| For many years, when you want to buy a used | | | | probably avoid this source. |
| boat, you went to used boat dealers. However, | | | | The Best Kept Secret for Used Boats |
| this is not the best place to buy a used boat any | | | | This is probably the best way to buy a used boat. |
| longer. There are many dealers that are going out | | | | Many of the boats sold at auction are |
| of business because they cannot move their | | | | repossessions, seizures, or surplus. Many |
| inventory or compete with the other | | | | government agencies sell these types of boats at |
| money-saving sources available to consumers | | | | auction and for much less than the retail value. |
| today. | | | | Some are sold for 20 to 60 percent of the boat's |
| Why You Should Stay Away from Dealers | | | | value. |
| Many of the dealers today are selling boats at | | | | Federal, state, and local agencies must sell these |
| huge markups because they are trying to recoup | | | | boats to avoid costly storage charges or because |
| money during the periods of slow sales. In years | | | | they want to recoup some of their investment. |
| past, selling several boats during a week's time | | | | You can find boats at some of these government |
| allowed for discounts for consumers. However, | | | | auctions with a starting bid of only $100. |
| with sales falling, the dealers are holding firm on | | | | The best part about these types of auctions is |
| prices in order to compensate for slower sales. | | | | that many people don't even know about them. |
| Other Sources for Used Boats | | | | This means you are competing with fewer |
| There are many other places where you should | | | | bidders, which ultimately results in a lower final |
| start your search for a great deal on a boat, | | | | price. |
| other than used boat dealers. Searching your local | | | | In Closing |
| classifieds is a good place to start, if no more | | | | While used boat dealers may have been the best |
| than to get a good idea of what some boats are | | | | source in the past, this is simply not the case any |
| sold for today. However, buying from an owner | | | | longer. You may want to look into some of the |
| has its drawbacks as well. | | | | websites that offer current listings for boat |
| You might wonder whether an owner will be | | | | auctions, both in your area and across the |
| forthcoming about why they are selling the boat. | | | | country. These are complete databases full of |
| This can really add up in repair bills if the owner | | | | auctions and can save you a bunch of money in |
| hid any problems. Unless you are completely | | | | the long run. |
| comfortable buying from a stranger, you should | | | | |