Are you searching for a boat for sale and are unsure where to begin? You might be conducting research and have Googled “boat dealerships” or something similar to reach this page.
Contrary to common belief, visiting a boat dealer is neither frightening, unpleasant, or stressful. If you know what questions to ask, what to look for, and where to begin, visiting the showroom can be an enjoyable experience. Let’s take a look at these stages and discuss how to make the most of your dealership visit.
1. Find the Right Dealership
This may sound apparent, yet it is the most vital point to express. Finding the appropriate dealer will make a significant impact on both the purchasing process and after-sale support.
First, it is crucial to purchase where you boat. Therefore, if you have a lake house three hours away from your primary location, you should try to locate a dealer close to the lake house where the boat will be used and parked.
You must also search for a trusted vendor. Establish a connection with a dealer that has not only an excellent sales record but also a good service reputation. This will make all the difference should you require assistance after the transaction.
2. Shopping the Showroom
Before approaching a dealership, one of the first tasks is to determine your ideal day on the water.
Are you looking for a huge family cruiser? Are you a dedicated angler? Do you like to entertain on the water? Create a list of desires and requirements to discuss with the dealer’s salesman. This is an excellent starting point for locating the ideal boat.
Once you have this figured out, it is customary to phone ahead and schedule an appointment with your dealer. You can also call a few days in advance to view a specific model so they can get it into the showroom for you.
3. Discuss Pricing
This might be difficult for those trying to buy a yacht or other large goods. You can conduct internet research and prepare your questions, but you won’t know the final pricing until you’ve decided on a particular product.
Again, be open-minded here. There are so many alternatives and varying pricing ranges that you may be surprised by how many boats you receive for your money.
Reputable boat builders will offer a more significant number of standard features and fewer optional extras.
4. Dealer Prep
Depending on how you ordered the boat and the dealer’s policies, the dealer’s preparations for water-readiness can be substantial.
Dealer preparation may consist of, but is not limited to:
Unloading the vessel from the trailer used for transit
Engine hang
Adding a propeller
Batteries
Oil change
Gas tank fill
Cleaning
5. Delivery Process
Once the vessel is prepared and ready for your ownership, delivery will depend on several factors. Discuss the delivery procedure with your deal, and ensure it corresponds with your needs.
You must determine if you tow, launch, pull, and store the boat yourself. If yes, will your storage facility accommodate the boat? Do you require a boat trailer?
If you require the dealer to do all of the tasks mentioned above, you will need to confirm that they provide these services. Be careful to address this as it pertains to the price before you finish the purchase. Most dealers will handle boat hauling, launching, and storage.