The winter months bring some of the biggest RV and boat shows of the year to towns across America. These shows offer a unique opportunity to compare dozens of different makes and models in the same location. They also are a great place to learn about the latest equipment and accessories you can acquire to enhance your experience the next time you hit the road or the water. In addition, these shows typically offer educational experiences like fishing and destination seminars, as well as fun activities for the kids. For many adventure-loving families, attending their local boat or RV show is one of the highlights of the year.Whether you are in the market for a new RV, boat, marine engine, trailer, piece of electronics, gear, or accessory, you often can find a good deal for it at a show. Manufacturers and dealers typically offer “show pricing” to entice customers to make a buying decision on the spot. But many of the winter shows – especially mega-shows like the Florida RV Supershow and Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show – are so big and spread out you might miss out on finding the products and deals you are seeking if you don’t prepare for them in advance. Here are eight tips for getting the most out of your next show. 1. What’s on your wish list?  Start by making a list of all the products you’d like to see at the show. Consult enthusiast publications in print and online to learn about the latest new models and innovations. Think about electronics and gear that might improve your vehicle’s or vessel’s safety or performance. If you are shopping for your first RV, this blog can help you determine which type is right for you. If you are looking for your first boat, check out this article.  2. Make a game plan.  A week or two before the show, visit its website. Find the Exhibitor’s List and note the booth locations for each manufacturer or brand you want to see. Print out the map of the show and circle the booths you plan to visit. Then, chart a route that will take you to each booth without having to double back and waste time. With events like the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show that have more than one location, plan to spend the morning in one location and the afternoon in another, so you won’t need to shuttle back and forth multiple times. 3. Time your visit.  Shows naturally are more crowded on weekends, so if you have the luxury to attend on a weekday, you will enjoy better access to the vessels, vehicles, and other items on your list. If you check the show’s website, you also may find discounted ticket offers for particular dates, especially if you are a veteran, first responder, or are bringing children along with you.  4. Contact a dealer.  If you are seriously interested in purchasing a particular brand of boat or RV at a show, go to the manufacturer’s website to find the local dealer. Call the dealership in advance of the show to see if it is offering any special show pricing. Ask if you can make an appointment to tour a particular model with the dealer during the show – but be sure to bring your patience. With all the foot traffic and activity at a major boat or RV show, it’s hard for anyone to adhere to a rigorous schedule. 5. Dress for success.   Before heading to the show, be sure to put on your most comfortable shoes as you undoubtedly will be getting your steps in! If it’s an outdoor venue, check the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately. If it is going to be sunny, wear a hat and pack sunblock. Check the show website to see if there are any restrictions on what you can bring with you, such as a large purse or backpack. Find out if you can take a canister you can refill at a water fountain to avoid paying show prices for bottled water! 6. Take a breather.   Check the show schedule and map in advance to find locations where you can take some time to relax and get off your feet. You might watch a seminar, enjoy a meal in the food court, or listen to music in the entertainment tent. Many shows also offer VIP tickets that include entry to a private lounge where you can find uncrowded seating and refreshments during the show.   7. Ask, “What comes with it”?  After completing your tour of the show, if you have found an RV or boat you are seriously interested in purchasing, come back for a second look. Ask the dealer what engine(s) and equipment are included in the price. Amenities like ski tow towers and sunshades are often upgrades. If you are considering buying a trailerable boat, ask if you can purchase the trailer with the vessel or need to visit a different vendor.   8. Protect your investment.    No RV, boat, or trailer purchase is complete without securing insurance coverage for our new acquisition. In advance of attending any recreational vehicle show, contact Newcoast for all your boat or RV loan and insurance needs. You also can consult with the Newcoast team in person at many major recreational vehicle shows around the country. Please see a list of winter 2024 shows below.Recreational vehicles can be high-ticket purchases, but if you do your homework in advance, you often can find valuable deals at the shows. And by working with Newcoast to secure financing and insurance for that dream boat or RV purchase, you will have the confidence of knowing your investment is well protected.

