add share buttons

Where to Buy a Boat in Canada

Shopping for a boat can be a long process, and even after spending days, weeks, or months narrowing down your choices. If you’re still puzzled over what boat is the best fit for your needs you might be wondering when and where you should actually make the purchase. The options boil down to the following:

  • Buying from the manufacturer directly

Most boat manufacturers sell through dealerships and will refer customers to their local dealers, but in some cases, it may be possible to buy the manufacturer directly. Usually, this will be with manufacturers of custom boats for all industries but may not have a national dealer footprint. The experience isn’t very different from buying through a dealership, but you should always research the builder and make sure that it’s NMMA certified.

custom boat builders

  • Buying at a boat dealership

Buying at a boat dealership has a number of advantages: most dealers service what they sell, so you’ll establish a relationship with the business that will likely be taking care of your needs in the future and will want your repeat business; dealerships tend to be extremely familiar with the specific brands they sell and service; they can act as an ally and a conduit between you and the manufacturer if warranty work is necessary, and they can assist with arranging boat financing.

  • Buying at a boat show

When you buy at a boat show you’ll usually still be purchasing from a dealership, but it could significantly affect the timing of your purchase. Dealers are at those shows for one reason—to sell boats—and many offer discounts or special deals that are limited to the boat show. No one should ever feel rushed or pressured into signing on the dotted line, but if you go to a show prepared to purchase on the spot, you may get a better deal.

  • Buying a boat online

These days, some boats can even be purchased with the click of a mouse. With the exception of services usually, this method of boat-buying is reserved for boats small enough to be shipped directly to a residence. 

  • Buying from a private seller

Normally, if you buy from a private seller you’ll be looking at a used boat or possibly a new boat that was purchased unfinished. We listed this option last on purpose because it’s often the least desirable way to buy a boat. Sure, you may get what seems like a great deal. But this is a situation where the expression “buyer beware” is applicable.

These are the ways you can buy your boats.

Buying Boats Online in Wheatley: How to Get the Best Deal

It’s time to buy a boat! Now comes the really hard part: negotiating the best deal. Whether you’re looking at a boat from a dealership or a private seller, you should be negotiating. You can buy the best-rated boat from a commercial boat maker who offers unparalleled application of maritime design engineering.

aluminum boat builders

But negotiating doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Here are a few tips for negotiating the best price.

  • Begin by Looking at Comparable Boats in the Area

Before you make an offer, look up the price similar boats are selling for in your area. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll know whether the current price of the boat is reasonable or not. You may already be getting an excellent deal — or the boat may be grossly overpriced. But if you don’t know the regular prices, you won’t be able to figure it out.

  • Make a Low Offer First — But Be Respectful

A boat seller expects that the first offer is going to below. But a rude or extremely low ball offer may disincline them to work with you at all. Make a reasonable, low offer, with the understanding that the price will be negotiated upwards. Your offer should be the least amount that you think is even vaguely reasonable for paying for the boat.

  • Check on the Insurance

Before you make a purchase, check with your boat insurance company. Some older boats may not be insurable, or there may be some types of boats that need additional work to insure (such as a bottom inspection). Knowing this in advance will head off any significant issues.

Negotiations are an art form. Be confident, and avoid making any decisions quickly. If you feel pressured, ask to think about it. It’s rare that a boat will be sold out from under you overnight, and even if it is, there are more boats in the sea.