These days, you can order just about anything—from tacos to socks to barbecue grills—with the click of a button and have it delivered to your doorstep. It might be tempting, then, to take advantage of technology in making your next boat purchase. And you should—but there are still advantages to going brick-and-mortar, either by walking the aisles of your local boat show or paying a visit to a reputable boat dealership. Here’s a quick rundown on how to navigate buying your next boat in the digital age.

Research Rules

A good way to start your research is by asking general questions in search engines (or even an AI app) to find out which type of boat best serves your needs. Once you get the style down, pick a few manufacturers and head directly to their websites. Many builders have a “build my boat” prompt that will let you pick an engine as well as any options you’d like and, in the end, provide you with a national manufacturer’s suggested retail price. With that, you can build a ­comparison framework to see which boat fits into your budget and which ­builder offers the most bang for your buck. (What comes ­standard on one could be an option on ­another.) The caveat is that a suggested retail price is not set in stone, and the price you ­actually pay will likely be ­negotiated ­between you and your local dealer. Also, the dream boat that you assemble on the website might not be available in anyone’s inventory, and so you might have to settle for what’s available on a dealer’s showroom floor or schedule a build that could take months to complete.

Third-Party Sources

An additional drawback of using a ­boatbuilding website is that you’re looking at every boat through rose-colored glasses—and you won’t get a full sense of why a particular boat will or won’t work best for you. Thankfully, Boating has an inventory of boat reviews online to give you expert analysis on a particular boat, so go to boating​mag​.com for deep dives on any kind of boat you’re considering. You can also watch our ­video ­walk-throughs on different boats to see how they look on the water in use and not just on ­paper. Be sure to keep an eye out for our “roundup” articles that compare several brands of one type of boat—for example, ­center-consoles—in one place so that you can see how they stack up ­head-to-head.

Read Next: How to Buy a Boat in a Boom Market

Up Close and Personal

It might be tempting to take the wealth of information available online and make a purchase, ­either from a manufacturer, dealer, broker or private seller, sight unseen, but nothing beats viewing a boat in person. There’s no better way to check out several boats that you might be interested in all at once than a boat show. If you’re interested in a specific brand or style, take the time to walk through not just that boat, but also all of its competitors, and maybe even different styles that could be a better fit. You might find that one has a preferable seating arrangement but another has a better sports package or overnighting amenities. There’s no way to know for sure unless you put boots on the ground. Plus, you might be able to schedule a sea trial to see how it actually runs on the water.

Once you’ve narrowed your choice, your best bet is still buying through a dealer. For one, dealerships generally beat the nationally listed MSRP and can work with you to rig your boat exactly as you’d like it, with the ability to install electronics and amenities that might not be ­offered directly from the manufacturer. But most important, the dealer will be able to service your boat. If you buy through other means, you may have less service opportunities and support.

And the good news is, if you’ve spent your screen time researching boats instead of doom scrolling, you’ll be so ­well-prepared that there should be no ­surprises.

The post How to Navigate Boat Buying Online appeared first on Boating Mag.

Most prospective boat buyers understand that it’s critical to buy a NMMA certified boat, but what many buyers don’t realize is that they should also buy a boat from a certified boat dealer.

Working with a boat dealer requires a certain amount of trust and faith, and when a dealer is certified, you can be much more confident that they’ll treat you right.

What is a Certified Boat Dealer?

Boat dealer certification is a voluntary program provided by the Marine Retailers Association of America. The concept is to give boat dealers a customizable blueprint that helps them establish efficient and effective practices that lead to the best possible experience for their customers.

Dealers who participate in the program focus on key areas including:

• Sales
• Service
• Operations

In each of these areas, dealers commit that consumers can expect:

Sales

• The assistance of a capable and knowledgeable sales consultant
• Advertising and representations are truthful and factual
• A written disclosure of all details associated with a purchase
• An explanation of the proper usage and operation of products
• Products properly prepared, inspected and tested before delivery
• The delivery of new products as scheduled
• An explanation of all maintenance requirements and schedules established for your product
• An explanation and written copies of warranties on all products and major components

What to Expect from the Boat Buying Experience at Certified Dealership

Which dealership you buy a boat from can ultimately have a huge impact on how happy a boater you become.

• Your boat is likely to be serviced and at least to some degree maintained by the dealer you buy it from, so most dealer-customer relationships are long-term; 
• You’ll likely be depending on that dealer for everything from lower unit oil changes to warranty claims;
• And if that dealer has taken the time and effort to become certified you know that at the very least, they’re going the extra mile to try to keep their customers satisfied.

Innovation & Technology

Since certified dealers participate in ongoing education, you can also rest assured that they’re staying ahead of the curve when it comes to the ever-changing technology of marine systems. The latest in boat monitoring systems and boats becoming part of the “internet of things” is a good example. Using modern tech, in some cases with certain manufacturers the dealership can receive a steady stream of information about your boat and/or its propulsion system—everything from engine hours to fault codes—and contact you if service becomes necessary. But a dealership that doesn’t engage in constant education and professional development may not have the know-how to utilize such valuable technology.

Regular Maintenance & Scheduling

Another example can be found with the certified dealer’s commitment to giving customers an explanation of maintenance requirements and schedules. These are constantly evolving, not only with the introduction of new products and systems but also over time as manufacturers learn how their products perform in the field. If a dealership hasn’t made a clear pledge to continuing education, it’s all too easy for them to provide dated or incorrect information.

While a dealer’s certification isn’t a guarantee of any one specific capability, it is a guarantee that they are constantly striving to learn about the latest developments. And in the long run, that will lead to boat owners like you being more satisfied with their overall experience.

Ready to Buy? Here’s How to Find Certified Dealer Near You

Of course, buying a boat from a dealer isn’t the only option these days. In fact, there are number of ways you can go shopping for a boat.

In the long run, however, these alternatives all share the same pitfall: you can’t have confidence that there’s anyone looking out for your interests, other than yourself. And when you get down to the bottom line, that’s the best reason why you should buy a boat from a certified dealer.

Service

• The explanation of maintenance/repair plans including estimated repair time and cost
• An itemized list of all charges with thorough explanation
• Prior approval of changes in repair costs or additional charges should they occur
• Maintenance/repair work done right the first time by knowledgeable, trained technicians
• Maintenance/repair work completed when promised
• Timely notice of changes in service delivery time if delays are experienced in repair completion
• Inspection of replaced/damaged components upon presentation of the invoice/work order

Operations

• Fair, open and honest treatment without discrimination
• Respectful, professional, and accurate responses to all product questions and requests
• Privacy and confidentiality of customer records

When a boat dealer becomes certified, the process doesn’t end there. Certified dealers are able to partake in education via the Continuous Certification program, which helps both management and employees up their game and keeps the dealership focused on constantly improving their services.

The entire concept is to create a culture of constant improvement, which leads to satisfied customers. And for you—the boat owner—the benefits are obvious.

The post The Advantages of Purchasing Your Boat from a Certified Dealer appeared first on Boating Mag.

