Buying A New Boat When You Have Only Seen Pictures?

[Ren]

Has anyone purchased a new boat without ever having actually been in a like boat? What I am saying is that I am interested in a Ranger 618 but the closest dealer does not have one; is not going to get one for stock; and I do not wich to drive 1000 miles to see one "up close and personal". Any ideas? Thanks

[Mt-1]

I bought a boat via WC without having been one and it worked out just fine (knock on wood). I would however never do it again, after learning more about boat setup and what I like in boats, I would have to sit in one and check out everything before I buy. I got lucky with my purchase. Good luck.

[boat nut]

I fully agree with MT-1. I will never buy another boat without test riding in one.

[icatcher1700]

I wouldn't.

I agree with MT-1, pictures and pages of specifications simply cannot give you an accurate idea of what the boat is really like. You will always be surpeised by what you 'thought' and what the boat truly is.

My advice would be to take a trip and go to see the actual boat you will be purchasing to avoid a situation where you are unpleasantly surprised when your boat arrives.

[KDOG2]

Ren,
i just bought a new Crestliner Tournament Series 192 without ever seeing it in person.No dealers in ohio or anywhere near hear had this model on the floor.i got exact measurements and made a mock model with chairs etc.and with the pic in there catalog i got a pretty good idea what the layout was like.It worked out for me cause i love the fishability of this boat but i wouldnt reccomend when your butting this kinda ching down on a boat.GoodLuck,KeithWalters(Kdog)

[Richfish]

Go to a local tournament and check out the guys rigs.
Most pros boat are for sale, just ask them.
1000 mile trip to see one, where are you?
Maybe the guys can help you out better if you tell us what state you are in.
Some one near you might have one and take you for a ride.

[Stormsearch]

I bought a new boat last year w/o ever seeing it or a similar model. The only picture I seen of the boat was in the catalogue at the time. But, I was looking for a new boat for about 3 years when I finally traded up from a previous boat. I knew pretty much exactly what I wanted, layout, cost, etc. It came down to a couple of boats. Then I did a lot research on these few boats and couple of other sites which answered a lot of questions. From there, I asked a bunch of other questions and received a lot of help from here. After asking questions, a few fellow WC'ers sent me detailed pictures, their experiences, etc. Therefore I had a really good idea what I was getting.

I would say owning a previous boat and knowing what you are looking for helps alot. I went to a lot of boat shows, ordered all the boat catalogues and then came to this site. Rely on this site heavily and take your time.

I travelled 1400 miles one way to get my rig, it was the best thing I did to not settle for something that I could not buy locally; or at least pay an extra $3000 from a dealer who knew nothing about the boat, setup or performance.

I spent a couple of nights out of state at the dealer site to check out the rig (I didn't sign the bottom line until we went through their and my pre-check list). Then I signed and asked to have some minor modificatios to the setup. Be prepared to drive all that way to NOT bring the boat home. Do not sell yourself short. I viewed it as shopping out of state, if it worked out - great, if not then I was out some gas money and a long weekend. Get to know the dealer, ask a lot of questions. I probably have the only boat of this model in the state and it is exactly what I wanted - could not be happier (well it could be cheaper but I'm realistic at least).

Finally, bring a friend/family member with you to help you check it out. They will provide a second set of eyes. I also did not feel "outnumbered" at the dealer if an issue arose. It also makes the driving much more pleasurable and fun.

[here]

http://www.walleyecentral.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=6&topic_id=119886&mode=full