5 things you MUST let your dealer know when buying a boat

If you are buying a boat - these are the 5 things you MUST let the salesman know even if he doesn't ask!
Follow these tips when buying a boat to help you get the right boat and the right deal.
Buying a boat is a 2 way interaction between you and the salesman, and we all tend to be quite cautious with what we tell sales staff. It probably comes down to a fear that we do not want to give too much away when trying to do a deal. However, you can save a lot of time and probably get a better deal if you share this information with your salesman up front.
Also checkout our guide on 9 things I wish I knew when I started boating: • 9 things I wish I knew...
We will be adding more guides to boating and buying boats over the next few weeks, so remember to subscribe and press the bell!

[@brettsawyer1527]

"Southend ain't St Troppers" classic JB!

[@Boatscouk]

It’s true though Brett 😂

[@RawTopShot]

Loved it! No messing about, no flannel, straight facts and brilliantly put together. 😊👍❤️

[@Boatscouk]

Thank you Raw 😊

[@andyrbush]

At the Houston Boat show I was asked what I was going to use the boat for, He asked. "Maybe the Great Loop?" I replied. "Nope I'm mostly going to site on the back and drink beer after floating gently around Galveston Bay". He stepped back in surprise and said. "You are the first honest boat buyer I have met". I ended up with a Carver Santego 380. it was perfect for the task. Note I never drank before cruising, only after we got back. Mind you a lot of drunk boater got into trouble pretty much every weekend.

[@Boatscouk]

Great story - I want to do the great loop (with beer of course!) 😂

[@iamsoldats]

I always have a hard time telling a salesman how much I want to spend. The correct answer is "as little as possible" in order to get what I am looking for. Showing your hand by throwing out a number leaves no room for negotiation... or rather it gives the salesman the upper hand. It is much harder to offer 1.1M for a boat when the dealer already knows that I have 1.25M to spend. I much prefer to start out with what I am looking for, then work backwards to a price. Moreover, I have also found that knowledgeable salesmen can often surprise you with something that you never thought of. I don't want to take that 900k option that I never considered despite it being exactly what I am looking for off the table because the dealer already knows that I have much more to spend.

[@Boatscouk]

I think you have to give salesman more credit. It’s your money and you spend whatever amount you want. In the boat business we sell boats from £5k to £5m so we need to know how much you would like to spend - it’s not a trick question 😂

[@alanmoore2197]

Good & clear!

[@jacktyler7599]

Such helpful advice. I'm posting in hopes a fresh comment will resurface it in the YT algorithm. Yes, there's a certain logic NOT to reveal one's budget as given by iamsoldats (below). But a) if you can't trust him/her with that info, maybe switch brokers. And b) make your budget work FOR you. E.g.: "I'm in the 100K-130K range but want choices at both ends. And Mr. salesman, the higher priced choices will need to earn the higher end of my budget." 😁

[@ub4079]

Very practical video!!!!!! Thx

[@colinturner4158]

Very informative video and essential

[@theirishman8356]

I already know what I want. The set-up,layout and motor package is in the draft. Just get it...lol. 🛥️🛥️🛥️🇺🇸

[@johningham4942]

I love your intuitive videos James, especially when you include your "bloopers" something that you never see on other dealers blogs! 😂😂

[@Boatscouk]

I cannot show you all the bloopers 😂

[@MrChickster12]

James this is great

[@leobrown6875]

Love the videos

[@ade-1772]

Good video James and yes a good understanding of what boats you can buy for you client

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Ade 😊

[@user-nf9qg6zc2d]

Brilliant 👍

[@johnwalsh1211]

Love your channel

[@Boatscouk]

🙏

[@TikitikiNacho]

One minute ice makers are a no no. The next you need one in St Trop 🙃

[@darthkek1953]

They're a no-no in the UK.

[@TikitikiNacho]

@@darthkek1953 true that

[@lajucb]

Agh, you noticed that too. Buy a bag of ice he said! However, I just love these reviews by James. And if I had an S66 in the Med I’d want an ice maker; if I had a V40 in the UK, I’d just buy a bag of ice.

[@TikitikiNacho]

@@lajucb yeah I was too dumb to make the distinction when I was watching the video the first time 😂😂😂 Great point Christian

[@martinluke9470]

Surely the length/size of the boat is a pretty good indicator of how much they will spend? ie # meres or 30 metres, then you can tell them what the price ranges are. Most people are shy about being shafted, which is why they don't want to say how much they have to spend maybe.

[@Boatscouk]

Yes I see your point

[@richardsedorski1206]

Love your vids very interesting and informative with a good bit of humor.😎😎😎

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Richard 🙏😊👌

[@peterlewis8672]

Best one yet!

