8 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Boat
Buying a boat is an exciting, yet often overwhelming process. With the amount of brands, boat types and dealers to choose from, boat buyers are constantly trying to navigate through a sea of information in search of their dream boat.
Our sales team at Charles Mill Marina talks with potential buyers every day and our goal is to simplify this process. We want you to find the best boat for you and your family. Sometimes that means you buy from us, and other times that means you find your dream boat somewhere else.
Before you embark on your boating search, ask yourself the following questions to help put you on the path towards finding the right boat for you.
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1) Where am I planning to use my boat?
This is often the first question we ask potential buyers. Many lakes have restrictions like engine horsepower limits or only allow electric motors. Some lakes are very well known for fishing, while others are known for water sports and speed boating.
If you know where you plan to boat, it can help guide you towards the type of features you may want on your boat. If you are on a great fishing lake, there are great pontoon layouts that include livewells, fishing chairs, fish finders and everything an angler would want for a day on the water.
If you plan on boating on a busy lake with a lot of wave action, you might consider a larger boat to help keep you more stable in the water.
2) Should I dock or trailer my boat?
This falls in line with the first question – if you plan on trailering, you may want a boat with a wider variety of options, not to mention a trailer itself. Here are some advantages of docking and trailiering:
Advantages of trailering your boat:
- Able to boat on multiple lakes
- No need to pay for seasonal docking
- Your boat will stay cleaner (no water lines)
Advantages of docking your boat:
- Easy, quick access to your boat whenever you want
- Large vehicle with towing capability not required
- No need to buy a trailer
Just as important is how often you plan on trailering the boat. Just putting it in and taking it out once a season? You may just need a basic, single axle trailer. Want to pull it on a cross-country roadtrip? Time to start thinking about brakes and dual axles.
At the end of the day, owning a trailer can allow you flexibility as a boat owner, but we often recommend docking because it makes owning a boat significantly easier and less stressful.
3) What does a day on the lake look like for me and my family?
Close your eyes – imagine your dream day on the boat. Are you drinking a cold beverage from a cooler, relaxing in the comfort of a high-back captain’s chair and listening to your favorite music? Maybe you’re casting a line into the morning fog while sipping on a coffee. Or maybe you’re towing a tube behind your boat and giving your kids or grandkids a thrill ride.
Whatever comes to mind, look to buy a boat that will help maximize that “perfect day” picture in your mind. If you’re serious about the boat, sit on it for 10 minutes and act like you’re out on the water. Is there room for your coolers? Does it have enough shade? Is there enough seating? How about the comfort of the seats?
Buying a boat can be a whirlwind. Take your time, explore the boat you want to buy and make sure it’s absolutely perfect. There are endless combinations of options, layouts and features available on deck boats and pontoons that you can pick and choose from. Leave out the ones that you don’t need. Make sure you get the ones you do need.
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4) How many people will usually be with me on the boat?
Just as important as thinking about how you will use your boat is thinking about who you will use it with. One of the best parts about boating is spending quality time with family and friends. Do you have a large family that will be on the boat with you? Consider seating layouts that maximize the amount of seating area.
Thinking you’ll have a more limited crowd? A layout that has exploded in popularity is dual captain’s chairs, meaning the captain and their first mate can sit side by side as they go down the lake. This is a great option for couples that primarily use the boat by themselves.
Each boat comes with a person and weight capacity that you are legally required to follow. Overloading a boat is dangerous and you may be ticketed by lake patrol. So think ahead when you are buying and make sure you’re buying enough boat for your future guests.
5) What comes with the boat I’m considering buying?
We’ve all been there – you’re looking at a new car, or boat, or RV. The price looks too good to be true, and guess what – it is. What that price tag doesn’t include are essential items for your boat, along with a laundry list of fees.
Every boat we sell at Charles Mill Marina comes water-ready. That means our prices include a free safety package, a free mooring cover, a free on-water lesson with your boat, free delivery and no extra fees.
Ask your dealer – is this boat water-ready? Make sure it is, otherwise it will cost you in the long run.
6) Will I be able to get my motor serviced locally?
Maintaining your outboard motor is key to its longevity. When maintenance is done according to factory specifications motors simply have fewer issues and are significantly more reliable. Having a trustworthy engine technician close by can help save a weekend that might otherwise be spent at the dock with a motor that doesn’t run.
At Charles Mill Marina we sell and service Yamaha and Suzuki outboard motors. They are the best motors for our customers and we love their durability. We will also travel to service any motor we sell and will do everything we can to keep your engine running right.
7) Am I planning to trade in my current boat?
If you’re interested in trading in your current boat for a new one, do yourself (and your dealer) a favor and take a quick 2 minute video of your boat. Take the cover off, walk through the boat and show off the features. If possible, start the engine and let it run for a few moments.
By having this documented, you will absolutely get more on trade for your boat. Dealers may be wary of taking a trade-in with no pictures or videos, and they may penalize you for that when valuing your trade.
Even better – do your research and understand what your boat is worth if you sell it outright. The market for used boats is very seller-friendly at the moment and you will often come out ahead if you sell your boat outright to another individual instead of trading it in.
8) Is the dealer I'm working with reputable and trustworthy?
Buying from the right dealer is an important part of the boat buying process. Are you buying from a trustworthy dealer with experience and your best interest in mind? Or will you be treated as a number and treated with high-pressure sales tactics?
Charles Mill Marina is a Five-Star Certified Dealership by the Marine Industry, and has also been recognized as a Top 100 Dealership in North America. Our sales and service team has over 200 years of combined experience and we will put that to work for you.
We want all of our customers to love boating and their boat. We work hard to make sure we offer quality products with quality service. Our goal is complete satisfaction for both our new and many returning customers.
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Our Spring Open House Event
We will be hosting our Spring Open House Boat Show March 17 - 21 at Charles Mill Marina. This event will feature our largest variety and selection of boats of the year, with over 30 pontoons and deck boats to choose from for the upcoming season. We're excited to show off our lineup of Starcraft, SunChaser and Qwest boats!
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