Speed Boat Dealers

OceanicOutlook

Has anyone here actually had a good experience buying from a speed boat dealer lately? I keep hearing the same praise for the usual handful (the big brand names), but every time I dig deeper, there’s a ton of complaints about hidden fees, lackluster service, and warranty hoops. Are we just accepting this because it’s “the norm”?

Some of you have decades on the water—were dealers always like this or is it getting worse? Also, are there any dealers (not private sellers) that actually deliver what they promise, or is the trustworthy dealer pure myth at this point?

SaltyCaptain

It’s definitely not just nostalgia–the dealer experience used to be more straightforward, even five or ten years ago. Now, with so much consolidation and demand, it feels like some of them don’t bother earning repeat business. I’ve had better luck with smaller, locally-owned dealerships than the big chains, but even then, you’ve got to scrutinize every line on the invoice. As for trustworthy dealers, they exist, but you really have to dig and get referrals from folks you trust. Ultimately, get everything in writing and don’t be afraid to walk away if something smells off.

oceanescapee

If you find a dealer who communicates openly and puts the contract on the table without a magic disappearing ink pen, hold onto them for dear life. But honestly, double-check the final invoice—sometimes “prep fees” are just a fancy way to charge you for the free keychain. Trust no one, but do bring donuts; it softens even the roughest sales rep.