Here’s the real question: Do You Buy a New or Used Boat?

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a long afternoon on a boat, enjoying the sun, surf, and spending time with your family and friends. Whether you like to Wakesurf, Wakeboard, Ski or tube, or you prefer to relax on the cushioned seats and enjoy the fresh air with a cold drink, a boat on the lake is the perfect way for anyone to enjoy the summer. 

Whether you’re new to boating or not, the question always comes up: do you buy a new or used boat? There’s no one right answer to this question because in the end, it ultimately comes down to what you want to do behind your boat and budget. New and used boats have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s worth exploring.

Buying a New Boat

Buying a new boat is fun and exciting and the decision to buy new isn’t necessarily a bad choice. With a new boat you get reliability, warranty and the latest technology. Not to mention you get the option of customizing your boat and be the first one to break it in. 

Reliability
Buying a used boat is a risk that could leave you with a lemon or stranded on the lake. When you buy new, you won’t have to worry about figuring out why the boat is for sale or anticipate mechanical issues arising anytime in the near future. You’ll be able to break in your new boat. New boats rarely have manufacturing issues, and if they do, they will be covered for the full duration of the warranty period. Your days on the lake will be smooth, hassle-free, and uninterrupted by technical problems.

Newest Features
Buying a new boat means having all the latest and greatest technological innovations to choose from. Some of the popular, high-end features of today’s boats include sophisticated sound systems, keyless ignition, a smart wheel, rearview cameras, phone holders, cruise control, touch screen controls, digital temperature and water depth meters, and other luxury additions. You also get the best and latest hull designs that are better for your favorite water sport and more fuel efficient.

Options
When you buy a new boat, there’s no need to settle for whatever is available; you have a much wider selection and can customize your boat as much as you want to truly make it your own. For example, you have the freedom to choose your seating upholstery, lighting, electronics, lettering, battery configuration, exterior styling, safety equipment, and so much more. You also have the warranty from the manufacturer in case anything goes wrong in the beginning.

Buying a Used Boat

If you’re new to boating or just want to upgrade and you don’t need the extra expense or features of a brand-new boat, buying used is an excellent way to get your dream boat. Boat buyers tend to fear those occasional lemons, but there’s no real need to worry about those if you get a pre-purchase inspection that LAKEN Water Sports can do for you. Just call our service department and schedule a time. This can potentially save you thousands in the long run. 

Boat Years
When you buy a used boat, you pay less per year to own it, and you don’t lose out on much if you decide to upgrade down the road. Another benefit is that years on a boat doesn’t mean as much as years on a car. What you really want to look at are the hours on the boat and well it’s been taken care of. That will tell you a lot about how the boat was treated. Boats aren’t typically used on a daily basis and in some places, they aren’t even used outside of the summer months. If a boat is a couple years old, there’s a good chance that it’s only been taken on the water a few times.

Boat Models
Boat model cycles can last between four and six years. This means that you can still find modern, high-end models on the used market and may be able to find the same model used that the manufacturer is still selling new at the dealership. (Can you really tell the difference between a new boat and one that’s two years old?) As long as you do your due diligence to inspect the boat and ensure that it’s been maintained, you’ll be cruising around in something that looks just as good as the guy across the lake in the new boat.

Depreciation
They say the best way to approach this is to find a used boat that’s already a couple of years old. This way, your boat retains its value better, as it has already depreciated in the hands of the previous owner. Plus, you won’t be the first one to put a ding in it, which makes it a little less disheartening the first time you inflict minor damages on your boat.

Multiple Buying Options
There are many more options for buying used than simply going to the dealership. While some dealers may have a used boat inventory, you have the option to purchase from private sellers who may allow you to negotiate with them until you reach a price that both parties can agree on. If you pay for your boat upfront with cash you can avoid loan interest. You can also trade-in your current boat with a boat dealer and that will help save money on taxes.

Costs for Buying a New or Used Boat

Buying a boat isn’t quite as expensive as most people think it is. With financing options available, a boat is an affordable expense that just requires a little financial planning on your part. In order to understand what you’ll be paying for, be sure to calculate the costs of the following based on the type and size of boat you plan to buy:

• Monthly payments:  
  If you finance your boat, the payments will be based on the cost, the down payment (if you make one), current interest rates, loan service fees, and other variables. Often times you can finance a boat for a longer period of time which brings down the monthly payment to the same cost as a used boat.

• Maintenance and repair costs:
  Used boats inevitably need some TLC sometime in the future, and without a warranty, you’ll need to factor in the cost of service for the boat you want.

• Yearly expenses:
  In addition to a monthly payment and sporadic maintenance, you will also pay for boat insurance, licensing, registration, taxes, storage, marina fees, fuel, and any equipment or accessories you want.

• Delivery:
  When buying locally, the delivery cost is usually included in the sticker price. This isn’t the case if you buy from out of state. If buying from a distant dealer, be sure to get moving quotes from several different services.

When you’re ready to look into purchasing a new or used boat contact us at LAKEN Water Sports. We are ready to help you find a boat that will be the best fit for you and your family. We’re an authorized dealer for SANGER, Heyday Wake Boats, Berkshire and LUND and we have a vast selection of new and used boats. Rely on our knowledgeable team to help you purchase your next new or used boat.  

LAKEN Water Sports
16202 N Cave Creek Rd
Phoenix, Arizona 85032