BOATING

BENEFITS OF BUyING A PRE-OwNED BOAT

• With a used boat, you get more boat for fewer dollars, lower cost per year of ownership, and less on the line if you decide a different style or size boat would better serve you.

• It sounds funny, but there’s peace of mind in knowing you’re not going to put the first scratch or ding in the boat.

• Any initial bugs in the boat or motor have likely surfaced and been dealt with. For reassurance, and before signing, get a marine survey. Marine surveyors see what you can’t and look where you won’t. After the survey, smile and buy, whittle down the price, draft your own to-do list, or walk away.

• You get time-tested technologies. If a manufacturer brought out a bad boat or balky motor, the Internet and other sources will wave you off.

• You can choose a style of sale — from the trade-in or used stock of a dealer, broker, private seller or through other means.

ENEFITS OF BUyING A NEw BOAT

Who doesn’t like a shiny new toy? No need to wonder how the boat has been used or misused, or if it’s been adequately winterized and commissioned. There is no history to uncover, because you’ll write this boats on-the-water history.

• You can buy exactly what you want and not just what’s on the preowned market. You’ll be getting the latest, greatest technology and innovations.

• If something does go awry, you’ll have a manufacturer’s warranty to back you up. That warranty is served by the selling dealer, which is a good reason to buy nearby.

• You can rig it the way you want with the latest gear selected precisely for your purpose.

Some boat owners are not as confident, skilled or knowledgeable in how the boat operates. Every boat is different in the way it handles.

If you are upgrading in size or moving from single engine to multiple engines you may want to consider hiring a United States Coast Guard Credentialed Captain who is able to give refresher training or instruction on handling those twins engines or upsized boat. If you are a novice boater or have limited experience in boating, you may want to consider taking an on-the-water boating class with a certified USCG Captain by the National Safe Boating Council instructor. You can find one at boatusfoundation.ticketspice.com/ozark-boat-safety-and-training-lake-ozarks-mo---2023 or go to ozarkboattraining.com.

Mainly, enjoy your new boat or your new-to-you boat in a safe manner and be able to boat another day.

story by Connye Griffin | photos by Al Griffin