Dealing with Dealers

[eeboater]

I have a question for you guys about how you dealt with dealers when requesting a test drive. Now, I haven't actually requested one yet, but I will be this spring. I know it is quite important to take the boat for a test drive, but how does it work when the dealer isn't actually on the water. In addition to that, I'm unfortunately cursed by the fact that I look really young. While I'm 25 and probably make more each year than the average guy selling me the boat, many still treat me like a snot-nosed punk just giving them a ride and will never buy a boat. While the average 42 year old woman would trade this "curse" with me in a heartbeat... it's a real pain in the a#@ if you know what I mean.<br /><br />What are your experiences when purchasing a boat from a dealer that actually has to put forth significant effort to take a boat on a test drive (i.e. schedule time, trailer it to lake, launch it, etc.)<br /><br />Thanks for your input!<br /><br />Sean

 

[farginicehole]

Re: Dealing with Dealers

If they treat you like that, screw those guys save a bundle of money by finding a gently used late-model boat being sold by a private party who has already taken the big depreciation hit!

 

[Buckeye1199]

Re: Dealing with Dealers

Sean, I am in the exact same situation as you. I have been to several dealerships in the last couple of weeks looking and I don't seem to get much help even though I am very interested in buying something soon. The dealerships around here are also not on the water so I had the same concerns about taking one out for a test drive. Does the salesperson ride along with you? Do you need insurance to take one out? Will they let you trailer it with your own vehicle? Any advise on this topic is much appreciated!<br /><br />Thanks - Scott

 

[roscoe]

Re: Dealing with Dealers

I would expect them to trailer, launch, and demonstrate the boat to you. <br /><br />Its not gonna work too well if you want to test drive 10 boats.<br /><br />But after you have narrowed it down, and haggled price, and decided that you will buy the boat IF and only IF the boat performs satisfactorily, then a water test should be in order.<br /><br />If they make you sign a sales agreement/contract first, make sure you put in writing, that the whole deal is contingent on a satifactory water test. AND DON'T give them and money down. You don't need a deposit on a vehicle purchase in Wisconsin anymore.<br /><br />Don't buy an under powered boat, thats why the last owner traded it in on a new one .

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Dealing with Dealers

Dealers run into a lot of people who are not serious about buying a boat. They have to avoid giving everyone who walks in a free boat ride or they wouldn't have time for their business. Generally, the test drive is the last step before buying at a price already negotiated. They have to know you're serious about buying. Any hassle about a test drive at this point would cause me to walk away from the deal. A good dealer expects you to get a test drive before buying.

 

[DJ]

Re: Dealing with Dealers

eeboater,<br /><br />You didn't mention if you are looking new or used. The sutuation changes depending on that.<br /><br />On a new boat, the risks of problems, and who is going to repair them, are greatly reduced. Basically, you need to settle on one model and show you are serious. At that point, the test drive and shake down cruise are usually rolled into one and are more educational than anything.<br /><br />On a used boat, you are looking for problems and/or handling quirks. Again, settle on one boat and make it known you are serious. If you can, have financing (if you need it) arranged in advance and let them know that.<br /><br />If they do not take you serious, because of your looks, walk out.<br /><br />I have always shopped for a boat (from a dealer) with my wife present. I watch, very closely, how they treat her. If they treat her like my pet black lab, they will NOT get my business. She has just as much say in the deal as I do.<br /><br />Car dealers are starting to learn that. Boat dealers are a little behind, but I have found several that treated us with great dignity.

 

[mkuehnl]

Re: Dealing with Dealers