Miami Boat Dealership

Go to a boat show: All of the dealers will have a presence at the boat show and you can compare them side by side. Of course, who you work with relies almost solely on the manufacturer they sell for, but if there is overlap then you can evaluate the other services they provide all at once. FLIBS is the best boat show in the world so definitely worth a visit.
Make sure the dealer has a good service department: This is critical. If they can’t repair your boat then you may not want to buy from them. After-sale support is often an after-thought even though buying a boat is like getting married. If you want to have a successful relationship with your boat then you need to make sure it’s adequately cared for and maintained or else it will end up breaking all the time and being unusable.
Research the make and model you want: Research the makes and models of boats you want on the manufacturer website and also take a look at the motor options. If you present this knowledge upfront, you are much less likely to be taken advantage of, but it will also help the dealer determine what the right boat for you is. The research does not have to be too extensive, but general knowledge of the different hull and engine models and the pros and cons of each will be helpful.
Buy in the winter: During the off season, you are much more likely to get favorable pricing because demand is typically low. Take the northeast for example, the boating season only lasts four to five months, and the rest of the year the dealer has inventory that they can’t get rid of.
Find a dealer close to you: Proximity ensures that the dealer can service your boat and that transportation costs will be limited, if any. They will also know what the best boats and engines are for your area.

FINDING A BOAT DEALER IN MIAMI

There is no easier place on earth to find a boat dealer than in south Florida, specifically the area around Miami. Typically, your marina manager will be able to direct you to the right place or your marina may have a dealership. It all depends on the type of boat you’re looking for. If you can’t find a dealer near your marina, then all that you need to do is consult the manufacturer website of the boat you’re looking for. The dealer locator on the manufacturer website will show you the location of all the dealers. Outside of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale will have the highest concentration of boat dealers. You’ll want to make sure that they have a good reputation and a good service department so that they can take care of any warranty work on your boat. If you are outside Miami, then you can go to the Mariner Exchange Dealership Search Page and enter in your location to search for boat dealers near you. Jupiter, Vero Beach, Palm Beach, Hollywood, Coral Gables, and really anywhere in south Florida will be good places to look.

WHY BUY FROM A BOAT DEALER?

Brand Knowledge: The boat dealer will be an expert in the type of boat you buy. They will be able to tell you all of the idiosyncrasies and help you find the right model for you and your family. You should do your own research prior to engaging a dealer, but they can help you cross the finish line with the right boat since they have access to the latest and greatest from the manufacturer.
Clean Service Slate: When you buy a new boat, it shouldn’t have any service issues. A used boat may have a dark past that the seller hid from you and thus could turn into a money pit. Manufacturers also cover new boat sales with a warranty which will save you a lot of headaches.
Warranties: The dealer will actually perform the warranty work for you and handle the billing with the manufacturer. This can save you a lot of headaches so make sure you’re working with a dealer that has a great service department.
Customization: If your dream boat isn’t on the showroom floor, you can order it through the dealer. They’ll be able to order you one from the manufacturer that has all of the bells and whistles that you want. Often, you can get better prices on custom orders as well since they won’t have to inventory or finance the boat. However, that discount depends on just how many customization requests you make.
Loans: If you are planning to finance your purchase, the dealer can typically help. They will have relationships with marine financing companies and you can often take care of everything right on the showroom floor.