Searing sunlight glints off the water, throwing shards of white. The teal depths invite a swan dive or at least a cannonball. Boaters do enjoy some heart-swelling beauty. A boat puts you smack in the middle of a new paradise any given day.

When you buy a boat, you join the club. For that you need expert advice, and you need a boat dealer who wants to earn your business and keep it. That’s why the Certified Dealership program was launched in 2005. It offers buyers confidence with a third-party verification hosted by the nonprofit Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.

“Customers are looking for a great buying experience and a great experience with their boat—service after the sale,” says Klaus Fink, president of MRAA-Certified Angler’s Port Marine in Warsaw, Missouri. “They should buy from a dealer who cares.”

The process to become MRAA-Certified moves from the inside out. The business itself is scrutinized and streamlined, using a 70-point certification checklist. The list specifies standards for training and educating staff, tracking consumer contacts and communications, organizing and cleaning up the facility, streamlining service, and even assessing the accounting process.

“People who are spending money on boats don’t expect surprises,” Fink says. “Consistent execution is important in providing a consistent product to the customer.”

The MRAA process stipulates numerous requirements such as providing a list of customer activities and events, generating a sales-process map, submitting three completed inspection/rigging sheets, and describing the finished-on-time process, which ensures that repairs are completed properly. The entire certification review takes seven weeks.

Fink says that his dealership first finished the process three years ago. Not ironically, Angler’s Port was named among the top 100 dealers by Boating Industry in 2021 and 2022.

The program doesn’t stop with a one-time review that would simply allow a dealer to finish and then forget. It’s an ongoing annual process that holds dealers accountable.

The MRAA also requires dealers to accept and post in their facilities the Marine Industry Consumer Commitment, outlining what buyers should expect. That statement includes deliverables such as ensuring that advertising and representations are truthful and factual; providing an itemized list of all service charges with thorough explanation; and giving respectful, professional, and accurate responses to questions.

“There’s nothing strange in the commitment,” Fink says. “It says that you’re going to take care of your business, look after customers, and not leave them strung out with no help.”

Fink says that the MRAA’s guidance can be an invaluable tool for dealers. The organization provides continual assistance to businesses, analyzing their processes to promote best practices—even across multiple dealer locations.

The MRAA currently boasts 317 certified dealers across the country. Boat buyers who want to have confidence in the buying, financing, service and resale experiences can find a Certified Dealer by using the Discover Boating Dealer Finder at discoverboating.com/dealers.

The post Building a Better Boat-Buying Experience appeared first on Boating Mag.

Editor’s note: Capt. John N. Raguso is a charter captain with more than 50 years experience. While he has fished the world over, he plies his home waters off Long Island, NY aboard his Mercury-powered Edgewater, MarCeeJay

I have bought a half-dozen coastal fishing craft in the past, and all were pre-owned. I gravitate toward “experienced” vessels for a few compelling reasons. As my needs drifted toward running larger and more seaworthy craft, the new-boat price tag was becoming less realistic for my budget. Another inducement to consider purchasing a late-model used boat is the usual depreciation hit a new boat takes in its initial three to five years. These craft are still in great condition and come with the remnants of a transferrable factory warranty. But not all pre-owned vessels are created equal, and I have learned a few things during my used-boat buying escapades. I’ll share a dozen nasty nits with you here, along with potential solutions.

Rod Holders That Drain Into the Bilge

Flush-mount gunwale rod holders that drain water directly into the bilge cause a number of issues, including added stress on bilge pumps and allowing any foam flotation downstream to absorb water. Other negatives include exposing wiring and batteries stowed in the bilge area to unwanted immersion, which accelerates corrosion on any connections or in-line breakers. Adding an accessory cap that closes off the rod-holder opening on top or installing a drain cup and hose to the bottom end of the rod-holder tube solves the problem. The parts required for a quick and easy DIY fix are reasonably priced and available on Amazon, eBay, and a variety of online marine accessory dealers.

Check the Canvas

A formerly owned boat, be it a cuddy, dual console or center-console, often comes equipped with a canvas package. Even if the dealer or previous owner claims that it is “like new,” make the effort to unfurl the canvas from its shroud and ensure that the snaps are all lubed and intact, and you can see through the clear vinyl windows when standing or sitting at the helm. Hazy clear vinyl or crusty canvas that is weathered, leaking, or worn from use or age is expensive to replace and might add $2,000 to $3,000 or more to the purchase price.

Beware of Below-Deck Livewells

Livewells positioned below the deck and accessed via a flush hatch in the cockpit sole are a real pain to your knees when trying to catch a frisky baitfish in a rolling seaway. They’re also a challenge when trying to fix plumbing leaks or swapping out a pump motor. Yet another negative is the need for a second pump to drain out the below-deck well’s contents, which is more stuff to maintain in the limited-access bilge space.

Better livewells are positioned either in the transom corners or the transom cap, which makes them more ergonomic when rigging a live bait. They also typically empty water overboard via a gravity drain, and are less of a challenge to access and maintain.

Panel Wiring Jambalaya

The panel wiring on some of the used boats that I have inspected in the past resembled an overturned plate of rainbow spaghetti. This is especially true if the former owners didn’t follow any particular electrical code and added numerous accessories with whatever wiring was available. Both factory and added accessory wiring should be neat, loomed or tie-wrapped, feature heat-shrink tubing on the connection ends, and be tagged to identify what switch or piece of electronics they represent. Most quality builders color-code their 12-volt DC wiring harnesses and feature a legend in their operator’s manual to describe the function and location for each individual hot wire (white with red stripe, blue with white stripe, etc.). I recommend using tinned, marine-grade wire in the proper gauge for the amperage demand.

Wet Feet in the Cockpit

While wet feet might be the norm when a brace of hefty crewmembers are tuna chunking in the cockpit 30 miles offshore in choppy seas, dry feet should be the standard when working calmer waters. One way to check this out is to turn on the freshwater hose and douse the deck with some weight in the cockpit while the boat is in the water to see if the scuppers will keep it dry. Another method is to toss a few pails of bay water onto the deck and see how fast it clears out.

If persistent cockpit water is a nagging issue, adding ping-pong ball scupper drain fittings may solve the problem. Although, these require vigilant maintenance to prevent them from becoming fouled. These are available in marine stores and online.

Seacocks, Valves and Through-Hull Fittings

Through-hull fittings with seacocks allow the operator to throw a 90-degree lever arm to stop unwanted water flow should a leak or break develop in downstream plumbing. Problem is, some seacocks are positioned in the hull on the extreme end of human reach. Quality builders feature remote seacock fittings with extension arms that allow crew to open and close the lever. But what if these are frozen? It’s a good idea to work these manual levers at least once a month to ensure smooth operation. For stuck lever arms, remove the hose connection (on dry land), and spray penetrating oil like WD-40 or CRC into the nipple and gradually try to work it free. If this doesn’t work, the faulty seacock needs replacement. At any rate, make sure the seacocks operate smoothly on a boat you are considering buying. Replacing or rebuilding a corroded seacock might cost a couple hundred dollars and take several hours.   

