Because purchasing a boat entails a significant investment, you should engage with merchants (The Best Boat Dealers) who are kind to you. Ask for references and look up reviews online.
A dealer’s showroom and property should be clean and neat. A poorly maintained facility can indicate that they don’t take pride in their business and may not care for yours.
Look for a Reputable Dealer
A reliable dealer is a huge factor in having an enjoyable boating experience. You want a dealer that’s been in business for a long time and has shown longevity through an ability to survive economic challenges and still have happy customers.
Ask about their sales and service staff to see if they have a good reputation and are known for being helpful, knowledgeable, and attentive to customer needs. It includes discovering whether they’ve been Marine Industry Certified, which means they’re committed to putting customers first.
Vet out a prospective dealer by asking what kind of support they offer during and after the warranty period. For example, they should be able to recommend the best accessories and upgrades to improve your experience. If they can’t provide these services, that’s a red flag. Similarly, they should be able to tell you how often their service team is backed up and the average wait time.
Ask for a Test Drive
If the dealer has the model you want in stock, request to take it out for a test drive. It is also a sea trial in the boating industry and an absolute must for prospective buyers.
If a dealer refuses to allow you to try out the boat, this is a major red flag and should be an immediate turn-off. Reputable dealers understand that a boat is not a car; a buyer should only purchase a new or used boat after trying it out on open water first.
Another great indicator of a good boat dealer is the amount of customer service that they offer. It includes answering questions about the boat, providing customer references, and more. Finding a dealer who offers high-quality customer service is vital, as this will make the boat purchasing process much less stressful. Marine Five-Star Certified Dealers are especially worth seeking out as they have pledged to abide by the Marine Industry Consumer Bill of Rights and maintain excellent ratings.
Ask for References
After researching and finding the boat you want, finding a dealer that works well with you is vital. It is because boat ownership goes far beyond the day you sign the paperwork. Finding a dealer you can develop a long-term connection with is crucial because you will go to them for repair and warranty work for years.
Ask to speak with a few customers who have recently purchased boats from the dealer you are considering. While it is good to look at online reviews, nothing beats a first-hand account from an actual customer.
Additionally, make sure that the dealer you choose carries the brand of boat you’re looking at. It will ensure they have the expertise to service your boat and are familiar with the brand’s warranty terms. Also, finding a dealer near the lake house or where you will use your boat most frequently is a good idea. It will help you avoid expensive transport fees and ensure the dealer can easily accommodate your needs if there is an issue.
Negotiate the Price
The negotiating process is where you can save yourself thousands of dollars. Often, dealers will match the price of a competing dealership or go lower to secure your business. Leveraging one dealer against another will likely get you the boat of your dreams for a fraction of the cost.
Keeping your emotions out of the negotiation is vital so you do not get locked into a bidding war or pay too much for the boat you want. If you become too attached to a particular model, consider looking at other options and even take them out for a test drive.
Before entering negotiations, research the boat’s average market price and thoroughly understand its unique selling points for the best results. Also, having cash in hand can be a great negotiating tool, giving the seller confidence that you will complete the sale quickly.
