Spring is the perfect time to buy a boat. You will have plenty of time to shop around before the summer boating season. Yet, before looking at watercraft, you’ll have to decide whether purchasing a new or used vessel is the right option. It may leave you wondering how you will know whether a new or used craft will be a good fit. While this ultimately comes down to personal preference, keep reading as we look at a few reasons you should consider buying a used boat this winter.
Save Money
One of the biggest draws of buying a used boat is that it can be significantly cheaper than buying a new one. This is because the valuation works similarly to a car in that once a vessel leaves the dealership, it decreases in value. A new ship can lose as much as 30% of its value as soon as it’s purchased. By purchasing a pre-owned vessel that’s just a year old, you can get a practically new vessel in perfect condition for a fraction of the price.
If you take the time to do research and look out for when dealers have sales, you can find a used vessel in pristine condition at a great price. It can help you stretch your budget and get more for your money. You could score a larger, higher-end model with more features within your price range than if you’d purchased a new boat.
Avoid Significant Depreciation
Buying a used boat can also avoid significant depreciation. A new ship can depreciate significantly as soon as it leaves the showroom. You should consider whether a new or secondhand boat is right for you. If you buy a used boat, much of the depreciation will have already occurred. If you decide to sell in a couple of years, you won’t take as big of a financial hit. By letting someone else absorb the brunt of this depreciation, you gain the advantage of making a more stable investment.
An Eco-Friendly Option
If your environmental impact is something you’re concerned about, you’ll be happy to learn that buying a used boat is a much more eco-friendly option. Purchasing a used vessel will keep a ship in circulation that may have otherwise gone to a junkyard. Additionally, purchasing a secondhand boat will lessen your carbon footprint as you’ll be removing the environmental impact associated with producing and transporting a new watercraft. Purchasing a pre-owned vessel will also reduce the demand for finite resources used in production.
Known Reliability
Another benefit of buying a used boat is that you gain the unique advantage of seeing how a model has performed over time. The fact is that not all vessels are created equally. Some models may also not be as reliable as others. When you purchase a new boat, you just have to hope that manufacturers’ claims and industry reviews are reliable. But this is still a gamble, as you may encounter defects and recalls. On the other hand, when you purchase a secondhand watercraft, you can research how different models have performed over time and consider real-world experience from boat owners. This can give you valuable insights into which models have been the most reliable and which have been a maintenance nightmare.
Availability
Availability is another benefit of buying a used boat; spring is the perfect time. There is usually ample inventory to choose from since many people choose to upgrade their watercraft right before summer. This means there should be plenty of available boats for you to choose from at dealerships near you, allowing you to quickly buy a boat and get out on the water as soon as possible. Once you complete your purchase, you can then start using your ship almost immediately. Alternatively, if you order a new boat, there would likely be a lengthy waiting period while you wait for the ship to be delivered. This process could take even longer if any customizations need to be made.
Easier Customization When Buying a Used Boat
Speaking of customization, it is much easier and more affordable to customize a used watercraft than a new one. The fact is that even a new vessel may not come with everything you want/need. You need to make alterations after you receive it to customize it to meet your needs. However, customizing a new ship can be complicated. It is costly to make customizations on top of purchasing a new vessel. Yet, the parts themselves are generally more expensive for new vessels. There may not be many options to choose from.
Alternatively, customizing and tailoring a used ship to meet your needs is much simpler and more cost-effective. With the money you saved buying used, you can invest in upgrades, customizations, and new tech to enhance your boating experience and potentially still save money compared to buying a new vessel. Additionally, older ships typically offer a wider range of affordable parts and accessories, making it easier to customize your watercraft.
Contact Us
By buying a used boat, you can get more for your money while knowing that you’re doing your part to help the environment. It makes this a good choice for many buyers. However, whether buying a used or new one is right for you will ultimately come down to personal preference, as many people enjoy the thrill of taking a brand-new ship out on the water.
Whether you buy a pre-owned or new vessel, you’ll need somewhere to house it with easy access to the water. If you’re in Annapolis, MD, consider storing your boat at one of our best-in-class marinas. At Trident Marine Group, we offer the amenities you need to make ship ownership as fun and carefree as possible, including on-site mechanics, restaurants, and Yacht Butlers. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our luxurious amenities and to reserve a slip for the summer.