Battery-Switch Mayhem

Battery-switch wiring can be a source of confusion on a boat. Often, the 12-volt DC panels and the engine run off the single output feeder on the typical four-way switch. This is not ideal because starting your engine can cause a demand spike that shuts off your electronics.

I recommend a pair of batteries (one cranking, one for electronics) for a single-engine boat. To be fully “in charge” of the battery charging operation, employ a pair of switches for this duty, with the house power cell on a separate on/off switch and the engine battery on the Battery 1 position of a four-way switch. Connect the input of the on/off switch to the Battery 2 lug, and you can now manually control when everything is on or off. Use the “both” setting on the battery switch for charging both batteries via the engine alternator.

Take It to the House

Far too many times, even on name-brand boats costing $300K or more, someone forgot to dedicate a “house” battery for the vessel’s electronics. My rule of thumb is simple: one deep-cycle battery for the onboard electrical panels and one starting battery for the engine. If you are running twins on the transom, that translates to a pair of starting batteries and one house battery. Triple engines add up to a trio of starting batteries and one for the house. You get the picture. If onboard electronic demands require a pair of house batteries, make it so.

Safety-Gear Storage

Safety-gear storage space (for items like life jackets, flares, tools, lights, rations, etc.) is frequently an afterthought on many boats. If you can’t put this stuff anywhere that’s easy to access in a sudden, unplanned emergency, things could turn catastrophic very quickly. One solution for life jackets is to install a cargo net holder under the T-top or hardtop that puts these lifesavers in the right place for the right moment. If the used boat you bought is too small to stow the aforementioned emergency gear, packing up a waterproof ditch bag is the solution, requiring that you take it on and off the boat every trip. 

Fuel-Filter Whereabouts

Although it’s common sense that every engine onboard should have its own dedicated fuel filter or water separator, some older used boats might lack these.

Cannister-style water-separating fuel filters should be installed in spots that are easy to reach, where there’s enough elbow room to swap out the canisters without spilling the contents down into the bilge. The lower in the bilge they are located, the faster the steel cartridge and aluminum mount will deteriorate. I try to install these as high and dry as possible, and employ a stainless-steel filter head to minimize corrosion concerns. 

Read Next: Why Some Boat Buyers Hire a Marine Surveyor Before Buying a New or Used Boat

Onboard Coolers and Fish Boxes

One of my pet peeves when looking at a pre-owned vessel is observing bait boxes, ice boxes, fish boxes or storage boxes that drain their contents down in the bilge. Nothing good can come from this, and the icy, slimy gruel that collects down under will cause the cabin areas and console interior to smell like a rotting chum bucket, in addition to making your bilge pumps work extra hard. This approach shows a lack of design creativity and cost-cutting on the part of the builder. Potential solutions include running hoses from the box drains to a macerator, but only if there’s space and access in the bilge to make this happen.

Batteries in the Bilge

I mount my boat’s starting and house batteries in an easily accessible, high-and-dry spot because they are critical for smooth boat operations. If the batteries have a hiccup, the boat stops running, wherever that might be.

The best spots to install power cells to ensure longevity and protection from the elements are typically under the center console or helm, or in the cabin. The least desirable spot is down low in the bilge area because the presence of water in the boat’s bowels will expose the lugs and connections to a constant, highly corrosive bath. If this is the only place they can go, use battery boxes and button them up as tight as possible.

The post 12 Tips for Buying a Used Boat appeared first on Boating Mag.

So, you’re going to do it: Take the plunge and buy the new boat of your dreams. You’ve cruised boat shows, visited dealerships and scoured the internet to find the perfect rig for your lifestyle and budget. After having countless conversations, scanning boat tests and brochures to compare specifications, and poking around in lockers and peeking into cabins, you’ve found “it”—the best boat for you and your family.

Now you need to answer a question that is equally important, particularly in these challenging economic conditions: What is the best way to pay for it?

Finding the right answer to this question could be even more challenging in today’s environment of rising inflation and interest rates, not to mention the added wrinkle that many eager wannabe boaters are sitting on lengthy waitlists for boats to be built and delivered.

Still, the main financing channels are fairly common, albeit with a few twists. Most boats are financed in one of three ways: financing arranged through a boat dealer or manufacturer, a home-equity loan or line of credit arranged through a bank or credit union, or a specifically designed consumer boat loan arranged with a bank, credit union or other lender that specializes in marine financing.

We’ve spoken with some experts in the field of marine lending to get the latest intel on popular financing options. We’ve also identified four different types of boat-buying personalities most likely to take advantage of these channels to finance their future fun. You just might see a little bit of yourself in one (or more) of these characters.

Dealer Dan

“If it’s not broke, why fix it?” is this guy’s motto. A traditionalist to the end, he’s eager to sit down with the boat dealer and hash out a financing plan for that new boat he’s been lusting for. Why not? It’s still a tried-and-true option for a wide variety of boat shoppers.

Boat dealers have access to their own financing partners, as well as those from the various boat and motor manufacturers they represent. They work with boat loans every day and are well-versed in the nuances of getting the deal done quickly and easily. Of course, they have a profit motive in getting the deal done through them. They are also motivated to find a financing structure that works with your credit score, boat-buying budget and available down payment. They want a customer who will be satisfied over the long run and rely on the dealer for years of service, accessories and lifestyle purchases. Their motivation to seal the deal and the available funding resources and daily experience they have with boat loans can make them the best option for many boat shoppers.

For example, a recently announced partnership between Sportsman Boats and Yamaha Financial Services illustrates the advantages of this option. “We’re the only independent boat brand to offer captive financing through Yamaha Financial Services,” says Victor Gonzalez, Sportsman Boats’ director of marketing. “This means our dealers have many retail financing options at their disposal to help customers find a way into the right boat for them.”

According to Gonzalez, this also gives Sportsman the ability to develop and promote programs such as delayed payments or “buying down” interest rates if needed to help dealers move boats. This may not be a critical need in today’s market where, as Gonzalez reports, 80 to 90 percent of Sportsman boats leave the factory floor pre-sold. Still, these conditions aren’t going to last forever, and forward-thinking builders like Sportsman want to give their dealers ways to keep the sales momentum going in the future.

Tommy Trust Fund

OK, this guy doesn’t really have to worry about financing his boat purchases. Being born into generational wealth means he can pull money out of his bank account anytime to buy his dream boat—you know, the one most people only fantasize about.

But just because he has the financial wherewithal to plunk down a briefcase of Benjamins for a new boat, is it always the smart idea? That depends, according to John Haymond, senior vice president for Medallion Bank and president of the National Marine Lenders Association. “It really depends on your individual financial situation and the specifics of your boat purchase,” Haymond says. “It’s never a bad idea to maintain cash in reserve, especially in volatile economic conditions. It could also be wise to put less money down or stretch out payments in the structuring of your financing, particularly as investment rates move higher.”

