Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine — July 2017

http://www.pdbmagazine.com Pontoon & Deck Boat July (^201741)
It’s here—boating season is in full swing.
Maybe you’re happy with your present rig;
maybe you’re tired of it and dreaming of a
different ride. Though the off-season is typically the
best time to save on a new boat, in-season is the
time that for used rigs, the selection may be better.
At the very least, trying out rigs is much easier in
the summer months, especially if you live up north.
Though it makes more sense financially to buy
used, there’s nothing like being the first to own a
new rig. But if you’re going to spend all that coin,
get what you want and buy it right.
The key to buying it right is to buy your boat
at the right time. There are great deals in the off-
season and during boat shows to entice buyers to
buy. In-season, it makes sense to buy mid-summer
or later in the warm months, as dealers are looking
to move current model year inventory to make room
for next year’s models. Cash back, “free” options
and upgrades, financing incentives, extra warranty,
free storage, even a free trailer are commonly used
as bait for new boat buyers. Don’t be afraid to
spend time with dealers going through all the deals.
The dealer’s representation and reputation is at
least as important as the boat/engine brand and
reputation. This is a very, very important lesson to
learn. Boat dealers are not in any way like car deal-
ers. In today’s world, it doesn’t matter where you
bought your car, any dealer will service it with a
smile. Not so with boat dealers; even today, they
are still very territorial and will make no bones about
servicing customers who bought from them first,
and all others have to wait. That’s vital in a short
boating season!
BUYING USED
Buying used is a great alternative. Used boats
come with warranties too; it’s all in where you buy
and the deal you make. Speak with local deal-
ers before you consider; many won’t work on rigs
older than a decade. Says Kim Hubbard, owner of
Centerville Marina in Chesapeake, Va., “We broker
boats for our good customers, but their boat must
pass a 150 multiple-point check before we will
stand behind it.”
Making the most of your time on the water

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