Have you been considering a loan to purchase the boat or RV of your dreams? One of the first things you want to think about is your credit score and how it affects your loan. As your financing specialist, Newcoast has answered some of the most common questions below: What is a credit score? A credit score is the numerical value of your credit history, the score evaluates a consumer’s borrowing history, and the probability that they will repay their debts. There are five main factors evaluated when calculating your credit score: 1. Payment history 2. Total amount owed 3. Length of credit history 4. Types of credit 5. New credit Your credit score affects your ability to borrow money as well as the cost of borrowing it. What is a good credit score? While every creditor defines its own ranges for credit scores, (for instance, many lenders think anything over 720 is excellent), here is the average score range: Excellent: 750 and above Good: 700 to 749 Fair: 650 to 699 Poor: 550 to 649 Bad: 550 and below What affects my credit score? There are five main factors that are evaluated when calculating a credit score. (1) payment history (accounting for 35%), (2) total amount that you owe (accounting for 30%), (3) your length of credit history (accounting for 15%), (4) types of credit (accounting for 10%), and (5) any new credit that you have (accounting for 10%). Each lender has specific criteria that they will request from the credit reporting agencies, based on the type of financing requested. How can I check my credit score? Newcoast recommends that you obtain a copy of your credit report and credit score at least once per year from www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also purchase your credit report and score directly from one of the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, or Transunion. It's always a good idea to regularly review your credit score, especially as you prepare to take out a loan for your dream boat or RV. Our professional team of loan experts are ready to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today.

For anyone considering the purchase of a boat or yacht, the best thing you can do to prepare for the process is to educate yourself on financing.  When in the discovery or learning phase, things may be a bit overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time buyer. To help ease any concerns, some essential things to consider before financing are details such as the loan’s annual percentage rate, or APR, the length of the loan, and the amount you have to use for a down payment. Those factors can change the total amount you will pay for the boat of your dreams. The more you prepare, the easier the process will be and the likelihood that your loan application will be approved. Before you start searching for your dream yacht, below are a few things to keep in mind to make the decision that is right for you:  1. Understand your Credit Status Like any other purchase requiring finance options, your overall credit standing can affect many of the loan details. A strong credit rating can positively affect the following and more:  The length of the loan The interest rate The amount you can finance Whether or not you qualify for a secured loan These days, there are a lot of ways to monitor and maintain your credit rating. Many credit cards offer services that can provide you with a monthly status report, ensuring you will know if your rating has gone up or down and why. Plus, you can get a free credit report once a year without impacting your overall credit score. Reports like these can also help you spot any issues in your credit history and repair them when necessary. Discrepancies are not unheard of, so don’t hesitate to question something negative on your credit report.  Remember, the stronger your credit rating, the better your loan terms will likely be.  2. Be Prepared and Know your Financial Position It’s always important to research and understand all the details surrounding large-ticket purchases, including your own financial position. Buying a boat or yacht can add unexpected expenses to any budget, so it’s crucial for you and the lender to know that you can carry those costs.  Your loan approval depends on the financing company’s understanding that you can repay the loan, so your creditworthiness may also come into play. Be sure to check your credit report carefully for any false or mistaken information that may need to be removed.  The more records you have up front, the easier it will be to estimate the loan terms you’ll qualify for and the amount you will need for the loan’s down payment. If you are uncertain about what is necessary, just ask! Knowledgeable agents are standing by to help every step of the way. To help prepare, click here to try out our loan calculator and get a clear picture of what’s on the horizon.  3. Understand Interest Rates and Loan Terms  If you need to borrow money to purchase your dream yacht, prioritizing your understanding of the loan terms is a must. Be sure to educate yourself on loan details such as by noting the following:  Interest rates and APR Fixed vs. adjustable rates Terms By understanding the relationships these have with each other can help you make the best decisions for your yacht loan terms.  4. Consider All the Options Carefully When financing any purchase, the amount you put down, the interest rate, and any additional costs will create the big picture about how much you’ll pay each month. A larger down payment can give you a smaller monthly commitment, but a shorter loan can increase that monthly amount.  However, for example, paying more principal per month to cut the loan length in half might make a lot of sense for some, while others might feel the interest rates are low enough that the extra funds are better put to work somewhere else.  Consider the effect the details of the loan has on the overall amount, such as on the number of payments and the ancillary costs like insurance and storage. Also, consider how the vessel’s size will affect your total costs.  Be sure you understand the loan costs, terms, and any other expenses associated with financing your dream boat. Be prepared, ask questions, and comprehend your commitment before diving in.  We Have Your Answers At Newcoast, we have the answers you need. Our financing team has decades of experience in the marine industry, and we can provide our clients with a 2-minute pre-qualification and loan approval in as little as 24 hours. We also offer competitive rates on up to 20-year loan terms.  Newcoast also provides insurance with the knowledge and experience to protect you once you’ve purchased your dream yacht. Visit our marine insurance page to learn more.  At Newcoast, we’ll get you moving and keep you protected along the way.