Mr. Homer Equity

The majority of us don’t have limitless funds. Many people, however, do have access to a considerable amount of money through the equity in their homes. This money can be tapped by refinancing a cash-out mortgage, taking a second mortgage, or setting up a home-equity loan or credit line.

There can be advantages to this route, beginning with the fact that interest rates on these loans often are lower than nonsecured consumer loans. Depending on the specifics of your situation, there could also be tax advantages for the interest paid on the loan. Home-equity loans can also be structured in a variety of ways, including some long-term options that allow you to stretch out repayment.

Depending on your situation, taking money out of your house could put you in the category of a cash buyer. Not exactly like Mr. Trust Fund, because you still have a loan to repay, but it gives you options to pay all at once, or pay a large down payment and the rest over time on a traditional boat loan. And approaching a dealer with cash makes your negotiating position stronger.

There are risks to going this route. Your credit availability is subject to personal economic conditions and your regional real estate market. Generally, it’s also a more complex process because the lender will need to examine your income and your home’s market value and loan-to-value ratio. You might need to get a home appraisal done as well. Depending on the bank or lender, there can be closing costs attached.

Home equity is a wonderful thing, but it’s also something that evaporates quickly as the economy and personal situations change. Combining new boat lust with a seemingly vast source of money—cash you feel already belongs to you—could be a recipe for bad decisions.

Read Next: How to Buy a Boat in a Boom Market

Web-Master Wally

This guy actually relishes the process of diving into various financing options and researching all the ins and outs for himself. Wally wouldn’t entrust anybody else with the task of comparing the financing options from different banks and lenders to see how much he qualifies for, and how to structure a down payment and payment plan that suit his needs.

Wally doesn’t have to be a financial wizard either, as long as he turns to trustworthy sources. The National Marine Lenders Association is an organization of banks, loan origination companies, finance companies, credit unions and other industry professionals specializing in boat loans. While its primary purpose is to educate current and prospective lenders in marine financing procedures and promote marine lending within the industry, it can also be a valuable source of information for consumers. “Many national and regional financial institutions are NMLA members,” Haymond says. Its member banks and finance companies emphasize marine lending and can offer consumers the benefit of their experience in setting up boat loans for people from all walks of life.

The NMLA website (marinelenders.org) is an excellent source of information and advice for those researching boat-loan options. A “For Boat Buyers” section of the site provides resources, like a member’s directory, boat-loan basics, tax deductibility information, a loan calculator and more.

“There has been a shift over the last six to eight years for consumers to finance online with a bank or credit union,” Haymond says. “It is more convenient and efficient for consumers to shop multiple finance sources for marine loans from their home than the sometimes limited options at a dealership. Today, people are accustomed to shopping online, even for big-ticket items like boats, and then quickly flip over to financial marine sources to arrange financing in the comforts of their home.”

Google “boat loans” and your search engine will be swamped with links and ads for traditional banks, online banks, loan brokers and more, all promising quick and easy boat funding. For those willing to do the homework, there has never been so many different options to secure financing.

Sealing the Deal

This competition for your business and the wide range of lending choices are good things because they leave the boat buyer with more options for financing than ever before. Wading through it all might seem daunting. But if you’re a motivated and resourceful buyer, you’ll find a way to pursue—and fund—your passion.

What About the Engine?

Rising interest rates, higher boat prices and lack of inventory have led more people to hold on to their old boats and consider repowering to make their current boat new again. Thanks to the increasing interest, the repower demand—especially for outboard dealers handling popular brands like Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda—is stronger than ever.

These engine companies, however, are also faced with production and supply-chain issues. “Loose motors” (a term used for new engines sold to the repower market) are especially hard to come by because motor manufacturers are working hard to supply OEM boatbuilder partners, who are working hard to catch up with their backlog of pre-sold boats.

Even in this environment, financing is available to fund the purchase of today’s high-powered outboard engines, which easily run from $40,000 to over six figures, depending on the size and horsepower. Buyers can avail themselves of the same channels used to fund new-boat purchases. There are also specific repower financing programs offered by engine manufacturers through their authorized dealers. One example is Mercury Repower Financing, which offers financing programs for both outboard (and sterndrive and inboard repowers) from $5,000 to $50,000.

FAQ

Boat loans can be a daunting subject. Many boat buyers pose questions about the process. Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you make better boat financing decisions.

The post Best Boat-Loan Options appeared first on Boating Mag.

“Good luck.”

That was the response from a Massachusetts boat dealer this past summer when I asked for tips on finding a new boat in today’s market. And he’s not alone. That kind of response is typical from many dealers these days. From California to the Carolinas and Michigan to Mississippi, new-boat inventories range from limited to nonexistent, and demand is at an all-time high.

Blame COVID-19 for it all. The pandemic ignited a boat-buying frenzy, fueled by an influx of new American boaters. Restricted from travel, vacations, dining out, kids summer camps and more, COVID-19-weary throngs of families have sought new ways to recreate, have fun and stay safe. For many, buying a boat has proven to be the best way to achieve all of those goals.

According to the Chicago-based National Marine Manufacturers Association, traditional powerboat sales reached a 13-year high in 2020. More than 310,000 new powerboats were sold, levels the recreational boat market has not seen since before the Great Recession in 2008.

Data from Lending Tree reinforces the NMMA’s findings. “Interest in boat purchases doubled between 2019 and 2020,” says the internet-based lending firm. “The number of consumers completing boat-purchase query forms rose 104 percent year over year.”

At the same time, COVID-19-triggered shortages have plagued boat and outboard builders. Manufacturing—both domestic and overseas—of essential supplies such as resin, windshields, microprocessors, upholstery foam, propellers and other key components slowed to a crawl at the onset of the pandemic. So, when demand unexpectedly surged about two to three months into the crisis, boatbuilders quickly ran short of materials, hampering the completion of boats and leaving factories struggling to keep pace.

Suppliers have worked hard to rev up manufacturing, but slowdowns wrought by wicked winter weather, snarled shipping and overwhelmed ports of entry have bogged down the supply chain. The entire boating industry is playing catch-up.

The compounding effects of low supply and high demand mean that even if you can find a boat or motor, there are few bargains, even as we prepare for a post-pandemic world. “If you can find a new boat to buy, that in itself is a deal,” says Sean Hickey, east coast sales manager for Everglades Boats.

It’s a classic seller’s market. But there are still ways to find boats and motors, and to negotiate deals, according to advice we gleaned from industry insiders. Here are 10 tips for buying in a boom market.

Stay Flexible

With inventories low and waiting lists for new boats as long as 18 months, shoppers might consider a model that’s more readily available, or at least available within a shorter time frame, marine-industry veteran Kim Slocum says.

Slocum currently sells Jeanneau boat brands for Elkhart, Indiana-based Walker Marine, but was also with Rinker Boats for 47 years, where he ascended to president and part owner of the company.

Slocum points to the example of the Jeanneau NC cabin-cruiser line. “For instance, while you might be eyeing a new 35-foot Jeanneau NC 1095, the wait could be shorter for a new 26-foot NC 895,” he says. In this case, you have to make the decision as to whether you want a smaller boat sooner or a bigger model later.

