Shopping for a boat should be straightforward. Two boats can be advertised at very different prices and still cost the same amount by the time you take delivery, because every dealership decides for itself what to fold into the number on the listing and what to add later.

We take the opposite approach. Our advertised prices include the equipment and services most buyers assume are included, so you know most of your actual purchase cost before you ever visit the dealership.

What's Included

Every advertised new boat price includes:

Freight. The cost of transporting the boat from the manufacturer to Charles Mill Marina.

Dealer Preparation. Full setup and commissioning of the boat for delivery.

In-State Delivery. Delivery of your boat anywhere in Ohio.

Safety Package. Six adult life jackets, a throw cushion, anchor, oar, fire extinguisher, and sound signaling device. If the state of Ohio requires it, we provide it.

Mooring Cover. A cover to protect your investment when the boat isn't in use. Some in-stock models include custom-made individual seat covers instead of a full mooring cover.

On-Water Boat Lesson. An on-water orientation so you're comfortable operating your new boat.

Full Tank of Gas. No stopping for fuel on day one. Our boats are filled and ready when they're delivered.

What's Not Included

Three costs are added at purchase:

Sales Tax. Based on the applicable rate for your home county. If you are registering the boat outside the State of Ohio, you are responsible for paying the sales tax at the time you have the boat and motor titled.

Title. $100 per title. Boats over 14 feet require a title, as do motors over 10 hp.

Registration. Typically $48 for a new boat, valid for three seasons.

Why these aren't in the advertised price

These costs change depending on where you live and which boat and motor you buy. Rather than building an estimate into every listing, we show them separately. That way you can see exactly what you're paying for the boat and exactly what you're paying in government-required fees.

How to Compare Boat Prices

Don't compare advertised prices alone. Here's why:

The lower advertised price is $3,000 cheaper on paper and $1,400 more expensive in practice.

Advertised price vs. final purchase price

Advertised boat price: the price displayed on our website, including the listed equipment and services.

Final purchase price: the advertised price plus applicable sales tax, title, and registration.

What Dealer Prep Actually Means

"Dealer prep" is a vague term at a lot of dealerships. At Charles Mill Marina it covers:

• Unloading the boat from the delivery truck
• Rigging the outboard, including the propeller
• Installing required and optional equipment
• A 50-point on-water inspection
• A full detail of the new boat
• Installing state registration stickers

What Freight Means

Freight is the cost of moving a new boat from the manufacturer to the dealership. Our manufacturers are located in Indiana and Michigan, which keeps that cost reasonable. We include it in the advertised price rather than adding it at the end.

The On-Water Lesson

Your purchase doesn't end when you leave the dealership. Owning a new boat should be about enjoying it, not figuring it out alone.

Our on-water lessons cover whatever your day on the lake actually involves: working the stereo, launching the boat, putting the cover on. Our delivery captains answer every question before you're out there on your own.

Before You Buy: A Checklist

Ask any dealership you're shopping:

• Is freight included?
• Is dealer prep included?
• Is the boat cover included?
• Is safety equipment included?
• Is delivery included?
• Are there documentation or dealer fees?
• Are taxes included?
• Are title and registration included?
• Is there an orientation or boat lesson?
• What is the actual out-the-door price?

We identify all of these costs up front so you can make an informed comparison, whether or not you buy from us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Charles Mill Marina include freight in boat prices? Yes. Freight is included in our advertised new boat prices.

Does Charles Mill Marina charge dealer preparation fees? No. Dealer preparation is included in the advertised price.

Does Charles Mill Marina include boat delivery? Yes. In-state delivery within Ohio is included.

Does Charles Mill Marina include a boat cover? Yes. A mooring cover is included.

Does Charles Mill Marina include safety equipment? Yes. A safety package is included.

Does Charles Mill Marina provide boat training? Yes. An on-water boat lesson is included.

Is sales tax included in the advertised price? No. Sales tax is additional and varies based on the applicable rate for your location.

Are title and registration included? No. Both are additional and vary based on the boat and motor.

Why should I compare total purchase costs instead of advertised prices? Because advertised prices include different equipment, services, and fees depending on the dealership.