DON'T buy that boat UNTIL...........

[roscoe]

YOU test drive it!!!!<br />So many people buy a boat without a test drive, why? Then the first time on the water, they have troubles. If a seller won't demonstrate the boat, then DO NOT BUY IT!!<br /><br />Most people wouldn't buy an ATV or even a $1000 used car without driving it first.

 

[JB]

Re: DON'T buy that boat UNTIL...........

Excellent advice, Roscoe.<br /><br />Count the requests for help with troubles discovered on the first voyage of a boat that was bought without testing.

 

[Link]

Re: DON'T buy that boat UNTIL...........

roscoe <br />What in the heck prompted you to make such a post?? Ive only worked for 4 marine dealer ships, but everyone of them required us (as sales people) to take the buyers out on the water with their new boats to make sure they knew how to operate them. We did this with trade in's also..<br />Mabe I was just lucky and worked for good people!<br />Scarey thought of someone buying a boat and no-one taking them out on the water and showing them how to use it! <br />Roscoe: I hope I'm not out of line here but buying a boat, RV or car without test driving it is crazy??<br /><br />Link

 

[DJ]

Re: DON'T buy that boat UNTIL...........

Link,<br /><br />Boat dealers that offer test drives are the exception, not the rule.

 

[roscoe]

Re: DON'T buy that boat UNTIL...........

Link, referring mostly to used boats. A member recently had trouble with a boat bought at a dealer, which he would only run on muffs, not on the water. <br /><br />As JB said, lots of posts from new boaters, asking "how to start", "no idle", "dies when put in gear", "thought it would go faster", "not enough power", etc. <br /><br />Most of these posts start with "took my boat out for the first time".<br /><br />Apparently, many used boat sellers are good at coming up with excuses to avoid a test drive. Or the buyer naively doesn't ask for one. The buyer often ends up with a rig that needs more repairs than it is worth.<br /><br />I've done the same thing, within reason. Recently bought a 12' aluminum on ebay. But there isn't much to go wrong on that, and not much to lose on a $124 purchase.<br /><br />Your dealerships sound like they went the extra mile. Super!!<br /><br />Now if the motorcycle salesmen that sell to the young kids would just do the same.

 

[Link]

Re: DON'T buy that boat UNTIL...........

Hey roscoe, JB, and djohns19<br /><br />I made the reply just after getting up yesterday morning between (my time) 5 and 5:30 am. Was working on my first cup of coffee. And thought about it all day! Had to get my one brain cell to work again! <br />roscoe: Ive never had to deal with them much but when I did you are correct.. dealing with used boat dealers.. picture a used car salesman with a fin on his/her back <br /><br />djohn19: You said "Boat dealers that offer test drives are the exception, not the rule." <br /><br />I agree: except in my area, we can not drive in any direction N S E W without hitting a fresh water lake or salt water in 15 minutes! Makes saying no to a water demo pretty lame! And it's better for the customer! Oh well, I don't have to deal with that much anymore.<br /><br />Link

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: DON'T buy that boat UNTIL...........

I think it depends on the area you live in. Up here test rides are pretty much unheard of, new or used. First, it's usually at least an hour to the nearest lake. When I purchased my recent boat I ask for a test drive and he looked at me like I was from outer space. I did get my test drive though. It's just not a common occurance up here. I've sold a few boats and never been asked for a drive. I would have been more than willing had they asked.