The same principle applies to new outboard motors, says Gus Blakely, executive vice president of sales and service for Suzuki Marine. “Consider an alternative horsepower category,” he explains. “For instance, you might be thinking about a 200 hp outboard, but there’s high demand for that power rating.

“Think instead about settling for a less-popular and more-readily available 175 that will get you ready to go and out on the water sooner.”

Consider Used

Used boats represent a different avenue, albeit a more risky purchase versus a new boat. While the boating boom has increased demand for used boats, these vessels already exist, so you don’t have to wait for the boat to be built and delivered.

The key is finding the right used boat, says Slocum, who also buys—then refurbishes and sells—previously owned boats from private owners. Slocum focuses mainly on boats from Rinker, a brand he knows inside and out from his decades with the company. He and his wife, Suzy, currently own a Rinker 380 cruiser, powered by a Volvo Penta 8.1-liter sterndrive, that the two of them refurbished.

Local Advantage

You can also look for new boats at dealers outside your region. However, once you find one, it might be better to work through a local dealer, Hickey says. “Everglades feels strongly that the best experience will be with a dealer in your area,” he explains. “Our dealers will work with other dealers outside their territories to get the boat transferred, if it is available.”

This helps ensure that service after the sale is convenient and closer for the buyer. “You can buy from a dealer outside your region, but we have found that the boat-buying and service experience is just not the same as when you work with the local dealer,” Hickey says.

Be Patient

There’s little a dealer can do to speed up delivery when there’s little to no ­inventory, Hickey explains. “Our ­company itself ­often needs to borrow back boats from buyers just to have Everglades models at boat shows,” he reveals.

If you have your heart set on a specific model equipped the way you want, you will need to be patient. Most Everglades dealer orders are out to the fall of 2022, and if you order the new Everglades 455 from a dealer today, you can expect delivery in January 2023. That has not seemed to deter buyers. “Everglades sold 13 of the $1.7-million-dollar boat in the first month after its introduction,” Hickey reports. “In my 11 years with Everglades, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

When it comes to outboard engines, dealer and boatbuilder orders for today’s popular engines are about 150 days out (as of this writing), according to Suzuki Marine’s Blakely. Delays in deliveries of outboards by all major brands represent a key obstacle to building boats more quickly, especially given the growing popularity of today’s outboard engines.

“The most important thing is ­patience,” Blakely says. “Like many manufacturers, Suzuki is doing its best to fill the supply chain as quickly as possible.”

Blakely offers a key piece of advice. “Order your new boat or outboard now, even if you don’t need it right away but anticipate a purchase in the future,” he says. This ensures that you will be in line to get your boat or motor when inventory is available and before they sell out. “For a new motor, try to order about five to six months ahead of schedule,” Blakely advises.

Move Decisively

“Be quick but don’t hurry.” Those words from legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden also apply to buying a boat in a boom market. “If you see a new boat at a dealership within the next year that you really want, grab it,” Hickey says.

“Don’t hold out in the expectation of a special deal because those don’t exist right now,” he adds.

“If you hesitate, someone else will buy the boat, and you will have wasted the opportunity,” Hickey says. “That’s just the way it is in this market.”

The same applies to the used-boat market, Slocum points out. “If you find a boat you’re interested in, visit the seller as soon as possible,” he advises. “In this market, time is of the essence. If the boat’s in good condition, it will sell quickly.”

Cash is King

Private-party sellers might be more likely to negotiate on price than dealers or factory-direct sales staff, Slocum points out. The seller’s openness to negotiation depends on a number of factors, including the buyer’s bargaining tools. One of the most effective is cash in hand.

Cash is an attractive offer, and it usually knocks dollars off the asking price, Slocum has discovered. It also secures the boat immediately. “In most cases, you can’t wait for the bank to approve a loan for a used boat from a private party in today’s market,” he says. “The boat will sell to someone else while you’re waiting for the bank to OK a loan.”

The same rule does not apply when buying a boat from a dealership. “Cash is not an advantage, as dealers aren’t discounting any boats,” Hickey says. “In fact, many dealers discourage cash sales, as financing represents an additional revenue stream for most.”

Targeting Trade-Ins

Some dealers and factory-direct sales outlets accept trade-ins on new boat sales, and this opens up a market to explore if you’re interested in a used boat. This could put you in a boat more quickly and for less money than a buying a new boat.

“Ask your dealer about available trade-ins as new boats are delivered,” Hickey explains. Trade-ins are not sitting around for long, he says. It’s a good idea to work in advance with a dealership to let them know you’re interested so you’re one of the first to be called if a trade-in becomes available.

Dealers and factory-direct sales staff might also be aware of pending trade-ins and when they might be available, ­providing you with advance notice of a purchase opportunity.

Due Diligence

Slocum emphasizes due diligence when shopping on the used-boat market. While there are many things to keep in mind, his first step is to personally inspect the boat before buying. “If you’re not familiar with the brand, take along a friend or mechanic who is,” Slocum advises.

He has developed an inspection routine and a list of key questions to ask the current owner before deciding whether the boat is worth buying. To learn more, visit boatingmag.com/used-boat- buying-secrets.

Look Far and Wide

Don’t be afraid to venture outside your geographic comfort zone if you’re serious about buying a used boat from a private party. Expanding your search radius can increase the chances of finding a good previously owned boat. Slocum often finds used boats in states far removed from his home in northern Indiana. He has hunted as far as Alabama and New York.

Most of his searches begin with the internet. “There are so many online sources, it’s mind-boggling,” he says. He and his wife like to peruse sites such as Boat Trader and Craigslist, but explore others, such as boat-owner forums and Facebook groups dedicated to particular boat brands.

“I typically look for boats located within 500 miles of us,” Slocum says. “But I will look farther out if I don’t find anything that close.” Once he completes a deal, Slocum has a triple-axle trailer and diesel truck to transport the boat if necessary.

Don’t Sell Until…

There is a huge temptation to sell your current boat now. The boom market has inflated prices, meaning you can get more money than you ever thought possible. A case in point: An acquaintance recently bought a new, custom 30-foot Nordic deck boat with a MerCruiser 600 SCI XR high-performance sterndrive. As he took delivery seven months after ordering the boat, the shop told him that he could sell it immediately for $30,000 more than he paid.

While that might result in a financial windfall, he would be unable to take ­delivery of the same new model anytime soon, putting him on the sidelines for the next season and possibly the one ­after that.

Is the trade-off worth it? For readers of Boating, probably not. Wasting months or even years of their lives waiting for a boat to arrive runs against the tide of the boat-owning mindset. So, move ahead with purchasing plans, but also keep your current boat so you don’t miss a moment of making memories on the water that will endure for ­generations.

The post How to Buy a Boat in a Boom Market appeared first on Boating Mag.

