When you’re in the market for a boat, you’ll want to choose one with the right features while staying within your budget. One choice many people have trouble making is whether to buy new or used. Both options have benefits, and your selection will depend on several factors. Here are the pros and cons of buying new and used boats.

A Guide to New vs. Used Boats

New Boats

A new boat has a lot of appeal for buyers. There’s no history or wear, no immediate maintenance, and an undeniable new-boat shine. You’ll have the benefit of choosing exactly the size and features you want, rather than selecting from the pre-owned boats that are currently available. New boats will be equipped with the latest features and technology. Their motors will be strong, dependable, and less likely to give you trouble any time soon. Although you probably won’t have any problems with a brand-new boat, you’ll have the manufacturer’s warranty to cover repairs just in case. The only factor that tends to turn buyers away is the price. In most cases, buying a boat new will be more expensive than one that is used.

Used Boats

The main benefit of used boats is pricing. For those with a limited budget, buying pre-owned will always be the preferred option. Those savings can be put toward upgrades and add-ons that can boost the fun and function of your boat. Additionally, the value of new boats depreciates as soon as they’re off the lot. That depreciation tends to level out by the time it is sold to a dealer, so your pre-owned boat will hold its value better than a new one would. The major downside is that you may not know for sure what the boat has been through. To combat this uncertainty, you can ask the dealer why it was sold, have a marine surveyor evaluate the boat, and research that model online. Used boats can have external and internal damage that you might not notice on the lot and may require repairs and maintenance sooner than later. Ultimately, doing your research is key.

If you’re looking for new or used boats in Pickens County, AL, visit Pickensville Marine & Sports Shop to browse their wide selection of top-quality boats, UTVs, and ATVs from trusted brands like Yamaha® and G3 Boats®. Their knowledgeable team will help you find the best boat for you, whether you need speed, room for family and friends, or a fishing vessel. Take a look at their available boats online. To ask a staff member about their inventory, call (205) 373-6372.