Your Boat Show Playbook

The holiday season has now passed and you’re probably just starting to recover. Unless you found a boat on your driveway with a big bow on it, we’ll assume you didn’t get everything on your wish list this year–-not to worry. This can still be the year that you buy your dream boat. Whether searching for the perfect family pontoon or a sporty deck boat, this playbook will help you find the best boat for you. Before you make plans to hit the boat shows this winter, arm yourself with this checklist so you’ll be ready to tackle the amount of information that is about to come your way.

BEFORE THE SHOW
You first need to get focused and the best way to do that is to have a plan. Boat shows are great, but they can also overwhelm you with information. If you have a plan going into the convention center, it will help narrow your selection.

→BUDGET
How much can you really spend? Unfortunately the cost of the boat is only the beginning. You need to take into consideration dock fees, winter storage, insurance, maintenance, etc. These additional costs can add up. Plan on five to 10 percent of the purchase price for these additional expenses—annually! Knowing this up front will give you confidence while negotiating on a price.

→USAGE
What are you going to use this boat for? Get the family together and find out exactly what needs to meet. Are you planning on cruising, tubing, skiing, fishing, day tripping or all of the above? The problem with the all of above answer is you’ll never truly be able to satisfy everyone. Be realistic and narrow your choices.

→NEEDS
Create a list and compare standard equipment to options that are a must. This will help determine what you really need. If you live on a lake, then amenities such as a stainless steel sink and a portable toilet might not be necessary. Your money might be better spent on a ski/tow bar for your teenage son versus a large changing room that no one will ever use.

→POWER
There are so many choices when it comes to selecting the right engine. This is a good time to ask where you plan on using the boat the most. If you have lakefront property on a two-mile lake, you probably won’t need a 450hp engine. However, if you plan to hit the big lakes, maybe a larger outboard would work best.

AT THE SHOW
While at the boat show you will see several different models of boats. Keep in mind that not every boat that the manufacturer has to offer is going to be displayed. If you see a boat you like but you’re not excited about its style, ask for a brochure. The manufacturer may offer a similar boat in your price range.

When you think you’ve found the boat for you and your family, use the following guidelines to separate the well-made from the tossed-together.

The Hull
Determining the quality and construction of a boat can be difficult. Some people feel that banging on the side of the boat will tell them something. The true test can be done with the eyes.

→STRAIGHT AND TRUE
Look for a hull that is straight and even, with no dips or imperfections. Look to see if the gel coat is even and if there are any dull spots in the work.

→COLOR
Bright colors stand out at a show, but on the water they tend to fade over the years. If you want a more colorful boat, look for one that concentrates color under the rubrail, where the sun will do less damage. As far as graphics, most used today are vinyl, which can easily be replaced if damaged. Be aware: metallic logs will pit and oxidize in salt water without the right precautions.

→PLATFORM
Whether molded or mounted, the swim ladder should have at least three rungs with the lowest one three feet in the water. Check for grab rails above the platform. Are they sturdy enough? How are the actual steps? Are they wide enough?

On Deck
Inside the boat is where you’re going to be spending most of your time, so make sure your satisfaction is going to be guaranteed.

→ROOM
Pontoon and deck boats are known for being roomy and comfortable boats. So take a minute to look around. Is there enough space for everyone to relax? Also check the accessibility of the helm chair. Is there enough room for the captain to move around too? If the boat has a rear entry, check to see if the manufacturer left enough room behind the helm seat to allow you to access the stern gate.

→SEATING
Of course the comfort of the seats is important, but something that is often overlooked is the color. Dark colored vinyl tends to make a boat look more luxurious at times, but heats up fast unless the manufacturer is using cool-touch vinyl (be sure to ask). If the majority of the vinyl is white or off-white, then there’s a good chance your buns won’t get burned this summer. One more thing to check on is the seating. Press your finger into the cushion to see if it springs back. If instead it “puddles,” ask about an upgrade or move on. The less puddling, the better.

→CONSTRUCTION
The foam in the seats should be mildew-resistant and the seat bases should have spaces for drainage. Throwing wet life jackets under the seats will lead to water in your storage units. Without a way to drain, it will take the life jackets longer to dry.

→VIEW
The helm is obviously the most used location on the boat. Sit down in the captain’s seat and make sure you can clearly see out the windshield. Also check the visibility of the gauges. If the wheel does not have a tilt option, can you still read the instrument panel clearly? A raised helm platform is a popular upgrade and can help give the driver more of a commanding view over passengers and it’s worth asking if it’s available on the pontoon you’re considering.

→FLOOR
While stain-resistant carpet is still available from some manufacturers, most have moved in a different direction and are only offering vinyl flooring. It looks nice, easy on your feet and it cleans up well. There are different vinyl flooring options, but unless you’re just in love with carpet you’ll probably be happier in the long run going with vinyl. Removable snap-in carpet is still a great option for easy cleanup, especially for deck boats. However, if your primary use for the boat is fishing, you might want to go with vinyl for your pontoon or the fiberglass non-skid for your deck boat. Non-skid flooring with an aggressive pattern should be present whenever your foot comes in contact with the floor.

→STORAGE
You can’t have too much storage on a boat. But you can have the wrong type of storage. If the in-floor lockers aren’t easily accessible or the inside isn’t large enough for your wakeboard, then it may not be good storage for you. Look at the storage under the seats. What kind of hinge was used, if any? Will it hold up over the years?

→ENGINE
This is different from the POWER checklist box because you need to consider the noise levels. Check the I/O compartment to see if it has been sound-proofed. However, with the advancements in four-stroke technology, sound isn’t as big a concern as it once was with outboard engines.

AFTER THE SHOW
This might be the hard part, but if you’ve taken good notes it might not be as hard as you would think. After countless hours and numerous steps it’s now time to narrow down your search of possibilities that you've created to just one or two choices. Review your notes, then take these last few steps.

→CATALOGS
Take a second look at the brochure or brochures of the boats that interest you. Most manufacturers will list the components of their boats. An outline of lengths, fuel capacities, and optional equipment should also be included. Review your notes and compare them with the catalogs, keeping in mind your wish list and budget. One quick note: the total number of features offered is not as important as the number you actually need.

→WARRANTIES
Have you heard the phrase “The devil is in the details”? Well this might apply if you’re not careful. Long warranties sound good, but you might be limited in your coverage. Get a copy of the warranty and be sure that you understand it and what it covers. For example, a seven-year warranty doesn’t cover lights or gauges, which may actually revert back to the manufacturer.

→THE DEALER
Location and convenience is everything. It is recommended that you select a dealer that is near where you live and/or plan to boat. Is traveling 200 miles to another dealer worth saving $500 on a boat? Probably not. A dealer nearby will be better able to accommodate your needs, as he’ll understand the type of boating done in your area. Also, after the sale concerns can be addressed more easily. If you need to have your boat serviced you might have to take it back 200 miles to your dealer if you didn’t go with your local dealer who will understandably put you behind his customers on that waiting list.

→CSI
Take a minute and check the dealer’s Consumer Service Index. This can be used as a measure of how customers have rated your dealer on previous sales.

DECISION TIME
If you’ve found the boat for you and you’ve searched the boat’s nooks and crannies, the final step is in the decision. If it meets your needs, your budget and your checklist, then you might be ready to buy.

Good luck on your search.