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Buying Boats & Yachts

3 Ways to Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Buying a Used Boat

There’s nothing more exciting than being able to get a great deal on a product you love. With respect to the boating world, this leads many avid boaters to purchase used boats in San Diego instead of brand new boats.While this is a cost-effective way to get a great deal on a boat, individuals who are thinking about buying a used boat should take precautions in order to avoid getting ripped off. To ensure that you get a great deal on a high quality used boat, implement the following strategies:

1. Get the Company’s Qualifications/Credentials.

This is probably the single most important strategy for you to implement when you prepare to buy a boat in San Diego. Making your purchase from a company that has a reputation for operating in excellence and integrity is important. To determine whether a company that sells used boats is upstanding, do thorough research regarding their qualifications and credentials. Specific questions to ask include:

  • How many years of experience in the boating industry do you have?
  • What types of rewards has the company attained for things such as excellent customer service?
  • What type of rating does the company have with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?

2. Do a Pre-Inspection.

Doing a pre-inspection on a used boat is a great way to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth. In many cases, it may prove advantageous for you to bring a professional technician with you to conduct the inspection. He or she should be able to do an unbiased examination of the boat to determine whether it is in good condition and worth the asking price.

3. Look for Other Offered Services

A good boating company will typically be a one-stop-shop for all boating needs. Boating companies or yacht brokerages that can help you through the entire process from financing and finding boat insurance in San Diego to helping with future repairs and ongoing maintenance are generally more established. Their ability to offer a range of services demonstrates their knowledge in the industry and commitment to providing the best experience for their clients.

Work with a Qualified and Experienced Boat Brokerage in San Diego

The process of buying a used boat can and should be exciting. However, be sure that you use sound judgment and good consumer principles in order to get a great deal on an excellent and efficient used boat. Yacht brokerages such as Ballast Point Yachts, Inc. in San Diego are great places to purchase a used boat because they handle the entire boat buying process, from pre-inspections and insurance to transport and finding marinas.

If you’re interested in seeing how Ballast Point Yachts, Inc. could help make your boat buying experience an enjoyable one, visit www.ballastpointyachts.com or call (619) 222-3620.