How to find the best boat dealer
Are you just starting your exciting voyage to becoming a boat owner? Besides the rather fun and interesting part of choosing the right sailboat that fits your needs, your sailing capabilities and program, there is another big task you will have to tackle: finding a boat dealer you can trust.
Besides that, your dealer should be brimming with high expertise, must be reputable and transparent of course. That´s essential because the dealer from which you buy your new yacht should come with all of these. Apart from the upfront purchasing process, your dealer should be offering the full service range. That´s quite a wish list indeed. But how to find those top tier yacht vendors?
We know that choosing the right boat dealer is an absolutely vital decision. One that will certainly impact your entire boating experience for the coming years. So what are the key attributes to look for in a trustworthy and competent dealer? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key attributes of a reliable dealer and also delve into eight vital red flags to watch for.
How to identify a trustworthy boat dealer?
Boat dealers vary widely, much like the boats they sell. But certain signs can guide you toward a dependable one. When searching for the best partner to buy your boat from, first consider the years of that company in business. As of course young and motivated start-up companies can offer a great service too, a dealer with a multi-year track record of business is a viable sign of expertise and merchant competence. Some dealerships are family businesses with roots dating back as many as 20 and even 30 years.
Another good sign is a well-maintained showroom, maybe at a prime location in a marina or at a waterfront. When staffed with friendly and approachable people who make you feel at ease, it´s even better. If these people treat your well, even and foremost if you're new to the nautical world, it´s a sign for care and service-orientation.
As a yacht buying process can take several months and years, you will certainly be guest at some boat shows and events. A dealer´s constant visible presence at those local, national and international boating events, exhibitions and boat shows underlines the significance of that dealership for the brands they represent. It´s a great chance to get into contact with the salesmen and get a first feeling for how they treat you as a potential customer.
You should also check several sources, like the internet, for the dealer´s reputation. But be aware: people often tend to over-exaggerate bad experiences by at the same time rather not commenting on the good ones. Online reviews, pontoon talk and marina gossip can be a good source of information, but must be taken with a grain of salt.
Later during the purchase and counselling process, ask yourself if the dealership offers knowledgeable support that goes beyond just selling the yacht. Ot their pricing and post-purchase assistance transparent? Will they be open for questions and take their time explaining details? These are all good signs to start a serious conversation and consider these as your partner for the yacht purchase.
But as these are just the tip of the iceberg, let´s dive a bit deeper in some of them to talk about important details to look out for:
Yacht dealership company age: do they have a strong manufacturer connection?
Boat dealers with solid, long standing connections to boat manufacturers have often a proven track record in not just selling but also servicing the products. Shipyards tend to reward and keep those dealerships in their network by at the same time sorting out unreliable or unworthy companies as being successful in the boating industry for decades just isn´t possible without having a network of trustworthy merchants. Those top tier dealers can offer additional services and support. A close relationship to shipyards and brands can sometimes enable offering exclusive warranties, early access to specific models or immediate assistance with parts or service needs directly from the manufacturer.
Checking yacht dealer's locations: showroom bling or serious business?
You should check out the boat dealer at their very locations, best without appointment in a surprise visit or incognito. Prime addresses in marinas or at the waterfront can be a sign for a healthy company. A nice setup with boat scale models, lounging area and coffee bar in the showroom too. But be aware and not get too blinded by a shiny deceit: a top-notch fancy office isn´t everything!
Look at the backside. There´s the working area and the technical staff of a dealership: What´s the boat dealer's inventory like? It should reflect their expertise and commitment to meeting various boating needs. Like a service garage, storage and special tools. Do they have boat service facilities, cradles, or even a travel lift to move the yachts around? Look (and maybe talk) to the people employed. Are they dressed in professional workwear, do they look happy and motivated? Your boat dealer location check extends beyond the inventory of a representative bureau and the tech department. It´s also a certain variety of show boats or the quality of the service, maintenance and customization options. You should look for:
Quality brands: Stocking renowned brands known for reliability performance and innovation. Long standing relations with those brands and a company tradition that goes beyond years is a good sign for a trustworthy boat dealer. But at the same time: too many brands might indicate a smorgasbord and non-focus of the dealership.
