Millions of people enjoy water sports like boating, waterskiing and wake boarding. If you and your family are among them, you may be thinking of buying your own family boat to continue your adventures. There’s a wide range of choices out there if you’re looking for tow-boats, and with plenty of customizable options. You’ll also have to decide if you want to buy a new or used boat. It also helps to find a dealer you can trust, to advise you on the best choice for your purposes.
Tow-boats for family fun
There’s nothing like spending an afternoon on the water with your family, with the excitement of watersports to add to the fun. Water skiing has been popular ever since it was first invented in Minnesota. Where else would someone think of putting together skis with boats for an exciting adventure sport? In recent years, wake surfing has become even more popular than waterskiing.
Whichever style is your favorite, you and your family may be at the stage where you’re ready for a family boat of your own. There are plenty of styles of tow boats for sale to choose from, from basic to luxurious. Most people will go with options that can take the most passengers. On the water as elsewhere, more is merrier.
Buying used or new boats
Out of the 87 million people who enjoy recreational boating, only a small percentage own their boats. As of 2015, the number of registered boats was 11.87 million. However, in 2017 a significant number of people, 2.65 million, reported that they were going to buy a boat within the next year. When you’re ready to buy, the first step is to find a dealer you can trust. Because the boat making industry is not standardized, the dealer will be a primary source of information about the choices available to you.
The first big decision in buying a boat is whether to go with a new or used boat. Like cars, a new boat begins to depreciate in value right away. A new boat may lose up to 20 or 30% of its value on leaving the dealership. This can be a reason for buying a preowned boat. People who would prefer a custom boat may choose to go with a new one, so they can add all the features they want.
Tips for buying a new boat
Because boat making is not standardized, buying a boat can be quite different from buying a car. The quality and fiberglass construction can vary widely, as do manufacturers’ warranties. New boats can be customized, but the features you chose will add to the total cost. The best source of information about choices available, and even about what other people are choosing, is the dealership. That’s why it’s important to establish a relationship of trust.
Since the industry is not standardized, warranties matter. The best coverage is “stem to stern” coverage, and includes the boat, the powerplant, and boat accessories like stereo systems, pumps and plumbing, and electronics. Some warranties cover only the boat or even just the hull. It’s best to go with full coverage, though such warranties last for only one year. Most warranties last for one to three years.
If water sports and recreational boating are your holiday activities of choice, you many be ready to buy a family boat of your own. It’s important to find a dealer you can trust, and a warranty that provides full coverage.