As the market for new boats booms and bargains evaporate, buying a used boat represents an alternate approach to achieving ownership. Though the same factors spurring the boom market have increased demand for used boats, these vessels already exist, so you don’t have to wait for delivery.

The key is finding the right used boat, says Kim Slocum, who also buys—then refurbishes and sells—previously owned boats from private parties. Slocum focuses mainly on boats from Rinker, a brand he knows inside and out from his 47 years with the company, where he ascended to president and part owner.

Slocum emphasizes due diligence when shopping on the used-boat market. His first step is to call the seller and pose a series of questions. If he hears what he likes, he personally inspects the boat. “If you’re not familiar with the brand, take along a friend or mechanic who is,” Slocum advises.

He has developed a list of key questions and an inspection routine that helps weed out the clunkers and leads him to good private-party used boats. Slocum shared his insight with us.

Key Questions

1. What year is the boat?

The more recently built, the better, Slocum says. Avoid boats more than 20 years old.

2. Where was the boat used?

Exclusive use in fresh water enhances the value of a used boat because this helps minimize any corrosion issues versus use in salt water. However, boats used in marine environments can still be solid candidates. In coastal regions, these might be the only used boats available.

3. What are the engine hours?

This tells you how tired the engine and drivetrain might be.

4. Is the seller the original owner?

An original owner tends to take better care of a boat, so this is a definite plus when looking at used boats, Slocum says.

5. What does not work?

Asking the seller to reveal issues can save you time, and it might give you something to bargain with if you choose to buy the boat.

6. Does the seller have the title in hand?

This allows you to take delivery immediately. It is a big bonus, Slocum says. Otherwise, prepare to spend time meeting with the lien holder and seller to clear the title.

7. Are the boat and motor still under warranty?

If so, find out if these warranties are transferrable and how you can arrange to move them into your name.

Key Inspection Points

1. Inspect the engine bay.

If the boat is a sterndrive or inboard, the condition of the engine bay will tell you a lot about how well the boat is maintained. Is it clean and dry? Is rigging neat and well-supported? Is it free of rust and corrosion?

2. Look for rips in the upholstery or deck carpet.

Reupholstery and carpet work are expensive, so keep that in mind as you inspect the interior.

3. Start up everything.

Fire up the electronics, generator, air conditioning, all pumps, lights, stereo, trim tabs, drive trim, etc., as well as the engine(s). Make sure everything is in good working order, and make note of any issues.

4. Double-check the engine hours.

Don’t trust engine-hour meters, Slocum says. Consider paying a boat mechanic to hook the engine up to scan tool to confirm the hours and look for possible issues, he advises.

5. Conduct a sea trial.

By any and all means, don’t buy until you conduct a sea trial to determine how the boat performs in real-world conditions, and determine any issues. While on the water, look in the bilge for leaks. For more tips on how to sea-trial a boat, visit boatingmag.com/how-to-sea-trial-boat.

6. Have the boat hauled.

If the boat is not on a trailer, arrange to have it hauled to inspect the bottom for obvious defects such as hull blisters, damaged running gear, excessive fouling, broken trim tabs, etc.

7. Look for decay or rot.

This is a tough one because transom or stringer rot might not be obvious. One trick is to push up and down on the drive or outboards. If the transom deflects or feels mushy during this process, it is an indication of rot. If in doubt, spend the money for a survey. The larger the boat, the more important a survey becomes, Slocum says.

8. Inspect the trailer, tires and bearings.

If the boat is on trailer, you need to know if it is road-worthy. Make sure the frame, axle and springs are free of excessive rust and cracks, and the bunks and rollers are in good condition. Check the tires for proper air pressure, and look for obvious signs of age such as cracked sidewalls. Ask the seller when the last time the bearings were serviced. For more trailer inspection tips, visit boatingmag.com/how-to/check-your-trailer-towing-your-boat-vacation.

9. Be prepared to walk away.

While this is not an inspection point, it is an important mindset when shopping for used boats. “Don’t get too excited or fall in love with a boat you’re inspecting,” Slocum says. “You need to be able to walk away if something’s not right or the price is well outside the number you had budgeted.” For more used-boat inspection tips, visit boatingmag.com/boats/boat-inspection-checklist.

The post Used-Boat Buying Secrets appeared first on Boating Mag.

Death and taxes—the only things you can really count on, or so they say. Of course, if you own a boat, there will be the eventual sale of that boat, which is kind of like death.

Hey, cheer up. Maybe the sale of your boat is so you can buy a different one—bigger, faster, prettier and better equipped. Regardless, it is true that at some point all of us will face the prospect of selling a boat.

No matter how you feel about selling your boat, the process will go easier if you have kept a detailed maintenance log extending all the way back to when you bought it. The reason this will ease the process is because the prospective buyer will feel much happier and more confident about the condition of your boat if he or she can see that diligent attention has been paid to maintenance.

Along that same line, when you buy a used boat, you will want to be able to check over the maintenance log to make sure everything has been done to keep the vessel in satisfactory working order. So, a good maintenance log is a big deal, whether you’re selling or buying a boat.

As an owner, a maintenance log is a great aid in caring for your boat. Noting the dates of regularly scheduled maintenance items, such as filter changes, and oil and other fluid changes, makes it easier to care for your boat, its engines and its systems. Additionally, unscheduled maintenance, such as battery swaps, sacrificial-anode replacements, steering-cable replacement, topping off hydraulic fluid, etc., will help you and prove more valuable with time. That’s because the longer you keep a log, the more patterns of wear—based on your individual use—will begin to appear. So, you’ll know to replace the battery or cable before either leaves you stranded. Track your fuel purchases and engine hours too because fuel quantity burned versus hours is a good barometer of engine health.

It’s also helpful to keep track of part numbers, like spark plugs, filters, O-rings, the ignition-key number, etc. Also note fuse and breaker types, and the amperage ratings for all your devices. Note the bulb type and amperage for all lights. Doing so makes it easy to buy replacements. Reserve two or three pages at the back of your notebook as a repository for this info. If your book has pockets on the covers, you can rip off the labels of parts boxes and keep them handy for reference.

But for now, let’s talk about you as a seller. Remember, a log is not only about maintenance. It should include the date when any new equipment was added. It’s a good idea to make note of the cost of parts and labor, which will help justify the price you ask for your fine vessel. And be sure to save all the owner’s manuals and receipts in a secure and well-organized place so you can pass them along to the new owner. In essence, any time you do anything to the boat, whether it be service-related, routine maintenance, parts replacement, or adding new goodies, write it down in the in the logbook. That log will be money in the bank when it comes time to sell. Here’s how to make a good one.

Jot These Things Down

Get Organized

A maintenance log, in my opinion, should be nothing more than lined pages on which you can make notes about everything that is done to the boat. If the log is already organized into categories for things such as engine- oil changes, filter changes, etc., it will be less inviting and more cumbersome to make notes about all the noncategorized things. There’s a ton of stuff to be written in a maintenance log, so don’t constrain yourself by having a logbook that boxes you into a limited number of categories.

