When Is The Best Time To Buy A Boat?

Buy a Boat

Buy a Boat

When is the best time to buy a boat? Each season has its own advantages, but understanding the different seasons for boat-buying can help you find a better deal. Whether you are buying in the height of summer or the chill of winter, knowing how the different seasons affect boat sales can improve your overall shopping and purchase experience.

SPRING OR SUMMER

If you were to take a poll of boat owners, you’d likely see that spring and summer are, in general, considered the worst times to buy a boat. These are, after all, the boating seasons—so more people are out buying a boat, driving demand and, in some cases, increasing prices. Because of increased competition for boats and a large pool of people shopping for their next craft, many people avoid shopping in the spring and summer.

However, there’s a reason that so many people want to buy a boat during these months. Summer is boating season, so buying in the spring allows you to prepare for your new activity, and buying in the summer allows you to enjoy the water right away.

FALL

Many people will argue that the fall is the best time for buying a boat. This is because most of the manufacturers start offering discounts around September and October. When demand begins to decline, dealers often provide incentives for buyers in the form of discounts and deep cuts in pricing. For both new and used models, you can often find some of the best prices by searching for a boat during the fall.

In addition to the superior pricing, if you buy a boat in the fall you can use the entire off-season to install equipment and accessories. You can also ensure that there is plenty of time to get the boat ready before the start of next boating season.

WINTER, AKA BOAT SHOW SEASON

The winter might seem like an odd time to buy a boat, but many people feel that this is the absolute best time. Why? Because of boat shows! Boat shows bring together a large selection from the most popular manufactures from across the globe, allowing you to explore various models across all ranges of price, size, and style. Exhibitors show off new models and display the latest features, and you can look at many boats from different companies without going from one location to another.

“Boat-show season” usually starts around January and lasts through March, and you can often find great deals at these events. Even dealers in warm climates are trying to sell their year-end inventory, so there is usually a chance for a quality deal even if there is no off-season for boating.

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THE REAL BEST TIME TO BUY IS WHEN YOU’RE READY!

The truth is, there is never a bad time to buy a boat. The best time is when you’re ready for fun and adventure on the water! If you want more information on the best luxury fishing boats, contact Scout Boats today. We’ll help you make a confident decision on your next boat purchase!

What To Know Before Buying A Boat

Buying a Boat

Buying a Boat

If you are thinking of purchasing a boat, make sure you have all the necessary knowledge. From dealing with emergencies to reading the tides, here’s what to know before buying a boat.

HOW TO INSPECT THE BOAT

Before you leave on a long fishing trip or a short cruise across the lake, you have to know how to conduct a proper boat inspection. The inspection will mostly cover safety equipment, such as life jackets (one for each person), signaling devices (both noise and visual), and working lights. You’ll also want to make sure you have all the tools required for emergencies, enough fuel and oil, and a fire extinguisher. Make sure you know how to check for all of these things before you buy a boat so you can have a better experience when you reach the water.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

A good boater always knows how to be safe on the water. While we all hope you never use them, be sure to understand all the emergency procedures, including overboard recovery, hypothermia recovery, and where you will go if medical attention is required. Know where life jackets and throwable flotation devices are located so you can be prepared for any situation.

HOW TO READ TIDE CHARTS

If you live near a coast, the tides will be an important part of your boating schedule. This is especially important if you plan to fish in nearshore or intertidal areas. The tide can make a big difference on your success rate. Know how to read tide charts, and you’ll have a better idea of where and when to fish. This knowledge can also help you to be a safer boater, as you’ll know what areas you can access at any given stage of the tides.

THE COST OF INSURANCE

The cost of boat insurance can vary depending on the type of boat you own, its size, motor, level of coverage, and your area. For example, in Florida, where boats can be used year-round, insurance will likely cost more than insuring the same boat in Michigan, where winter keeps boats off the water for roughly a quarter of the year or more.

BOAT TERMS

Left, right, front, and back may work fine for your car, and it may get you by when you’re boating with your family. But good boat owners have a strong understanding of the common terms associated with nautical language. You don’t have to be a Navy captain, but you should know the differences between bow, stern, port, and starboard, as well as topside, hull, transom, and other basic boat terms.

WORLD-CLASS BOATS FROM SCOUT

Find the right boat by browsing the world class models here at Scout. With a large selection of high-quality vessels, we can help you find the right craft for your specific needs. From large offshore vessels to small fishing crafts, we have the perfect boat for you and your family!

What Do You Need To Own A Boat?

Own a Boat

Boat ownership is a great way to improve your life, but it may not be as simple as you thought. Before you make a purchase, get familiar with what you need to own a boat. With this information, you can make a smart purchase and enjoy years of boating with less worry and less hassle!