Boat financing options: Not every boat dealer is creditworthy. Financing institutions prefer to partner with boat dealers which have a clean financial rack record. Thus offering boat financing solutions and yacht loans is a good sign for the financial health of the dealership. If the staff understands loan terms, interest rates and can provide competent counselling, this particular dealership should get a thumbs up – even if this is not a purchase option for you, it´s a sign for trustworthiness and competence.
Yacht customization options: You know it, boats are very individual products. Often owners ask for customizations which go beyond the capability or range of the boat´s manufacturers. If your boat dealer is offering a wide range of tailor-made solutions for specific requirements, be it aesthetics, electronics or performance modifications, that´s a very good sign too.
Boat maintenance services and shipyard facilities: Comprehensive in-house service capabilities which include proper boat handing (travel lifts, gear, tools, and service personnel), being officially licensed for authorized warranty repairs and routine servicing. Own pontoons or berth at their exclusive disposal is a plus too.
Part availability: Boats are prone to wear and tear. Also, manufacturers do emphasis on strict maintenance schedules. Your boat dealer of choice should therefore have a well-stocked parts department with both common and hard-to-find components. If the dealer offers taking care of your yacht´s maintenance schedule, this should get a thumbs up.
Educational resources: Is your boat dealer just a vendor? Or does he provide learning tutorials, courses and classes or other resources to guide new boaters? This will not just make sure that his clients know their way around on their new yacht ensuring a seamless transition into boat ownership, but also make for new customers, upgrades and upselling. Good dealers have a big network of people in the industry and the yachting world, always having a phone number for you to hand over for any inquiry you might come up with.
More than tech-talk: comprehensive knowledge of yachts and yachting in boat dealers
A yacht dealer should have a wide range of knowledge about boats, types, specifications and options and the world of sailing! And of course: extensive knowledge of the various boat types he is selling, including the corresponding models of his competitor brands. But it´s not just about memorising the sheets with the technical facts of a given boat. They should be able to explain the unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each yacht.
But the trick is, that only tailoring these information to your specific needs and preferences will come up with a setup you can go for. To being able to do this, a dealer should be open to first listen and understand your use-case and your demands from a yacht. At best, the dealer is a dedicated sailor himself, owning and utilizing a yacht as an owner. Although it is not a must, a thorough understanding of the ups and downs of boat ownership is guaranteed that way.
Yacht service wasteland? Don´t be left alone with boat maintenance.
As mentioned before, any boat needs servicing. This ranges from engine maintenance to small repairs and the renewal of a constant wear and tear. Also, the manufacturer ask for regular check-ups and maintenance as stated in the manuals. This is vital to keep active the warranties. In this, be sure: nothing sinks an owner-dealer relationship faster than a neglected boat! A genuinely supportive dealer offers detailed maintenance plans which abide to the manufacturer´s schemes. They have their own technical staff employed, who are at best certified technicians. A boat dealer´s shipyard-service should handle routine checks, repairs and even emergencies: keeping your vessel shipshape for years to come is the best insurance for a stress-free life as a boat owner. A well maintained yacht is not only a safety issue. This will keep resale value high. If you want to sell your yacht after years of fun sailing, this difference could be as high as 10 to 15%!
Being a boat owner: How about customer service and post-purchase support?
Being a good boat dealer doesn´t stop with selling and maintaining a yacht. It´s the customer service provided by your partner that defines a professional and holistic approach to boating. Your dealership´s capabilities should extend far beyond the showroom floor and technical facilities. A conscientious dealer takes all the necessary time to listen to unique concerns, preferences and questions of the fellow clients. A level of attention that often translates into customized follow-up services tailored to a specific boating lifestyle.
Consider looking for dealers that offer an array of post-purchase resources which go further than only a focus on technical issues of yachting. This could be on-water skipper training sessions, hands-on navigational coaching or even exclusive boating community events. These add value to your purchase and ease the transition into boat ownership.
Responsiveness is essential: Seek a dealer that provides support through various channels, whether it’s a 24/7 hotline, email or online chat. In some cases, agents may designate a personal account representative to enhance the support experience, ensuring that someone familiar with your needs is always available.
Yacht purchase contracts: confusing and non-transparent?
