BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE -- HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOAT

STEP 1.  Determine the right TYPE of boat for you. 

There are lots of different options -- each with pro's and con's.  Ask yourself, what are the primary and secondary intended uses for the boat.  At Boat City USA, we often hear "I want to fish and also want to take the family out occasionally", or "just time out on the water with family and friends -- may pull the kids on a tube".   WHERE you plan to primarily use your new boat will also help determine the best Type of boat to purchase -- Louisiana rivers and bayous; coastal bays; offshore?  So, step one -- determine the TYPE -- pontoon, bay boat, bass boat, deck boat, offshore center console, etc.  At Boat City USA, we have a good selection of all types and can provide good options within the correct category.

STEP 2. Determine the right SIZE of boat AND engine. 

For most buyers, this is easier than the first step.  For the boat portion, your main consideration will be how many persons will you usually have on board?  Secondarily, where will I use the boat -- will I be in small rivers/canals or in big, open water.  Thirdly, think about launching, docking and loading.  Will I have help or be alone?  Larger rigs can take more than one person to handle.  Engine size can get a little more complicated.  All boats come labeled with a maximum horsepower rating.  However, in many cases, less than the maximum will provide adequate power/performance and save you money.  Again, number of persons (weight) is a primary factor.  Your sales professional should be able to provide performance data for each engine option.  If you are still uncertain, take a sea trial with the smaller engine option.  If adequate, question answered.  If not, get the bigger engine.   Finally, ensure your tow vehicle is capable (towing capacity) for the weight of the boat you are selecting.  Be sure the boat weight you use includes the engine and trailer, and be sure to add for batteries (about 50# each), full tank of fuel (at 6#/gal) and gear.

STEP 3.  Determine the BRAND and DEALER.

But wait -- which is more important?  If only one brand fits your needs, then first go to the closest dealer for that brand.  More likely the case is that multiple brands offer a good fit for you.  If so, your choice of the right DEALER will provide much more long-term enjoyment of ownership than the BRAND.  

Here are your main considerations for determining BRAND.  First, the manufacturer's years in business/stability.  You want a well-established BRAND from a long-term boat builder.  Your new boat will come with a long-term hull warranty.  Will the manufacturer be around to honor that?  Second, quality of materials and construction utilized.  Having seen various brands built, I assure you not all are the same.  Are the boat and its components constructed in a manner that will provide long-term reliability?  This can get technical.  A knowledgeable, professional sales person should be able to show and explain the differences.  Third, warranty period and warranty service.  Shoot for 2 years or longer on boat components (electrical, pumps, etc.) and a lifetime structural warranty.  

When selecting your DEALER, again, years in business and stability are critical.  Ensure your sales professional has the knowledge, expertise and listening skills to properly help you make sound decisions.  Is the DEALER principal or owner involved in daily operations?  If so, there is usually more concern for customer satisfaction along with the authority to make decisions.  Importantly, how is the service department and what appears to be the dealership’s overall commitment to its parts and service departments?  Some DEALERS look at their service department as a necessary evil.  Others see it as the best way to keep their hard-earned customers and earn more sales.  What about CSI (customer service index) awards?  Has the DEALER been a regular recipient?  Is there a priority maintenance program that will get your routine maintenance completed in short order even during the high boating season?  In the end, a quality customer-oriented service department at the DEALERSHIP will greatly assist with enjoyment of your boat purchase.  

STEP 4.  RIDE BEFORE YOU BUY.  

Unless you have recently been out on the same exact rig, be sure to take a sea trial BEFORE you take ownership.  It’s the only true way to know the boat will meet your expectations.  

BOAT CITY USA is here to help you from start to finish with your boat shopping.  We’ve been doing just that since 1999 with knowledgeable and professional personnel.  We only offer products built by manufacturers with proven track records for quality and service.  Our BRANDS; TRACKER, SUN TRACKER, NITRO, TAHOE, REGENCY, MAKO, RANGER, TIDEWATER, GO DEVIL AND MERCURY MARINE are among the finest offered.  We hold our own service departments to high standards for customer satisfaction, integrity and work quality.   And, we pioneered RIDE BEFORE YOU BUY – in our private lake at our Hammond location.  Considering buying a boat?  Please shop with us!  BOAT CITY USA in Hammond and Henderson, Louisiana.