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LakeLackey · 08-23-2004, 07:47 PM

I have bought several boats (mostly new), you do not say if you are on the water or not already or whether you are a first time buyer; new or used here are my two cent worth of bytes:

1. Best advice I ever received was that if you had a size range, tend to go on the bigger size (I was told the biggest boat-buying mistake was going too small, then losing a lot of money by having to sell and up-size).
2. Reputable dealer you mentioned, and that's the most important (both dealer and brand).....good and instant service is huge (cannot afford to have to wait days or weeks for service, and be without the boat, during the very short season).
3. Buying even later in the year (like December year end, believe it or not) can save lots (its worked well for me)....mnfg's and dealers provide big incentives on what's available....some are willing to "trade" with someone else's similar inventory in New England. Having similar models of a couple of brands is a great flexibility option and bargaining tool.
4. Don't be afraid to call the mnfg directly if you have questions left open by the dealer....easy to find on the internet.....dealers are good but sometimes more is needed especially if you are buying a new boat.
5. If you need a slip, working with the dealer (or somewhere) to be able to procure a slip is very important....slips can be hard to come by, and expensive....if you get a slip make as part of the deal, make sure it is not just for one season (then, what are you supposed to do after that).
6. If you need a trailer, then you need a trailer....if not (like, I store mine right at the boatyard where I have a slip) then you can cut $800-$1500 off some prices.
7. If new, watch out when they start the warranty for the boat and for the motor (if you buy in the winter, you want them to hold the warranty cards until you take possession and put it in the water).
8. If possible, go for a test ride. If its used, get someone qualified to check it out first (pay a few bucks if needed).
9. Try to get everything into the "deal" to save money later (covers, rain covers, dual batteries, depth guages, lighted compass, cigarette lighter-type plug, full safety package, extra keys, etc.).

Good luck, sorry this got so long but I found boat-buying stress affected me until I finally made a choice.

08-23-2004, 07:47 PM	#6
LakeLackey Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Boat Buying Bytes I have bought several boats (mostly new), you do not say if you are on the water or not already or whether you are a first time buyer; new or used here are my two cent worth of bytes: 1. Best advice I ever received was that if you had a size range, tend to go on the bigger size (I was told the biggest boat-buying mistake was going too small, then losing a lot of money by having to sell and up-size). 2. Reputable dealer you mentioned, and that's the most important (both dealer and brand).....good and instant service is huge (cannot afford to have to wait days or weeks for service, and be without the boat, during the very short season). 3. Buying even later in the year (like December year end, believe it or not) can save lots (its worked well for me)....mnfg's and dealers provide big incentives on what's available....some are willing to "trade" with someone else's similar inventory in New England. Having similar models of a couple of brands is a great flexibility option and bargaining tool. 4. Don't be afraid to call the mnfg directly if you have questions left open by the dealer....easy to find on the internet.....dealers are good but sometimes more is needed especially if you are buying a new boat. 5. If you need a slip, working with the dealer (or somewhere) to be able to procure a slip is very important....slips can be hard to come by, and expensive....if you get a slip make as part of the deal, make sure it is not just for one season (then, what are you supposed to do after that). 6. If you need a trailer, then you need a trailer....if not (like, I store mine right at the boatyard where I have a slip) then you can cut $800-$1500 off some prices. 7. If new, watch out when they start the warranty for the boat and for the motor (if you buy in the winter, you want them to hold the warranty cards until you take possession and put it in the water). 8. If possible, go for a test ride. If its used, get someone qualified to check it out first (pay a few bucks if needed). 9. Try to get everything into the "deal" to save money later (covers, rain covers, dual batteries, depth guages, lighted compass, cigarette lighter-type plug, full safety package, extra keys, etc.). Good luck, sorry this got so long but I found boat-buying stress affected me until I finally made a choice.