That´s a simple one: just keep your hands off of boat dealers you don´t understand! The total transparency of purchase contracts and boat offers both in pricing and contract terms demonstrates a dealer's honesty and integrity. This applies to the very purchase contract for your boat but also to the general business conditions of the company, including after sales and warranty terms. Dealers should provide a clear breakdown of all the costs involved, including any additional fees for accessories, customization or add-on services. This is a must. Clarity helps prevent unexpected expenses and facilitates a smooth purchasing process. In any case, check out or dedicated guide to buying a yacht and also consider the help of an independent yacht professional for guidance in this manner.
Officially licensed boat dealerships: Adherence to regulatory standards
Your boat dealer should not just have acquired the permission to act as a boat vendor. Acquiring certifications from different engine makers or electronic components manufacturers is a must to being able and allowed to work on these important parts of any sailing yacht. Dealer´s staff often must pass specific licensing assessments (and sometimes regularly renew these) of both manufacturers and shipyards for being legally entitled to carry out certain works on the boats. This is extremely important when working on sensitive parts or equipment which is safety-relevant, like your liquefied gas stove or boat electrics. Another point is the compliance with local regulations and industry standards. This is a must for any trustworthy dealer. Check and ask for proof. They should provide all required licenses and credentials, their regular renewals and be able to demonstrate commitment to safety and environmental regulations.
Yacht dealers on the internet: Positive customer reviews and testimonials
Last not least, this is indeed an important source of information. But it´s also a two-sided sword, so be aware! As any information on the internet can be altered and even faked, be very cautious with public reviews. Regarding reviews, people tend to over-exaggerate bad experiences by at the same time not commenting about good stuff either. On the other hand, listening to the echoes of past customers can be very telling. A trail of satisfied reviews and glowing testimonials may be a beacon of trust, showing that others have sailed smoothly with this dealer before. You could even ask for direct contact with real customers of that particular boat dealer, best would be, if the dealer offer those contacts on their own initiative. In a personal conversation, be it on the telephone or at the pontoon, can reveal both strengths and possible concessions you´d have to make.
How can I identify a bad boat dealer? 8 cautionary questions.
Sometimes the joy and excitement of buying a yacht turns into disappointment, conflicts and even legal proceedings. It´s a shame when a once so positive vibe of a dream to sail in your own yacht turns into an emotional and financial nightmare. To avoid those unfortunate developments, we have to quickly move away from the positive attributes in our article. To help you identifying the good from the bad choices, we´ve set up an essential tool. Recognise the red flags: these signs might indicate a dealer unworthy of your trust and investment. Ask yourself the following questions:
Is the salesperson overly aggressive? High-pressure sales tactics that push you toward an immediate decision can indicate a lack of concern for your individual needs and preferences.
Does the dealer say yes to everything? A dealer who consistently agrees with you without offering insights or opinions may lack the knowledge or integrity to guide you properly.
Does the dealer make unrealistic promises or guarantees? Outlandish promises or guarantees that seem too good to be true - such as 'zero maintenance for five years' or 'guaranteed resale value within a year' - might signal a lack of honesty or an attempt to lure customers without the ability to deliver.
Is there a failure to offer any kind of product demonstrations or trials? Unwillingness to provide demonstrations or trials might reveal a lack of confidence in the product’s quality.
Does the dealer lack a physical location or showroom? Operating solely online without a physical location might make it difficult to assess the quality of the products or engage with the staff in person.
Are there inconsistent stories or information from different staff? Conflicting information from various staff members may signal internal disorganization or a lack of proper training.
Does the dealer have a high staff turnover rate? Frequent staff changes could signal internal issues and might affect the consistency of the service you receive.
Have the brands of the dealers changed quickly? Dealers who frequently and quickly change the yacht brands they represent may indicate a non-trustworthy relationship to both the manufacturers as well as the clients.
Be very cautious in choosing your dealer. The budgetary and temporal implications can potentially do harm to a great extend to your financial status, family matters and even corporate issues. Legal dispute can last for months or even years and beside all of the material matters, it can greatly affect your peace of mind. Look closely, choose wisely. And seek the help of professionals. By the way, all of our dealerships are certified under close scrutiny and varified by us annually. Dealers not complying with our company´s values and code of conduct cannot be vendors for our products and are quickly expelled from our network.
Is finding a trustworthy boat dealer hard? The bottom line
Selecting a boat dealer to become your partner in buying a new boat requires diligent examination and careful consideration. Prioritize those who emphasize trustworthiness and customer service, as these factors are paramount in ensuring a satisfying and enduring experience.