New vs. Used Boats: Which Should You Choose?
So you have decided that it’s time to buy a new boat. Congratulations! However, buying a big boat can be overwhelming especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Buying a boat is a big financial commitment that requires a great deal of research and forethought.
One of the most common questions people have with regards to boat buying is whether to buy a brand-new boat or used. This decision is quite a tough call because there’s no right or wrong answer. It will come down to a number of factors like your preference, budget, your mechanical aptitude.
This quick guide should help you decide which buying option is right for you.
Why You Should Buy New
The Latest Designs
If you buy a new boat, you can avail of the most popular models that have all the sophisticated bells and whistles. The cycle for new designs with boats is much shorter, so there’s always a new model with shinier features and upgrades. If you missed out on your dream boat last year, the best time to buy new is right now.
Built Your Way
With a reliable speed boat dealership, you can get exactly what you want from a vessel. Although boat manufacturers are putting out popular models one after the other, you have the option of customizing your craft and it will be made just the way you want it. Talk about building your dream rig.
Warranty
This is perhaps the best reason to buy a new boat. Buying a new craft means that you get full warranty coverage. The quality of boats are getting a lot better these days, so manufacturers are more than happy to provide extensive warranties.
Why You Should Buy Used
Big Savings
The most obvious reason why you should buy a used boat is the lower price. With pre-owned boats, you get the best deals and save good money that you can reinvest in your boat. For instance, you can use your savings towards upgrades and repairs.
More Inventory
If the dealership doesn’t have the ideal boat that you want, going the pre-owned route will open up your options. Keep in mind that the statistics are in your favor. According to the numbers, there are more pre-owned traded when compared to brand-new models. There are simply more options when you go down the pre-owned route.
Paid Depreciation
When it comes to pre-owned boats, your dollars always go further. With that said, the previous owner of the boat has already paid for about 25%-33% of the depreciation cost. Much of the depreciation has already happened and it levels off over time.
Buy New or Used?
As you can see, there are certain advantages to buying a new or used boat. If budget is an issue, you should consider getting a used boat. If you’re going down this route, make sure that you deal with reputable boat services and dealerships. On the other hand, if budget is not an issue and you know exactly what you want from a vessel, buying brand-new is the way to go.
Before you ultimately make a decision, make sure that you’ve done your research and exhausted your options.