4 Blunders to Avoid When Buying a New Boat

By Debbie Hanson

Sep 09, 2016

By attending a boat show, you can easily compare different brands while learning about the latest innovations in boating, all at one venue. This opportunity will help you avoid making any blunders as you prepare to purchase your new fish-catching or cruising machine. 

Boat shows aren't just fun to attend, they are incredibly helpful when it comes to making a good decision when buying a new boat, because it’s vital that it fits your lifestyle. Boat manufacturers are always diligently working to develop innovations that will improve boat handling, passenger safety, and your overall enjoyment on the water. In order to learn about these advancements, just plan to be in the right place at the right time -- attend an upcoming boat show!

By attending a boat show, you can easily compare different brands while learning about the latest innovations in boating, all at one venue. This opportunity will help you avoid making any blunders as you prepare to purchase your new fish-catching or cruising machine. 

Blunders That Boat Shows Prevent    

1. Discovering there is another model on the market with a floorplan that's better suited to the type of fishing or boating activities you do. Once you decide on the general type of boat that best suits your lifestyle, hop aboard as many different models as you can. Do you need a fishing boat with plenty of open space at the bow or stern to accommodate anglers? Or, would you prefer to have more seating on board so that the whole family can relax as you go out for a sunset cruise? When you’re thinking of buying a new boat and attend a boat show, you can check out a variety of models that are geared to your family's favorite activities, and then select the one that has the optimal amount of deck space or seating.

2. Missing out on special boat show deals offered by manufacturers. Manufacturers may make certain sales incentives or discounts available to local dealers who have plans to exhibit at boat shows. Don’t forget to ask boat dealers if there are any special deals being offered during the show.

3. Buying a new boat without having an adequate opportunity to take a test drive or demo so that you can compare it with other models. Since one of the biggest benefits of attending a boat show is having so many models in one place at one time, be sure to take advantage of demos or test rides that are offered. It can make all the difference when choosing the best boat for you. Does the boat turn smoothly? How long does it take to get on plane? How does the hull handle the waves? These are just a few of the questions you should be able to answer after taking a boat out for a test drive.

4. Bringing your fishing boat home from the dealer and then realizing there are new state-of-the-art features available, like ventilated rod storage compartments or a certain type of livewell system, that you wished you had known about before. Since there will be a number of brands all at one venue, every dealer will be focused on making sure you know about any state-of-the-art features that might set their brand apart and help make your boating experiences better, easier, or more comfortable.

Since you now know about a few ways that boat shows can help you when choosing the best boat for your family's adventures afloat, don't forget to check the boat selector tool and compare the types of boats that are made for different activities. This tool will prepare you for your upcoming boat show experiences by giving you a general overview of the types of boats that are on the market today.
Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.