About 95% of boats on the water (sailboats, powerboats and personal watercraft) in the U.S. are small in size at less than 26 feet in length; boats that can be trailered by a vehicle to local waterways. Small-sized powerboats are ideal recreational fishing boats commonly used for bay transport, inshore fishing, whale and bird watching.
If you are looking to invest in a new or used boat for sale, knowing the qualities of the best boat dealers can help you find the right boat for all your recreational needs. A professional and experienced boat dealer can mean the difference between right and wrong boat-buying decision. But how do you tell the best boat company amid self-positioned competitors?
Five Things That Identifies with the Best Boat Dealers When Looking for Fishing Boats for Sale
1.Certifications, Recognition and Awards
If you already have preferred brand in mind, go ahead and shortlist your list of boat dealers by those who have the operational certificate to sell it. The dealer should specialize in a range of boats and equally be able to demonstrate knowledge about your favorite boat brand.
Certifications and recognition are a good indicator that a dealer is well-informed in matters boating and different model types, and well-positioned to guide you through the buying process.
2. Thoroughness and Efficiency
Building a sound relationship with your boat dealer should be your priority, a dealer who you can consult anytime in case you have follow-up questions or concerns. If you are looking for fishing boats for sale, you want to work with a boat dealer who gives attention to detail; someone who takes time to understand your specific needs.
The boat dealer also comes in hand when purchasing boating equipment and accessories, as well as new installations and general repairs of the boats you’re looking to buy. They efficiently handle questions and have a good grip on various performance levels.
3.Range of Financing Options
Buying a boat can be costly especially if you’re buying a new one. But importantly, most boat dealers provide boat financing arrangements to help you get the boat of your choice and clear the balance within the agreed period. It’s just like financing a new car.
Apart from boat financing, other payment instruments used to finance a boat purchase include marine lenders and boat loans. They are different in terms and conditions, repayment period, monthly premiums and more. Some dealers offer boat financing through third-party vendors if they don’t have an in-house financing system. Here the application process and approval time can be considerably longer.
In-house financing is the most ideal payment plan option when looking for fishing boats for sale. It can help quickly finance the purchase of recreational and commercial fishing boats. The application process is done on-site facilitating solid communication between you and the financing team.
4.Delivery and Pick-Up Options
So how and where do you want your boat delivered? Or are you planning to drive it away? These are important considerations because boat dealers have varying delivery options and you’d want to know delivery process work for your arrangements. Avoid boat dealers with a complex and long delivery process.
If your preferred dealer knows the area you want the boat delivered, proper logistics plan can be arranged for swift delivery.
5.Boating Community Social Gatherings and Events
Boat dealers who appreciate boating as a way of life organize events for the boating community. People come to showcase their
boats and what new features they’ve added to make their boats safe, comfortable and more functional. Such events are more of getting-to-know each other than it is about boating. You get to create new friendships with other boaters, share and learn their experiences.
The last thing you’d want to consider is the service bay. Know how the dealer handles maintenance and repairs. Some with offer on-site repairs, while others have third-party maintenance partners. On-site service bay has its advantages. First, you can see who handles your boat repairs and has a chance of inquiring more from the service team. Dealers who stock fishing boats for sale are most likely to have an on-site service center.
