How Do I Buy a Boat? Part 2

In “How Do I Buy a Boat? Part 1” we covered 3 questions you should ask yourself before looking at boats.

Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you will most likely want to visit a dealership.  When you arrive, a sales associate will start asking you a series of questions to try to narrow down what you’re looking for.  Don’t panic!  These questions aren’t a test – your associate is trying to get an idea of what you’re looking for, what you don’t want, what types and features are important to you, etc.

After answering a series of questions, the associate should show you 3-4 boats.  There isn’t any single boat that is perfect for each scenario, so by looking at a selection of boats you can then narrow your list down to features you like, most comfortable layout, or even the color that best suits you.  Your associate will ask you more questions as you begin to view the different boats offered.  Point out things that you like, and let your associate know what features you don’t like.  Remember, this process is all about your boating needs, or at least what needs you think you may have.

It’s entirely possible at this point that you may find EXACTLY the boat you want.  But, if you aren’t ready to pull the trigger on a boat purchase that same day, don’t.  Go home and make sure it’s what is right for you. In many cases, looking at a boat will create more questions.

As with any purchase, you may want to do some research online.  Take a look at the website of a boat manufacturer you think you may like.  See what they offer, and see if you think one of their models might work for you.  If not, look at another website.  Talking to boat owners you know might also help narrow down what boat type, features, and even color you’re interested.  Browse some owner’s forums online to see what owners say about boat brands and even maintenance and upkeep.

Finally, know your dealer.  Sometimes, a buyer’s enjoyment with a new boat can be determined by which dealer it was purchased from.  Some questions to ask:

1. Will they stand behind their product and work? You may like the boat they are selling, but if they won’t stand behind the product it’s not worth your time.
2. Are their technicians certified to work on the boat you are buying?  This may determine how easy it is for you to have routine maintenance and warranty work completed.
3. Do they have other services such as a ship’s store (think accessories for your boat), marina, storage during the winter months, or even a fuel dock? Are they located on the water?
4. Have they received awards from manufacturers or the industry itself?

In the next part of this series, we’ll cover the buying process.  Stay tuned!

Choosing a Fishing Boat

One of the joys of a fisherman’s life is choosing a new boat.  However, like anything in life, there are a lot of choices—brands, styles, and configurations.  If you have never purchased a boat before, or are purchasing again for the first time in a long time, all of the options and styles available can get confusing!  Also, the opinions from your significant other, friends, neighbors and kids can clash and add even more confusion.

Perhaps visiting with a knowledgeable and experienced sales associate is in order.  Here are 5 questions to ask yourself when choosing a fishing boat.  Your sales associate can help guide you to the best boat for you!

1. How do you fish?  What’s your style?  Do you want a boat dedicated to fishing the backwaters on a river?  Does your family want space to lounge while you drop a line off the back?  Will you want to use the boat for water sports such as skiing or tubing?  All of these factors will change what type of fishing boat or flat you look into.  You will also want a different configuration for a multi-use boat than you would for a dedicated fishing boat.  Also, your intended use will determine your motor size and type. If you need more information, Boats.com has a wonderful Fishing Boat Tool [http://www.boats.com/builder/fishing.jsp] to help guide you to brands and types.
2. How many people normally fish in the boat?   Consider whether you plan to use your boat for yourself and a trusty companion, or whether you’d like to take a few friends or children on board with you.  The more people you plan to have on board, the larger a boat you will likely need, with a larger motor to move that much weight.  This will also help determine your boat seating and storage configuration.
3. How much storage do you need on your boat, and what options do you want?  The options and location of storage will have a large effect on the size and layout of the boat you’re looking at.  Keep in mind that center rod storage will change your boat layout, as will having re-positionable seats.  Whether you have a trolling motor and where you plan to use it will affect your boat layout.  Some boats can even come with a cleaning station, which will change seating placement.
4. How is this boat constructed, and what type of warranty does it have?  This is by far the most critical area!  You usually can see the difference in quality between brands.  Established boat brands with patented construction designs that reflect durability and resale value usually are designed and built better—pure and simple.  An established brand is also more likely to offer a better and more inclusive warranty.  All boats float, but some float better and handle better due to product design and construction.  Remember, most manufactures try to copy a patent, but it is not the same.  Proven patent-constructed boats will last and fish true!
5. How much do I plan to spend?  Budget – always the sticking point!  The old saying is “you get what you pay for”, and that’s very true.  You may spend a little more to get a well-known brand, but you will reap the benefits in quality, durability, and resale.  Similarly, if you want to keep your budget low and don’t mind a boat with “character”, you may do well with a previously-enjoyed boat.  An experienced salesperson at a full service dealership can offer you choices and discuss the competition’s pros and cons.

Choosing a dealer can also make a big difference in your boat-buying decision.   Even something like being able to do an on-water demo of your chosen boat can make or break the “perfect pick”.

The most critical point to ask: is this dealership one I want to work with for years to come?  If I have a problem, is the dealer going to be there for me?  A good dealer will be there with you at every point in the process, from your first purchase to your next.  Are the employees helpful, smiling, and professional?  Is the dealer full service, offering wet or dry slips, cleaning/detailing, a service department with certified technicians, Ship’s Store, winter storage, or a fuel dock?  If not, are you at the right dealer?

The last thing anyone wants is for an exciting purchase such as a boat to become a frustrating headache!  Knowing what you’re looking for, and dealing with a helpful sales associate, can take a confusing process and make it simple, fun, and maybe even enjoyable!

How Do I Buy a Boat? Part 1

Maybe you have “boating in your blood” from warm afternoons spent on the water as a child.

Maybe several friends have boats and you’d like to go out with them.

Maybe you’ve been watching from the sidelines and you’re ready to jump in.

Whatever the reason, the time has come, and you feel that you are ready to give the exciting world of boating a try.  Then comes the question, “How do I buy a boat?”  Hopefully, this gives you a little insight on how the process works.

Before jumping in, here are 3 questions to consider:

1. New or Used? Similar to purchasing a car, there are benefits to both. New boats will include manufacturer warranties, covering the boat, motor, and trailer.  Used boats may save you some money upfront, but always make sure you know what you are getting.  If you buy a private party boat, we suggest you have it checked out by an authorized dealer.  Purchasing from a private party in the dead of winter might save you some money, but immediate repairs in spring can take those savings away in a hurry.
2. What will I use it for?  Do you plan to use the boat more for fishing, long-distance cruising, cruising around your area, or water sports?  Determining what activities you intend to use the boat for beforehand, even if it is just a guess, can help you narrow the type of boat down and ultimately save you money and time.  For example, if you are going to use it 100% for fishing, you may not need the engine horsepower that you would if you were going to be slalom skiing most of the time.  Also, if you are cruising a short distance instead of a long trip, you may be able to use a smaller engine size (depending on how quickly you want to get there!), and may not need a cabin and on-board head.
3. How many people will I have on the boat?  It seems simple, but all too often a boat is purchased with a 4-person capacity and traded in the same year for one that can hold more people.  While there may be times when more people come on-board, try to determine how many with be with you at most times.  If you know your family, friends, and pets will probably be with you every time you go out, use that number as a starting point when looking at boats.  Having more space than you need at the time can be a good thing – compared to trying to squeeze too many people on board!

It also helps to know what types of boats are available, and what each type is good for.  Boats.com has a great Boat Builder tool that will allow you to explore and learn about the major classifications of boats (pontoon, runabout, fishing, cruiser, etc.)

By answering these 3 questions, you will be able to narrow the field down.  Of course, if you go to a dealership your salesperson should be asking you these questions and a lot more!  In our next article, we’ll cover what happens when you visit a dealership.