How to Shop for a Boat

Demand for boats remains at an all-time high, as more and more families discover how much more fun life is out on the water. Going to your local dealer to shop for a boat is a great experience as you consider all the new possibilities it brings, but to ensure you get the right boat for your family, it pays to take a few minutes to consider your actual needs.

Why Do You Want a Boat?

Considering all the things you want to do with your boat before shopping will help you focus on models that have the capabilities you need.

After looking through the gorgeous photos and videos on manufacturer websites, it’s easy to lose track of exactly why you are buying a boat in the first place. So stop and reconsider those core needs. Do you want to fish? Learn to wake surf? Go for picnics or just hang out on the sandbar? Those are important considerations because they impact what kind of boat you’ll be happiest with.

Will there be just two of you on board, or do you need to seat a family of 10? Will you ever plan to sleep on the boat, or use it for overnight trips? Think about how you want to enjoy your boat, and that will help focus your search.

Where Will You Keep the Boat?

It’s important to consider where the boat will be kept. If you plan to store it on the trailer in your garage, check the length allowing room for the trainer tongue and the engine. Boats with high windshields may not clear garage doors.

Another thing to consider when you shop for a boat is where the boat will go when it’s not being used. Will you keep it at a marina? At your cottage dock? Or will you tow it to the water and store it in the garage? And what happens in the winter?

These questions will also help shape your purchase decision. For example, if the local marina charges for slips in 10-foot increments, should you buy a 31-footer? Or stick to a 29?

If you plan to store the boat in your garage, you’ll need to ensure it actually fits, including room for the trailer tongue and the engine. Don’t just check the length, also check the height of the boat on the trailer – some boats are a lot taller than you might think, especially those with full windshields.

Quality Counts

Be sure to budget for ownership costs like regularly scheduled maintenance to keep your boat in top shape.

No one wants to buy a lemon, so make sure your boat is built to high standards. You can start by checking for safety recalls on the US Coast Guard’s recall list, but the easiest way to guarantee you’re getting a quality product is to stick with boats that are certified by boating industry bodies like the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) or the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). NMMA and ABYC have the highest safety standards in the industry, so their certification is great assurance you’re getting a high quality boat.

Think About Upkeep

Pontoon boats are top choices when seating capacity is important.

Just like a car, boats also require routine maintenance to keep them running like new, so when you visit the dealer, always take a look at their service department. Dealers with larger service departments can often complete repairs and regular maintenance faster than those with more limited facilities and are more likely to have any required parts in stock. Summers are short enough as it is, and no one wants their boat laid up during the season while waiting for parts to arrive.

Dealers who operate their service shop year-round let you schedule some service jobs – like the installation of new equipment such as a fish finder or GPS – in the off-season. Not only will your boat be ready to go as soon as spring arrives, but service rates in the winter months can also be less expensive than during peak season.

Let The Good Times Roll

Taking time to do some pre-purchase planning will ensure you’re happy with your purchase.

Demand for boats is very high right now, and most dealers are taking orders rather than selling from inventory. The sooner you place your deposit, the faster you’ll get your new pride and joy and discover for yourself why life is so much better with a boat.