[@Boatscouk]

We do love making these. Thank you 🙏

[@darrenphillips6456]

I think spectacular is an appropriate description!!

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Darren. The bill was spectacular too 😂

[@Jeff-kw8jj]

In Seattle..we buy the boat for the slip...THEN get the real boat we want!!

[@Boatscouk]

Not in Essex , UK 😂

[@chrish2996]

A fantastic boat buyers info to help the broker find the ideal yacht. Great video thanks 😊

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Chris 😊

[@studebaker4217]

You missed the most important question: How much money, time and effort do you want to spend on MAINTENANCE EVERY YEAR?

[@Boatscouk]

Good point studebaker but it is - what it is and if you dwell too much on costs - you might not enjoy it as much as you should . As you know a good boating day can be priceless 😊

[@philself1833]

How about (thinking more for the UK here), “And I need a mooring on the South Coast please” ......... Can you magic those up as well ?

[@Boatscouk]

Yes - it’s who you know 😉

[@markastbury1890]

We know All the answers except the last but ..2 years tops but ..I ain't telling everyone else so How do I tell ya mush ? 😁👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@garybeaumont543]

When looking at a boat to buy would you be able to advise on courses required for the boat as a beginner

[@Boatscouk]

ICC from RYA is what I have 😜

[@matttheswede]

Wish i had the money for one. If i did, i would come and see you

[@Boatscouk]

Thank you . Open 7 days a week.

[@cookiemonster2299]

Informative and funny 👍 I'll make it real simple for you when my numbers come up, I want that one, it's a Princess, starts with S and ends in 78 😆🙂, cool vid 👍🇬🇧

[@Boatscouk]

Thanks Steve. Remember you don’t need to win the lottery to buy a boat from us. We can get you on the water from about £5k to £10k - click boats.co.uk 😊

[@StevenTheGeek]

@@Boatscouk I wish you could but my wife is too fussy lol

[@peterholtei7018]

Ok, here comes the ultimate challenge: I have 3 Kidz, aged 13, 14 and 17. i wanna buy a boat for next season, maybe at the late end of this season to go for cruising, sleeping on it but dont know if I should go for the Netherlands of for e.g. Croatia (or even somewhere else). Im willing to spend 150k€. I want something secure, nautical well equiped, modern technology. Any hints what I should look for? Currently, my suggestion would be a Galeon 390 Fly, made in 2007 or even later with 2 Volvo D6. Whats your guess?

[@Boatscouk]

Yes the Galeon is ideal for all your wishes

[@peterholtei7018]

@@Boatscouk problem is: you dont get a feasible one for 150k 😢😢😢

[@Boatscouk]

@@peterholtei7018 I was thinking that 😂

[@Falney]

OK. Let's give it a try. I've got £2m including the first year's costs of ownership. Looking to buy a live aboard. I am solo but I need space for a dedicated office. In the first year I intend to stay in the south of England while I learn and familiarise my self with a sea faring vessel, but then I want to start going around the world. Oh and no sails. What would you suggest. I plan on buying in about 8-12 months.

[@Boatscouk]

I would buy a Fleming 😊

[@masaiwhite5933]

surprised with that answer...pleasantly....i would 2nd that.

[@ShieldsOnTour]

Great list - will you be my broker when I change boat next year? :)

[@Boatscouk]

Yes of course ! Email [e-mail] 😊

[@frazzzz1066]

right James ive got 3 girlfriends a wife and theres 6 kids i need a quick getaway from the pontoon if i see any of them approaching without prior warning and i dont care how much it costs as itll be cheaper than divorce ?

[@Boatscouk]

😆😂

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

Number six : My inside leg measurement is 29 inches....does that help ?

[@theirishman8356]

Your short dude. 🤔🤔🤔🇺🇸

[@propertydevelopmentlive1223]

James. I know the answer to your 5 question. Please get in touch !

[@Boatscouk]

[e-mail] 👍🏻😊

[@Godofthemoon1]

People are brain dead these days.

[@pauljoseph3182]

What a load of Bollocks

[@Davidm1056]

The lying on the beds is really stupid and extremely unprofessional. ☹️

[@Boatscouk]

I was tired 😪

[@Superdada]

Actually I thought it was awesome and made me want @boats.co.Uk to be my boat dealer.

[@logicreversed18t]

But you were okay with him sitting on the toilet? Okay. No judgments. You like what you like. Way to own it.

[@TrueFilter]

How do I buy a boat say for 180k? Do I hire a sales broker to look around uk and to negotiate price?

[@Boatscouk]

Yes we can help with that 😎 email us [e-mail]