A PLACE FOR STORAGE

This is without a doubt one of the requirements for owning a boat. If you’re going to purchase a vessel, you have to know where you’re going to keep it. For even the smallest boats, we’re talking about a large item that needs its own space, usually about the same amount of space as a car. Will you store it in your garage? Beside your house? In a storage unit? At the marina? Knowing where your boat will stay is an important factor that can be overlooked in the buying process.

INSURANCE

Many boats will need insurance, but each state has different rules on whether or not this is a requirement. Some states require that you carry liability insurance for your boat so any accidents that might be your fault are covered. There can be an insurance requirement for marinas where you store your boat, and it’s also possible that if you use a loan for your purchase the lender will require insurance.

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A BOAT LICENSE FOR OLDER KIDS?

In many states, if your child is going to operate the boat, they will need training and a license. For example, according to the American Boating Association, Louisiana requires boating training for anyone under the age of 16. Some adults will need classes as well. Florida has a law that says persons born after January 1, 1988 must have completed after must have completed an education course or passed an approved equivalency to operate a vessel. Before you buy a boat, make sure you understand the rules in your area.

A SOURCE FOR MAINTENANCE

Your motor will need routine maintenance, so you must decide where you will go to have your boat serviced. Look into multiple mechanics and ask area boat owners for a recommendation.

FISHING & ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT

It can’t be all serious! As far as we’re concerned, if you’re going to own a boat, you must own fishing equipment. Make sure you are fully stocked with all the right equipment for catching a trophy, including rods, reels, tackle, and lures. Skis, wakeboards and rafts can also be a blast! With the right equipment, you can have more fun with your boat.

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SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Finally, don’t forget proper safety equipment for your boat. Safety equipment can include life-vests, fire extinguishers, flares, and throwable flotation devices. Boating is lots of fun, but it can also be dangerous, so make sure you have the right equipment for the task.

CONSIDER A BOAT FROM SCOUT

Want more information on owning a boat? Contact the team at Scout Boats and we’ll show you all the details of boat ownership. If you’re ready to purchase, use our Build Your Scout feature to create the right vessel for your needs!

How To Choose The Right Boat For You

Choose the Right Boat

Choose the Right Boat

Owning a boat is one of the true pleasures in life. Whether you are fishing, skiing, or simply cruising around the bay, being on the water seems to melt your stress and worries away. The only real question is which boat you should buy? This is where is can get complex, as each person has different needs and preferences for their boating. Don’t worry. We’ve got your back. Here’s a quick guide on how to choose the right boat for you!

THINK ABOUT YOUR GROUP

How many people do you expect to ride along with you in the boat? If you probably won’t be taking more than a few people, you can likely get by with a smaller craft such as the 195 Sportfish, which has a capacity of seven people. However, if you plan to host a dozen or more people on a consistent basis, then perhaps you should choose something a little larger, such as the 235 XSF, which is rated to carry 11 people.

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CONSIDER THE TYPE OF WATER

Bays? Lakes? Open ocean? Rivers? Each area will demand different characteristics from a boat, and while many of the boats from Scout are versatile and can be used in various areas, you’ll still want to have a strong idea of the type of water you will be boating on. This will help guide your decision. For example, most boats that are ideal for rivers and shallow intertidal areas may not be suitable for the open ocean or even larger bays with heavy boat traffic.

WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY ON THE WATER?

Sometimes simply being on the water is enough, but we all have preferences for our activities. Part of choosing the right boat will be to decide on what you plan to do with it. Will the boat be used exclusively for fishing? Will your kids want to ski or wakeboard? Will it simply be for pleasure cruising? Take the time to think about how you will be using the craft, and you can make a better buying decision.

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WILL YOU NEED TO TOW THE BOAT—OR WILL IT STAY AT THE MARINA?

This is an important consideration, as boats that will be left in the marina can be bigger and heavier, because you won’t need to tow them from one body of water to the next. If you plan to tow the boat home every time you use it, however, you’ll probably want something more manageable. You can always tow a larger boat if you’re comfortable doing so, but many people prefer to tow only smaller crafts.

RESEARCH STANDARD BOAT & ENGINE WARRANTIES

Warranties might seem inconsequential, but they can make a big difference in the overall boat-ownership experience. The best boats have top-notch warranties that protect both the boat itself and the motor. These warranties may be separate. For example, Scout has several warranties for our boats, and Yamaha provides warranties for the motors. But they always provide a level of confidence and peace-of-mind when you purchase and take to the water.

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FIND EXCELLENT BOATS FROM SCOUT!

If you have more questions about the right boat for your needs, contact the team at Scout Boats today. We’ll help you understand the benefits of each model in our lineup so you can be confident that you buy the right boat for you!

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