Boat Buying Guide: How to Buy a Boat A
SeaDream Finance Consumer Guide

Buying the boat of your dreams should be a fun and exciting process. However, not preparing in advance can spell disaster. This guide to buying a boat is intended to raise awareness of a number of factors that should be considered when purchasing a boat. So before you run out to a local boat dealership, visit a boat show, or make calls on classified listings – one should review the following guide to purchasing the boat of your dreams. What Type of Boat There are many different more...

The logical next step, once you have narrowed down your boating categories, is to research the models available in each category. Preliminary online research will give you an idea of what’s a fair price for the models you are considering. Consumer Reports, JD Power and Associates, and the US Coast Guard can provide customers with comparison valuation versus peer competitors. These resources will help aid you in deciding which manufacturers have a positive ratings in each class. more...

Once you have determined the types of boats that interest you and researched fair prices for them it is time to start your budget process. It’s essential that you start your budgeting process with a price point that you can afford and not just a dream boat price. Below is an outline of costs to consider when budgeting for your purchase. Boat Price: Are you choosing a new or used boat? What does your research tell you? Additional Options: Are you upgrading more...

Now that you've done your research, chosen a boat category, and considered most of the variables that are calculated into the cost of ownership, it’s time to find the right boat for your budget. There lots of avenues to consider, however, the decision to purchase a new boat or used boat should be ironed out before you start the process. Dealerships / Retailers – You will find that dealerships in your area will be the best source for new boat more...

If you are purchasing a boat from a private party and have a verbal agreement for a sale it is always a good idea to fill out a bill of sale from your state boat titling and registration entity, such as the DMV. This will help to ensure the general financial structure of the purchase. Negotiating the sale price of your purchase can be a tricky process. Be mindful that the sale has to make sense to the dealer / seller as well as fit your financial considerations. Your research should guide more...

Once you have secured the funds and your boat is ready for delivery it is essential that you do a final inspection. If you have purchased a new or custom ordered boat it is essential that you do a complete walk though with the sales rep who sold you the boat. Most reputable manufactures have a customer satisfaction checklist that the dealer is required to complete upon delivery of the boat. This checklist will detail the walk though inspection that you and the dealer will more...

Transfer of ownership not only entails taking physical possession of the boat but also the legal ownership via proper transfer of title and registration. Not all states register and title boats in the same manner so it is essential that you understand how to register your boat, motor, and trailer. New Boat Purchases - When purchasing a new boat, you will need to secure the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSOs) from the dealership to properly take legal more...

Selling your boat has never been easier! RVDream has developed the Classified Used Boat Sales Program to help private parties sell their used powerboats, sailboats, cruisers, and yachts in a hassle free, secure environment. By partnering with SeaDream, you will ensure a smooth sales transaction and prompt payment. SeaDream has the resources and expertise to handle all aspects of your private party transaction - at no cost to the selling party! * SeaDream has created the more...