Page 6 - LLE 2026 Show Program flipbook

Boat Buying Tips

Choose The Right Boat the same - but there exists a perfect boat for you and yours.
Narrow your choices to a short list of boat categories and Use your short list of features and brands to quantify your ob-
make a short list of features that you require, features that servations. Make a chart, and use it to rank your top choices.
you would like, and features that you want to stay away from.
Find the boat that will be right just for you and your family. Buy When You Are Ready
Reminder: There is no correct amount of time that it should
Choose The Right Dealer take to shop for a boat. For some, one afternoon is all that

Once you have narrowed your category choices down, then they need. It takes others several years. The right time for you
the real fun begins. It’s time to go shopping. Visit local boat to buy a boat is when you are ready. Boat shows often offer
shows and board as many boats as you “show specials” to entice you to purchase at the show. Ask
can. Consider all available options. Re- the dealer if he/she would honor that price
member, you are interviewing your dealer in a few weeks after doing some more shop-
as well as searching for the perfect boat. ping. Chances are the answer will be yes.
You want to find the right boat-brand-dealer
combination. Ask similar questions to each The Test Drive
dealer to compare apples to apples. You Did you realize that you can test drive a boat?
may not know the exact boat that you want The way a boat handles, and the way it feels
yet, but you know what kind of experience on the water, is a very important consid-
and service that you want to have, so don’t eration. Bring the family along for your test
be afraid to ask the hard questions. drive, and try to test the boat in the types of
conditions where you will be using it.
Consider Warranties
Investigate the warranties for every boat The Cost Of Ownership
you are considering. Warranties are valu- For most, the cost of owning a boat is nothing
able, and an important factor that should compared to the benefits derived from own-
influence your decision. Some warranties are transferable, ing and using your own boat. Nonetheless, be sure you un-
which may become a selling point if you decide to sell your derstand that the cost of owning a boat includes more than
boat. Find out what the warranty includes (engine, hull, com- just the fiberglass. Find out more about the costs of boat own-
ponents, accessories, service, etc.) and find out about the ership.
service that you will receive if something fails. A good way to
do this is to ask for references. If you are considering buying Learning To Use Your New Boat

a pre-owned boat, be sure to get a marine survey - hire this Boating is not difficult, but driving a boat, like anything else,
person yourself to ensure that the survey is done with your is a skill. If you have not already, sign up for boater education
interests in mind. courses where you can learn the rules of navigation. For on-
the-water training, some dealers provide captains to train you
Keep A Log on how to use your boat. Others leave it up to you to learn.
At the boat show and as you visit local dealerships, document Most marinas and dealerships have a network of captains or
everything. Take pictures of the dashboard, the galley, and experienced boaters that you can hire to show you the ropes
the head. Take notes, or record your reactions on a recording on your own boat. Most likely the only parts that will require
device. Involve your family with the decision and listen to their practice will be docking, launching and retrieving your boat.
likes and dislikes about each boat. No two boats are exactly The best tip here is just to take it slow and practice.