2022 has celebrated the welcome return of boat shows across the globe and brought the marine community together again. From Cannes to Southampton, Monaco to Fort Lauderdale, the ongoing maritime roadshow presents a smorgasbord of nautical treats to those in the know.
If you’ve caught the boating bug and are now planning a boat purchase in 2023, many exciting opportunities and potential challenges lie ahead. Created to make the journey to boat ownership simple, quick, and enjoyable, SALT has developed a unique app, utilising cutting-edge tech and Open Banking, delivering a mobile answer to financing your next prized possession. By carefully planning fact-finding show visits with your own thorough research, and the innovative SALT finance app already downloaded to your phone for on-the-spot quotations, we’ve got everything covered.
It’s always good to take on board a few tips. SALT hope these are useful to cut through the noise at boat shows and provide you with laser-focus in achieving the end goal of successful boat ownership.
Make a detailed plan or list
Before heading out on a boating retail expedition, make a wishlist that specifically applies to your needs with the intention of avoiding any impulsive activity! Ask yourself some realistic questions. Primarily, what is the budget? Why not get a no-obligation quote on the SALT app to fit your finance parameters before your visit? Would a sailing or motor yacht fit the bill and what size do you envisage, as this will affect berthing and associated costs? What does your intended usage look like, where will it be and who with?
Do you want to investigate sustainable propulsion options, or do you have the need for speed? Features such as tech will often depend on make and model and will you want a trailer too? Setting up a sea trial (if not achieved at the show) is vital and arranging insurance will also be a next step consideration. Luckily, the SALT buyers’ guide gives clear advice and suggestions across the board.
Take your time
There are great opportunities to see a wide variety of boats in one convenient location but be mindful that sometimes purchasing at a show can prove an overwhelming process if you are not completely ready. The niche environment where high traffic and time-sensitive deals are on the table can become a minefield to the unprepared. To avoid any pressure, it can be good to go with a fact-finding mindset and clearly identify what will fit your wishlist needs. Plan carefully and gather as much information as possible to make informed decisions. Armed with the mobile SALT app in your pocket, boat show shopping should most definitely be a pleasure not a chore.
Explore more…
A show is primetime to take in vast line-ups of vessels on display where hopefully you will find the dream boat that ticks all your boxes. Investigate different models to suit your lifestyle, climb aboard to get the real feel and most importantly ask lots of questions of the experts. Take along friends and family who will doubtless enjoy future boating fun with you, their opinion is hugely valuable and can often be insightful. Your best friend is knowledge and being well informed will help to plan your next steps. Once you’ve pinpointed the boat, it’s time to start the straightforward finance application process on the SALT app. Whether on the quayside or sat on the sofa at home, your boat purchase plans can come to life at the touch of a button.
Whether visiting boat shows with a clear intent to buy or for leisurely browsing with your nearest and dearest, there is no better time to really indulge your marine passion.
Take advantage of having the entire nautical landscape at your fingertips and don’t forget to download the SALT app to your phone.
If you can’t resist that shiny new purchase, at the touch of a button you can get the ball rolling within minutes
2023 Dates for the diary
21-29 January – boot Düsseldorf
16-19 February – SBS BoatLife Events, The NEC, Birmingham
23-26 March – Informa U.S. Boat Shows Palm Beach International Boat Show
18-22 April – London Luxury Afloat
27-30 April – Palma International Boat Show
5 May – The South Coast Boat Show, Southampton
15-17 June – The Green Tech Boat Show, Plymouth
12-17 September – Cannes Yachting Festival
15-24 September – Southampton International Boat Show
27-30 September – Monaco Yacht Show S.A.M.
For further details head to: https://www.salt-finance.com/