Neatness Counts

Take the time to write clearly so future owners can easily read what has been written. Include part numbers and brand names. Note sources where you made purchases so future purchasers might be able to go to those same sources for parts and supplies. For some things, make note of not only the date but also the engine hours when the service was performed. If someone else did the repair or service, make note of who did it, their address and phone number.

Make a List

Make note of all boat work in your maintenance log, no matter how trivial it might seem to you, and include the date of the work and engine hours at that particular time. Your list will be extensive, but key service elements to document include new fluids, filters, belts, hoses, tanks, fuel lines, batteries, cables and pumps.

In addition, don’t forget to log the addition, replacement or service of equipment such as deck hardware, smoke and CO detectors, marine electronics, canvas, the marine sanitation system, lighting, throttle and shift cables, hydraulic systems, bottom paint and more.

Depending on your boat, there might be more categories on your list. But do yourself a favor and fill out the maintenance log as thoroughly as possible. This might seem tedious, but it’ll pay off in the end.

The post Reasons to Keep a Boat Maintenance Log appeared first on Boating Mag.

Life seldom works that way, of course, but through the online platform Boatsetter, your boat can be active — and generating income — when you’re not using it.

Like residential and vacation homes, cars and RVs, boats are part of the sharing economy. Boatsetter links owners of boats with qualified, pre-screened people eager to pay a fair fee to share them. Since its founding in 2014, Boatsetter has helped tens of thousands of boat owners offset the costs of boat ownership.

Boatsetter brings owners and renters together, and eases their relationship. And it can make US Coast Guard-licensed captains available for renters without boating experience, or who simply want to enjoy their boating with a trained professional at the helm.

Boat rental through Boatsetter is safe. It’s legal. And everyone involved is insured.

Boatsetter lists boats for fishing, sailing, watersports, cruising and even on-water celebrations. Among them are pontoons, center-consoles, watersports boats and party boats. Nearly 20,000 boats in more than 600 locations comprise the privately held, worldwide fleet.

Your boat can be an income-producing part of that fleet.

Boat Owner? Renter? Captain? You’re Covered

Through a partnership with boating-industry giants Geico Marine and BoatUS, Boatsetter transactions include insurance coverage for owners, renters and captains — the only such peer-to-peer insurance policy in the marine industry.

Plus, TowBoatUS, the marine equivalent of roadside service, provides on-water support for the rental period.

How to List Your Boat

The Boatsetter website guides you through the simple, free listing process. You provide your boat’s:

• Make and model
• Year, length and other specifications
• Description, including features
• At least four photos
• Rental or trip pricing (Your take-home rate is 60 to 85 percent of the boat’s listed price. You can increase your take-home rate based on your performance as an owner. By performance, we mean responding quickly to renters, keeping your calendar up to date, and turning on Boatsetter’s Instant Book feature.)

The Renter Requests to Book

Verified renters search the Boatsetter platform for the location and boat type he or she wants. They then connect with the owner through the website or mobile app.

Just as the renter reviews the boat/owner information, the owner considers the prospective renter’s boating experience and other qualifications, and then decides if this person is the right person to rent their boat.

It is your boat, after all — you decide who gets to rent it.

Everything shipshape? A trip is booked, with payment made through Boatsetter.

The renter and owner conduct walk-throughs before and after the outing, so there’s no question about condition or damages. No issues? The security deposit is released to the renter.

The owner can prep their boat for their own next use or its next Boatsetter rental, and the renter can begin making plans for their next voyage on Boatsetter.

The post Boatsetter Makes Listing and Renting Your Boat a Smooth Voyage appeared first on Boating Mag.

“Welcome to the Belmond Charleston Place,” said the young valet cheerily as he opened my passenger door. “Are y’all staying with us tonight?”

We stepped into an unseasonably warm January day. The tang of sea air was unmistakable; it was almost a shame to go inside, leaving the bustle of downtown Charleston behind.

Almost.

The hotel lobby shone, from its sweeping grand staircase to the golden, glittering lights. Jazz music and a low murmur of conversation flowed from the direction of the Thoroughbred Room, and shiny brand names beckoned from what was clearly a high-end shopping area.

We approached the registration counter.

“I’m Heather Steinberger,” I began, “and we have a reservation…”

“Oh yes, Mr. and Mrs. Steinberger, with Scout Boats,” the young man responded with a warm smile. “We’ve been expecting you. Your room is ready, and please enjoy our complimentary gourmet hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on the Club Level this evening.”

We collected our luggage and turned toward the elevators.

“Oh, Mrs. Steinberger,” he called out. “Congratulations on your new boat!”

Take the VIP Tour

In the interest of full disclosure, we did not buy a boat. Rather, we were on assignment: Travel to coastal South Carolina and slip into the shoes of new Scout 380 LXF owners. We wanted to find out how this particular boatbuilder has taken its customer experience to the next level, one that has more in common with luxury automobiles and even luxury homes than with fishing boats.

We quickly realized this wasn’t going to be any old customer-service experience. It began as soon as we pulled into the parking lot at Scout’s boatbuilding facility in Summerville, 25 miles northwest of Charleston. We found our own designated parking space adjacent to the front doors, and when we entered the lobby, a sign welcomed us by name.

I’d barely had an opportunity to admire the branded merchandise available for purchase—including the fancy Yeti mugs I coveted—before Alan Lang, director of sales and marketing, introduced himself with a broad grin and ushered us onto the production floor.

This isn’t unusual for Lang. It’s part of his job, and he handles it with genuine enthusiasm. If you purchase a Scout and wish to make the trip to Summerville to see your boat, Lang will take care of all the arrangements: airport transfers, a factory tour, quality time in the new design studio, hotel accommodations, even dinner reservations at a Charleston hotspot. He’ll also get you out on the water.

“Some customers will visit five or six times, from around the country and overseas,” he said. “They’re all excited to visit. Not only is it a beautiful destination, the Lowcountry is home to their boat and the people who built it.”

Lang says Scout’s customers are split 50-50 between those who use the boats as their primary vessels and those who are adding to an existing fleet. In the latter case, many Scouts will serve as yacht tenders. That includes the 38- to 53-footers coming to life in Building D.

“The 53 is a roughly $2.5 million boat, but the final price tag depends on the customer,” Lang explained. “We had a Middle Eastern royal family who threw six 450 hp Mercs on it and customized everything they could.”

Read Next: An exclusive interview with Scout Boats President, Steve Potts, describing the 53 LXF, Scout’s largest boat to date!

Other recent Scout 53s went to a Vegas casino owner and a Latin pop star. Naturally, we were curious, but Lang wasn’t about to kiss and tell.

“You probably could guess who they are,” he said with a wink. I made a mental note to confer with the internet later.

Watching the Build

When we went to the production floor, it was humming with activity. Immediately, I noticed a crew hand-laying fiberglass.

“We produce the only 100 percent hand-laid fishing boat on the market,” Lang explained. “Instead of one person with a chopper gun, we’ll have six to 12 people hand-laying fiberglass in a multidirectional pattern to an exact laminate schedule. That means tolerances are tightly controlled by our engineers. We can eliminate 60 percent of extra resin for a strong hull, with no extra weight.”

