Page 16 - Mid America Baoting - May 2024 issue

Boat Smart

Caveat emptor: Approach new boat buying with savvy and intelligence
MAY 2024 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] 16

By Capt. Fred Davis purchased and sold many boats of various name they know or have owned in the past, not enough parts to keep his assembly of new boats
types, sizes and styles for numerous intended realizing it does not have the same quality as going, they may back order replacement parts.
Captain Fred Davis, who dedicated himself uses. I owned boats made of wood, fiberglass, in the past. The dealer therefore, although willing to make
to decades of continously promoting boating steel and rubber; over a dozen in all. Most of You may think, there is always the warranty. This the repairs, cannot get needed parts. I have
safety, wrote hundreds of boating columns for the time I was able to find a used boat to suit is another area of a boat purchase the buyer needs heard of new boat owners missing all or a good
Mid-America Boating and other publications my needs but I did buy a brand-new one near to look into before they sign on the dotted line. portion of a season just waiting for repairs.
on the subject that were published during his the end of my boating days. Because of my One of the biggest problems in the boat building When shopping for a boat of any size, a
lifetime. Captain Fred passed away in 2019, but extensive boating background, I would like to industry has always been warranty service. buyer usually makes price comparisons. When
many of his discussions about boating safety offer some advice for you to consider. Problems stem from a variety of reasons. comparing a number of boats of like size and
remain timeless. Here is one of his many columns Boat shows are a popular for boaters who start Dealers are not paid a fair amount for correcting construction, if one is priced well below the
pertaining to the universal message about thinking about getting a new boat. Problems may factory defects, thus they are reluctant to do others — beware — there may be a reason.
outfitting a boat for safety before you launch it have been encountered with a used boat purchase warranty work when they can make a better profit A buyer should investigate before buying. If a
for another season. and there is seldom an option of going back to on out-of-warranty repairs. Another problem for boat is cheaper priced because it is made with
the seller. This fact often provides the incentive to the servicing dealer is that they may replace or cheaper material, it may not be the best buy.
My parents owned small boats ranging from 14’ take the plunge and shop for a new boat. repair a boat under warranty only to find out the A brand name is no longer enough to
to 18’ that carried us offshore a short distance Buying a new boat can present some risk, too. manufacturer disclaims responsibility. Thus the guarantee a well-built product. If you are
from the harbor for fishing. This type of boating Major boat manufactures may have changed dealer is left without reimbursement. purchasing a new boat, check with other boaters.
was always enjoyable and led me to spending hands, some more than once. A new company Getting parts needed for repairs can present Ask if they believe they got the best buy for their
much of my life working on the water. When I taking over will have the bottom line as an challenges. If a manufacturer can only get dollar and inquire about warranty repair matters.
married, I discovered my wife was unfamiliar objective. A manufacturer of Carefully check the construction, and if you
with big waterways; she had only visited inland multiple model boats can are not completely satisfied, find a consultant
lakes. As our family grew, and four daughters obtain volume discounts. or surveyor and question them. There are also
came along, we all enjoyed fishing, cruising and This helps meet the information hotlines that will tell you about any
what I’ll call, “life on the damp side.” The girls anticipated profit major problems or recalls — seek them out.
really loved their sled rides behind the boat and margin and is just Buying a new boat can be a great
as they got older, water skiing was a favorite. good business. experience. Do not rush into a deal until you
My daughters all had friends who began to Another way compa- have gathered all the information you can get.
join us for fun on the water. We often took some nies can increase Time spent researching will increase the time
of them along on cruises across the lake. profits is by building you have for boating in the future. MAB
When each of the girls was old enough to pass the same brand name
the operators class, they were allowed to take boat cheaper — using Perils of the Freshwater Seas, an anthology of
our small Boston Whaler out on their own and less material and infe- stories and experiences written by Captain Fred
invite their pals along. rior quality material. Davis is available for $22.30 (includes shipping)
As my love of the water progressed, I Buyers may purchase a E-Mail: padavis2006@comcast.net

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