Tinnie show purchase - worth the wait?

[Phishaman]

I am looking to buy a sub $500 fish finder and have pretty much made up my mind.

I have never made it up to the Brisbane Tackle and Tinnie Show before and was wondering whether anyone can tell me if it would be worth holding off my purchase until the show to try and get a 'show special'?

Are the show prices on electronics usually much better?

[Snapp]

Good Question,
BUT can they still beat US prices.

[BaitThrower]

Good Question,
BUT can they still beat US prices.

At the moment I doubt it. Ordering from O/S is up to 50% cheaper in some cases or 25% in more cases. I don't think they will drop that much off here in Oz, even for a show special, but you never know.

[Phishaman]

Good Question,
BUT can they still beat US prices.

Very true... However, one of the sounders that I was looking at was the Humminbird 717. As far as I am aware, any Humminbird product sold in the US can not display metric meaurements (metres, celcius, kilometres).

[Coontakinta]

I am looking to buy a sub $500 fish finder and have pretty much made up my mind.

I have never made it up to the Brisbane Tackle and Tinnie Show before and was wondering whether anyone can tell me if it would be worth holding off my purchase until the show to try and get a 'show special'?

In my view, you should take that $500 and set your sights higher than what you have already decided upon. Take a look at the Fish On Electronics site and see what that $500 buys over there.

After my experience with Pat and the Fish On team, I doubt that I will be buying local whilst the exchange rate is soooooo good. Even if my unit is DOA and I have to pay to return, still reckon I'd be in front. My Eagle 480DF was almost 50% cheaper than the best price I could get from anywhere in Oz. Thats after taking into account freight and bank fees

Top job Pat!

[Coontakinta]

Very true... However, one of the sounders that I was looking at was the Humminbird 717. As far as I am aware, any Humminbird product sold in the US can not display metric meaurements (metres, celcius, kilometres).

Phishaman, true, but how many here actually use metric measurements on there units. If you could save 50% on the unit of your dreams or upgrade to a better unit for the same dollars you had budgeted for, would you not be able to overlook this minor detail

[FNQCairns]

Lot's of years ago I waited for the my first and last visit to one of these at the Bris showgrounds, left of buying what was then fair few hundred dollars worth of stuff until the visit, there was no bargains and I ended up purchasing anyway before I left to be done with it, unless you KNOW what you want is going to be on special or you want to go regardless and walk away with something, you simply will not beat O/S prices and probably not better a bartered shop price.

cheers fnq

[Coontakinta]

Phisha, here ya go mate.

http://www.fishonmarine.net/HUMMINBI...ER_p/28242.htm

You could have it on your doorstep in around 10 working days and for less than $350.

Meaning your $500 will buy you the next model or something else

[skeeter]

Phisha,
Had the same plan last year. I was chasing a hummingbird 343c. At the time best price i could do locally was around $620. So waited for the show thinking i could maybe get $100 off, best i could at the show was $595.

Not worth the wait.

I ended up buying from the US, delivered to me here in about 10 days for $360AU. It would probably be much cheaper now considering the product is no longer a new release and the exchange rate to the US is excellent.

Not had any problems with it. Service was great. Only thing to keep in mind, with my model at least, depth was only available in feet, wouldn't/couldn't supply me with an inernational model and for warranty service it has to go back to the US. Both I could live with and for the price thought it was worth the risk.

I have not been disappointed and would do it again. PM me if want the website i used.

Peter

[Phishaman]

Thanks for the responses guys,

I took your advice and purchased online from Pat at 'Fishon' in the USA. Even with the postage, I came out ahead on price and was able to afford a much better fishfinder than the one I was looking at!

[Coontakinta]

Another satisfied customer! Geez at this rate us aussies will haul the american ecconomy out of the doldrums. Now if we can just get some of their boats and motors out here with the same level of ease

[TheRealAndy]

I am about to order a new VHF and navplanner software from fishon too!

[bluefin59]

I am about to order a new VHF and navplanner software from fishon too!

I bought the same things as you from pat as well great service and price ,what i paid for my icom vhf and navplanner + postage i couldn't even buy the radio here go figure thanks fishon,also delivered to my door in 4 working days over the newyears break......matt

[bj]

Bias usually have %15 discount on all stock during boat shows.

[Coontakinta]

Bias usually have %15 discount on all stock during boat shows.

Hmmmmm, 40% discount compared to 15%

Geeee, I dunno where should I buy that next peice of electronic equipment

Its a no brainer I reckon