Finding the Right Boat for You.
The time is almost here and the buzz is starting. If you are like me, you are more than ready for warmer weather. People are starting to envision being out on the water, enjoying the warm days and afternoon cruises after a hard day at work. Last year we saw a huge number of first time boat owners and a lot of them feeling defeated and confused with all of the different options that are available in today’s market. The best way to avoid this is to know what your goal is with your new boat.
It could be that you just want to cruise the lake with some friends, while others want high-adrenaline water sports, or maybe just reeling in the big one while fishing with family and friends. Some just want something from which to drink a nice cold beverage and blast their favorite music while beached on a sand bar with some friends. All are perfect ways to spend the day. The process of buying, though, can be a little intimidating, especially for first time buyers.
Here's a little advice from years spent working with friends and families:
Know what it is you want to accomplish with your new boat.
Let the sales person know exactly what you want and don't be afraid to tell him; It helps. If you do this, it will minimize the confusion of all the new options and will save you a lot of time. It will allow your sales person to fit a boat and motor combo that will help you accomplish your goals with the new purchase. It will also save you a lot of time from touring a lot of boats that don't fit what you are looking for.
Know how many people you realistically plan to accommodate with your new boat.
This is a big one. Often times, people come into the dealership saying they want to accommodate 12-15 people on their new boat. They envision all the extended family enjoying a day together. This is a good thought, but for a first time boat owner we do not recommend this. Customers often realize they buy too much boat for what they realistically use it for. We always recommend buying the boat for what you plan to do with it 90% of the time and live with the other 10%. This goes for all aspects of the purchase: the purpose or use of boat, the number of people on boat, and the size of motor required. Knowing this can also keep you from over spending on a boat and having buyer’s remorse.
Buy a Boat you can Grow into, Not Out of
Boats are actually more affordable than people think.
Once you’ve identified the boat you want securing financing is simpler and easier than you might think. Today’s boat financing is a lot different than in years past. Depending on the amount financed, some lenders have boat terms out to 15 years at very, very low interest rates. Don’t be intimidated by the big number, because you can choose shorter terms if you want. You can use our finance calculator under the finance tab on our site to see how affordable they really are.
Don’t be scared to ask questions!
We are here to help and want to insure you understand everything about the boat you are looking at. With technology and websites these days you can find a lot of information, but sometimes the "why" behind things isn’t answered. For instance: why a tri-toon over a standard pontoon? The answer is interesting, and really, a little more detailed than most people think. Ask us!
Ask questions about service and availability of services.
Let's face it. No matter the manufacturers, builder, or price, you will eventually need service or a warranty repair. Knowing you have a quality dealer to work with is critical. If you live on the lake and don’t plan to purchase a trailer, some dealers offer on the water oil changes, and some will come get the boat and bring it back for a service. MUDDY BAY® is a MRAA 5-Star Certified Dealership with certified Marine Technicians. Knowing you are covered on the service after your purchase - from the dealer you purchased your boat from - is a big plus. Customer satisfaction is a priority for any dealer. The dealer you purchase from will a lot of the time go out of their way to keep you happy.
Finally, working with a Certified Dealer can help make the buying process easy and simple. It sounds like a sales pitch, but it is not. There really are advantages of working with someone who can customize your boat, options, service, and financing.
- Most dealers service what they sell, so you’ll establish a solid foundation for future customer support.
- Dealers are extremely familiar with the brands they offer—making them an excellent resource on general boating knowledge and terminology.
- Dealers can act as a liaison between you and the manufacturer if warranty work is necessary.
- Dealers can assist with arranging boat financing, titling and registration, deliveries and pick-ups.
- Similar to a real estate agent, they’ll ensure your buying experience and transition to ownership is smooth and enjoyable.
- Well-versed in local boating areas, dealers are your go-to source for guidance and advice post-purchase.
If you are a first time buyer and would like to speak to someone to help you please give us a call. If you buy from us or not we would love to make sure you have a pleasant experience with your first boat purchase.
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