Boat Buyer’s Guide: How to Buy a Boat
Thinking about purchasing a boat but you don’t know where to start? Bretz Capital Sports Sales has compiled a list of things to think about before you take the leap!
Boat Buying Tips
The first step in the boat-buying process is also the most important—determining exactly what type of boat will best fit your wants and needs. Those “wants and needs” are typically determined by what type of activities you want to pursue on the water.
Think about the reasons you want to be on the water and then narrow your options from there.
Before we dive into the details, let’s break down the process of how to buy a boat step-by-step.
- CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF BOAT
- DECIDE TO BUY NEW OR USED
- FIND A CERTIFIED BOAT
- REVIEW BOAT FINANCING OPTIONS
- GET A BOAT LOAN
- DISCOVER WHERE & WHEN TO BUY
- WORK WITH A BOAT DEALER
- RESEARCH BOAT VALUES & PRICES
- SEA TRIALS & MARINE SURVEYS
Determine What Type of Boat to Buy
You’ll want to establish a budget so you can start building and prioritizing your wish list. That budget will likely be a key-factor in your decision to either buy a new or pre-owned boat. Either way, the considerations for size and type of boat will be the same.
When it comes to determining the size of your boat, there are a number of factors to consider:
- How many people will you regularly have on board?
- If you are trailering your boat, keep in mind that the size of the boat will directly impact the size of the vehicle needed to tow it.
- Think about where you’ll be using the boat. Smaller waterways or shallow water might require a smaller vessel.
- If you are storing your boat at the marina, boat size will most likely impact monthly storage costs. If you are storing it at your personal dock, are there any space constraints?
Explore Boat Options
Start Shopping
With a boat and budget in mind, it’s time to start the shopping process. Start with a general online search of boat types, then hone in on individual models through manufacturers websites, and online reviews. You may also have friends or family with similar boats to what you want or who enjoy similar activities. Ask them their experiences, and use their firsthand knowledge to your advantage!
Set your Budget
Boating is more affordable than you think! A brand-new entry-level boat can easily be had for $250 to $300 per month. A new boat has both factory freshness and warranties! To get a little more boat for your budget, you might also consider buying a pre-owned boat. With an idea of the type of boat you want to purchase, narrow your search with practical considerations that can help you set your budget.
Explore Boat Financing Options
Start Shopping
With a boat and budget in mind, it’s time to start the shopping process. Start by looking through our inventory on www.capitalsportssales.com for the type of boat you’d like to own, then hone in on individual models. You may also have friends or family with boats similar to what you are interested in, or who enjoy similar activities. Ask them about their experiences, and use their firsthand knowledge to your advantage! Additionally, the knowledgeable sales people at Bretz Capital Sports Sales can inform you of which boat will best suit your needs.
Dealership Experience
For many people, it is important to be able to feel, touch, and see the boat that they are considering purchasing. Working with a dealer can help make the buying process easy and simple. While you’re comparing boats, don’t forget to compare boat dealers. The quality and location of the dealership is an important part of your boat-buying and ownership experience.
Bretz Capital Sports Sales cares about each and every one of our customers, and our top-notch service team adds value to your time in our store. At Bretz Capital Sports Sales, we go through and inspect each and every boat in our inventory, repairing any known issues. We also offer additional service contracts to make your time as a boat owner less costly and stress free! With the expertise represented in our sales, finance, service, and parts department, you won’t need to look any farther than Bretz Capital Sports Sales when buying your boat.
Inspect the Boats
Once you narrow down your search and are seriously considering one particular boat, it’s important to have a thorough inspection of other major components such as the engine, propeller, bilge (inside a boat’s hull), steering system, electrical systems and fuel tank. Bretz Capital Sports Sales prides itself on the thorough inspection each boat receives. Again, we offer service contracts to our customers to make sure their boat ownership is as seamless as possible!
Close the deal
When it comes to the purchase process, there is more to know than the list price and features of a boat.
Final Costs
Much like buying a car, there are often additional costs that are not listed on the sticker price. Dealer fees, insurance, registration, accessories, and storage are all things you should consider.
Bells and Whistles
Ask about accessories! Some gear can be included with the purchase of the boat, while other activity-specific accessories might need to be added on to your purchase. Check with our Parts Department to see what accessories you will need or want for your boat!
Delivery and Ownership
Make sure you know what happens after you sign. What is the delivery process? You should also ask about the procedure for scheduling maintenance or repairs with the dealer’s shop when the time comes. Get a head start by learning more about the first year of maintenance.
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your purchase. Get out on the water and have fun for the months and years to follow. One key component of that fun is regular maintenance to keep your boat in tiptop running condition, from a regular wash and wax to scheduled maintenance. Another is to expand your boating knowledge, whether through one of many fun programs offered by local dealers or through an online resource.
Did this help you get one step closer to buying your first boat? We hope so! Bretz Capital Sports Sales has a HUGE inventory of new and pre-owned boats that may be perfect for you! Make sure you shop our inventory and call us if you need any help!
