The Best Questions To Ask Your Boat Dealer

After you have learned the basics and chosen the best boat builders you are ready to go to the real work of buying your boat. This is important if you are looking to purchase a new boat. How can you know if the dealer will support your boat and your relationship for the long-term? These are 10 questions that you can ask upfront to help you decide if dealer A is the right dealer for you.

Why should I choose you over your competitor?

Because it is simple and direct, this question is always fun. Although it's not an easy question, the answer can often be quite informative. Competent dealerships have salespeople who are able to answer the question honestly and give you all the reasons why they are the best choice. Dealerships with less experienced salespeople might not have all the departments they need. You might be able to avoid doing business with a dealer that is less than what you expected.

What length of time have you been in the business?

Answering the first question correctly will make it easy to answer the second. This one is usually a double-digit number. A company that has been in business for a long time is more likely to have satisfied customers. The Great Recession was a major disruption in the industry. It is likely that boat dealers who survived the crisis were able to learn from it and are now safe businesses.

How long have been a XYZ boat dealer?

Another important question is: This is a crucial question. Although the first two questions are more important, I believe it's still useful. It shows a dealer's product knowledge and familiarity with the manufacturing processes. It also helps to show the ability to represent the brand. In this instance, the longer you can be is better.

What is the quality of your service department?

Although most dealers offer service for the products they sell, not all do. Some dealers have better facilities than others. Some do the basic work and leave the more complex tasks to others. Although dealers may not admit it, customers who purchased boats from them usually get priority when the service department is backed up. It's important to find out how extensive a dealer's services are. Also, remember that you will likely get better service if your boat is purchased from one dealer but taken to another for service.

Are your technicians certified?

Who will work on your boat? Marine propulsion systems are becoming more reliable and more complex. Not just any mechanic can fix them. You should look for certifications from the American Boat and Yacht Council and the Marine Mechanics Institute. Also, contact the manufacturer of the powerplant.

Are you able to offer pickup and delivery of service or repair items?

If two dealers offer me the same boat at the same price and both offer pickup and delivery for repair or service (or mobile service), I will choose the first dealer every time. Pickup and delivery adds an extra layer of service to the service department. It's also a tremendous time-saver and huge convenience. Pickup and delivery is also a great option if your boat is on a lift or in the water, and you don't own a trailer or tow car. Without dealer assistance, your boat would need to be run by water to the boat's location or to a ramp they use. This could be very time-consuming.

How long does it take to service my boat?

It's likely that you are bringing your boat in to service on a weekday because you want it ready for weekend use. It's not too much to expect and a competent dealer should be able and willing to help you get your boat ready for use when you need it. There are always exceptions, such as parts being out of stock, but a dealer that promises to have customers' boats available when they need them is worthy of your business. You should also be looking for honesty in the answer. Sometimes service departments get backed up. Is the dealer clear about the fact that they will do their best but there are times when service might be slow?

How high is your customer satisfaction score?

The customer satisfaction programs of manufacturers and other organizations are valuable. These satisfaction scores can provide a good indicator of how hard dealerships work to satisfy customers. The Marine Industry CSI, which is collected by the National Marine Manufacturer's Association's Customer Satisfaction Index, is the most respected standard for dealership satisfaction rankings. Ask about it. Boating Industry's TOP 100 Dealers is also a respected ranking system.

Are you able to offer winter storage and service?

I prefer to buy from a dealer that offers winter storage and service. Winter service can be a very difficult job on any engine. Choosing the best winter boat storage option could prove to be difficult. Dealers who take care of this all get bonus points. It is important to have someone to rely on when you need it done.

Are you able to host on-water events during the boating season?

Rendezvous, poker runs and fun runs with other boaters, as well as raft-ups, can all be great fun. Although it is not an inexcusable reason to not buy, the dealer hosting them can be a great indicator of how involved they are with their customers after the sale.

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