Boats are a considerable investment and because of this, it is important to choose the right dealer. A reputable dealer will not only ensure that you receive a reasonable price, but also that you are taken care of with quality products and ongoing support. Brisbane is home to many marine dealerships – due in part to its close proximity to some of Australia’s best fishing and boating opportunities. Not all of these dealers offer the same quality and service, however; some less reputable Brisbane boat shops are known to charge excessive rates for products that are not of an adequate standard of quality. When you make the decision to buy a boat, you should research the options that are available to you and choose a dealer that you know will deliver what you need, for a good price.
Assess your needs and find a dealer that will meet them
Before committing to any dealer, you should first decide precisely what type of boat you are looking for. For most Brisbane boaties or fishermen, a small to medium size boat is sufficient and these boats are ideal for a number of reasons. The foremost of these is that small to medium sized boats are the most practical – they can be stored and transported on a trailer and this saves you a great deal of money in the long run. Paying for a berth at a marina is extremely expensive and sometimes boat owners can pay up to a third of the value of their boat each year, jut to store and maintain it in a marina. Additionally, larger boats do not offer any guarantee of enhanced performance. Many trailer boats are more than capable of offshore use and many offer great fuel efficiency, high speed and comfortable rides – it’s just a matter of choosing a good quality model. Most boat designs are unique and hulls are most commonly constructed from aluminium or fibreglass. Before choosing between the two, consider your priorities; fibreglass typically offers a smoother ride, whilst aluminium is usually more durable and requires less maintenance. Once you have decided upon the type of boat you require, find a boat shop that specialises in them so as to ensure that they have a good selection to choose from.
Find a dealer with a comprehensive range of services
Because boats are a long-term investment, they have the capacity to generate significant costs in upkeep. To make sure that your boat receives the best maintenance at the best rates, it is ideal to get it serviced at the same dealership from which it was purchased. Outboards motors are notoriously complex – although inboard engines aren’t any simpler – and for this reason, it is important that they are serviced by a competent outboard mechanic. Furthermore, outboards from different manufacturers are often considerably different, which means that some mechanics might not be familiar with the components of your outboard. Good boat shops stock outboards with which they are familiar and this allows them to service your outboard in a manner that ensures its reliability and longevity. The same applies for hull designs, which differ markedly from model to model. Most trailer boats are constructed from aluminium or fibreglass and both require different maintenance. For the best outcome and service, choose a dealership that not only offers the type of boat you require, but also knows what is required to maintain it. It is prudent to ask a boat shop about the maintenance necessary to keep your prospective boat in perfect condition – a good dealer will be have a wealth of knowledge and advice to share with you.