As homes are a basic need, boats are a luxury. They exist in all shapes, sizes, and specialties from recreational to commercial. In shopping for a trawler, houseboat, dinghy, rowboat, sailboat or your “dream” boat, you can engage the services of a yacht broker or pay a visit to the nearest boat dealer. Let’s explore where each option will lead you.
Let’s help you find a lender, too.»
A yacht broker is …
If you’re in the market for a brand new or used boat for that matter, contact a yacht broker. This professional does not deal exclusively with yachts but with bigger watercraft as well.
A yacht broker’s duties begin with the assessment of the value of the watercraft, facilitating sea trials and surveys, and likely end with closing the deal. If the sale consummates, he/she will get a commission from the seller and not from the buyer.
Although brokers are useful when sourcing brand new models, their depth of knowledge in the boating market is most useful when you buy or sell a used boat.
Tap a broker who knows his/her boating market and can give you the best possible options given what you like and what you’re willing to pay.
Shop and compare realistic rates.»
To the dealership
For boats fresh off the manufacturers, boat dealerships are worth the visit. If you have a particular builder in mind, it’s more convenient to head straight to its store.
In the showroom are displayed newer models equipped with the latest technologies. With the help of the dealer, you may be able to find a boat that is right for your style and money.
You can acquire a used boat with the help of the dealer, for as long as it is carried by the same manufacturer.
Boat shows also hold an amazing display of new wares from various builders. As summer heats up, check out a boat show in your area.
So where does this lead us?
To be clear, there’s no contest between a yacht broker and a boat dealer as each serves a purpose when you buy.
That is, if you need a definitive opinion on used vessels and want to buy some time shopping, enlist the help of a broker.
If you are bent on a particular model from a particular brand, go directly to a dealer whose in-house financing can speed up the transaction.
Just a friendly reminder though: always seek out financing and preapprove if possible when you shop for boats and loans.