As we continued our walk, Lang called attention to the high-density foam-core composites, which won’t ingest water and start rotting, and the heavy-duty methacrylate bonding material for two-engine boats 25 feet and up.

“Putty would work just fine,” Lang observed. “This is total overkill.”

In addition, each boat’s deck fits neatly inside the hull; the lip is on top rather than underneath, and a rub rail covers the seam. I hadn’t given this much thought, but the hydrodynamics make perfect sense. It’s kind of a reverse-shoebox design. When the boat is underway, the water pushes the sides of the hull inward, and the deck provides support.

On our way to see the testing, inspection and detailing areas, we caught a glimpse of Building C, home to research and development. This is the daily workspace for Steve Potts, Scout Boats’ founder and president, and his son Stevie, vice president of research and development.

When I observed that it’s increasingly rare for boat companies to remain in the hands of family founders, Lang nodded.

“Steve started the company in his garage,” he said. “He’s been a boatbuilder since his teens, and he says he still thinks of himself that way. Stevie has been involved since his childhood.

“The two of them have done every single job here, and they still work hard—as hard or maybe harder than everyone else,” he continued. “The employees respect them, and they all take pride in seeing the boats on the water and the clothing around town. ‘Family owned’ means something.”

We were eager to see Building D, an 85-percent-efficient structure with motion-sensor lighting and 1,342 rooftop solar panels. This is the birthplace of the largest models in the Scout fleet, including our 380 LXF.

“In the 380, we use a hull epoxy infused with carbon fiber and e-glass,” Lang said. “It’s the entire hull, not just the keel, so you really get the strength and weight benefits. We’re the only production boatbuilder to use hand-laid, epoxy-infused carbon fiber. It’s aerospace-caliber.”

We spotted 380s in various stages of completion. Lang walked up to one and pulled down a thick document.

“This is the boat’s birth certificate,” he said. “Each boat has one. It documents who did what, and when. It’s usually 10 to 12 pages. It tells you everything about the boat’s life since day one.”

Design Dynamics

Walking through an unassuming glass door on a second-story landing, we immediately found ourselves in another world. We’d entered the design studio.

“This is where our owners get a reprieve, where they can take a breath after touring the factory,” said Josh Slayton, a Scout Boats concierge captain who joined us in the studio. “We want to bring them back to the luxury side of this experience.”

With a smile, Lang handed us a bag. My husband pulled out his-and-hers Scout Boats caps, a Williams Edisto oyster knife, and a bottle of the Animo Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon from California’s Rob Mondavi Jr., a Scout boat owner himself.

There was something else: a Scout Boats Yeti mug.

Looking up, I spotted a large projection screen welcoming us to this elegant design space.

“We built the design studio just for people like you,” Lang said. “We looked at high-end car dealerships, and we wanted to give people something special.”

As I walked around the room, I ran my hands along the many available steering wheels, exterior vinyls and captain’s chairs, including custom teak seats. I studied the electronics displays and color books, and I examined the room’s centerpiece island, featuring every possible appliance you might want.

“This is a touch-and-feel room, not a sales room,” Slayton observed. “The purchasing decision is made by the time people get here, so this is about getting involved in the process, and making the boat your own.”

It’s also about seeing how cold that built-in wine cooler will keep your Champagne.

Instead of toasting our new purchase at the design studio’s well-appointed little bar, we opted to join Lang and Slayton aboard a 380 LXF for a quick boat ride down the Wando River to Charleston. This was our opportunity to see the high-end fit and finish on a 38-foot fishing boat that retails for more than $900,000.

Some of my favorite features on the 380 LXF included a side beach platform with hull cutout, a walkable transom with no splashwells, the standard Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer, and a rear aft-facing lounge seat that converted to a nifty summer kitchen. The patented retractable rocket launchers, designed to protect both the rods and the SureShade, were a nice touch—as were the four color-matched Mercury 350 Verado V-8 outboards, and the transparent livewell lids.

“We want people to be able to showcase what the hull is made of,” Lang said. I got a kick out of the automotive-style key fob that could start the boat remotely, and the large Garmin touchscreen helm displays that provided all necessary functionality. When I asked about backups, Slayton pointed upward.

“The boat is set up like a Tesla,” he explained. “We have redundancies, but we keep the switches out of your line of sight.”

I took a peek down below. The 380 has a large cabin, with a convertible queen berth, well-appointed galley, enclosed head with shower, and plenty of headroom.

“This is a gentleman’s fishing boat,” Lang said. “You can go fishing, and you can take it for dinner in Charleston.”

We motored from Ralston Creek into the Wando River. Slayton pointed the bow south toward Charleston, and the 380 roared to life. As we charged beneath the bridges toward the city, he explained he does exactly this with each new boat owner.

“As a concierge captain, I work with the dealers to prep the boat and take care of all the details, and then I spend at least one or two days with the owners, making sure they’re comfortable with the boat,” he said. “I focus on performance, functionality and features.”

Lang also added: “Our customers have my cellphone number, and I answer calls and texts 24/7. When Josh gets involved, he’s on their speed dial. We’re happy to do it. It’s a relationship, and we all become friends.”

The Royal Treatment

Back at the hotel, it was hard to leave the margaritas and appetizers, including fresh ahi tuna and spicy gumbo, on the Club Level. But Lang was scheduled to pick us up for dinner, and we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to experience Hall’s Chophouse; rumor had it, one must either wait months for a reservation or know someone. Thankfully, we knew someone.

Owner Bill Hall stood in the doorway, greeting customers with a handshake as they entered his upscale restaurant. He knew Lang by first name, and Champagne arrived at our table as soon as we sat down.

Slayton joined us, and he and Lang insisted that we order any delicacies we desired. Together, we savored oysters Rockefeller, a rich concoction known as “bacon steak,” tender bison filets, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and lobster mac ’n’ cheese.

We topped it off with the best bread pudding I’ve ever tasted, hands down. It wasn’t on the menu that night, but again, it’s who you know.

Throughout the meal, locals approached our table to greet Lang and exchange pleasantries. We gathered that many were Scout owners, just like the gentleman who stopped us as we were leaving.

“I heard you just bought a Scout,” he said. “Oh man, you’re gonna love it.”

After dinner, Lang turned to the pedicabs lined up outside in the street, and he directed us to enter one of them.

“Take them to the Belmond Charleston Place,” he said to the driver, and he turned to give me a hug. “This is part of your experience. Go have a nightcap in the Thoroughbred Room and enjoy the hotel. And the next time you’re here, be sure to give me a call.”

We fell silent as the driver pedaled us swiftly away down the street. All too soon, the elegant fountain outside the Belmond splashed into view, and we pulled up in front of the valets. Pedaling into the Lowcountry night, our driver called over his shoulder, “Hey, I heard you bought a boat! Congratulations!”

The post Customer Service for Boat Buyers appeared first on Boating Mag.