. I am a member of a number of forums and I have never felt as welcomed as a newbie as I have here.


One question that I forgot to ask was regarding a trailer. Is $2750 - $3000 a reasonable estimate for a tandem 21' pontoon trailer? It will not be trailered other than putting it in and taking it out but it would be close to maxing out a single axle so I think the tandem would be a better choice. It will also be stored on the trailer during the winter months.

 

[Pittsburgh]

I purchased a Brand New 2014 SL21 with a Yamaha 90 HP - 4 stroke Engine and The Shorelander Dual Axle Trailer  at The 2014 Boat Show in Pittsburgh.


I will tell you this 


For me, my family and friends on our private lake 


It gives me everything I could want or hope for 


On the Boat Shows... I would say go there to meet dealers, But Don't Buy !!!


Why commit in a place that is overflowing with activity, where you are being rushed so the dealer can get to his next customer ?


In my opinion it is best to go to the Dealership , talk to the dealer , see his facility, meet his staff and then decide where is best before purchasing. You can save a few hundred even a thousand in the short term but yet regret it in the long term. Bennington without question builds the best pontoon in the market place BUT a bad dealer could have you pounding your head against a wall (lol) 


One more thing depending on where you live, the number of dealers may be limited , I have two dealers near me both are 100 miles away in opposite directions .... buying a boat is not as easy as buying a car. Not everyone lives in The Great Lakes Region where dealerships are plentiful.


                                    

 

[goldnrod24]

One question that I forgot to ask was regarding a trailer. Is $2750 - $3000 a reasonable estimate for a tandem 21' pontoon trailer?

Yes. Reasonable.


Do a search here about trailers. Lots of useful information and owners' stories/experiences.

 

[TomS]

I couldn't agree more. I am a member of a number of forums and I have never felt as welcomed as a newbie as I have here.


One question that I forgot to ask was regarding a trailer. Is $2750 - $3000 a reasonable estimate for a tandem 21' pontoon trailer? It will not be trailered other than putting it in and taking it out but it would be close to maxing out a single axle so I think the tandem would be a better choice. It will also be stored on the trailer during the winter months.

Great resource below, just to understand the options and typical pricing. I bought mine direct from them and couldn't be happier 4 years later.


http://www.trailersforpontoons.com/tatrailers.html

 

[mattb]

I was just about to add that link when yours showed up.  I started with a Yacht Club, it was what the dealer had, but was for a 24'.  I had them get a 22' and it came from Mid America, (link from TomS) I like it a lot better. 

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

If your parents are in NY, I doubt there's much wiggle room on freight or dealer prep. Freight may be a little less if dealers getting a full load vs 2-3 "customer spec'd" on a shipment. When I spec'd ours, my dealer gave me grand total before trade and tax. Needless to say, from where we intended to where we ended up we probably added another 4 grand "list price" in options .....   :blink:

 

[Pittsburgh]

What is strange ..


When we were buying we were obsessed with price, but as time went by cost was never a thought, the joy, happiness, experience and memories are all we ever think of. 


For those who knew me when my journey began on this forum and told me that would be the case.. Thank You 


Now it is my turn to   "Pay It Forward"

                             Spring Is Just Around The Corner 

 

[BigKahuna]

Welcome Je1279...... Buy what you (they) can afford.