A new boat is your ticket to enjoying the freedom of the water and creating lasting memories with family and friends. Before investing in a new or used boat, there are several factors to consider before making your purchase. Visit Bretz RV & Marine in Montana or Idaho, and our sales team will help guide you through the process of deciding which boat is right for you.
What are you using it for?
The type of boat that’s best for you depends on what activities you mainly plan to use it for. If you’re looking for a boat with plenty of space on board for all the family, then check out our inventory of pontoon boats. For keen anglers, our varied selection of fishing boats and bass boats offer flat casting decks and storage for all your rods and tackle.
If you need speed for high-octane water sports like waterskiing or wakeboarding, one of our sports boats will give you the adrenaline-fuelled power you want. It’s important to choose the right boat for your lifestyle and what you plan to do in the water. At Bretz RV & Marine, we have a wide range of boat styles, and we can help you with your voyage of discovery.
Main Types of Boats
Our inventory includes a variety of boats to suit every budget and lifestyle. Here we look at the main types of boats you can choose from:
Pontoon Boats
One of the most popular types of leisure craft is the pontoon boat because of its versatility. Pontoon boats come in various sizes to suit your family’s needs. You can use these vessels for day cruising, swimming, water sports, fishing, or just relaxing on the water.
Fishing Boats
When you’re looking for a fishing boat, you have several options. While intended for anglers, an all-purpose fishing boat is adaptable enough for any type of boating adventure. Aluminum fishing boats offer rugged versatility that lets you navigate through obstacle-strewn shallows in search of fish.
Bass boats are especially effective for hooking and reeling in bass. They have raised casting decks and plenty of stowage for your angling rods and tackle. If you like to vary your water activities, with a fish and ski boat, you can enjoy angling, water sports, and day cruising all on the same day in one family-friendly boat.
Sport Boats
The wide range of sports boats for sale offers varying water-borne capabilities. They can be used for day cruising, towable water sports, or arriving in style at a waterfront restaurant. Often a favorite for new boat owners, a bowrider is versatile and has space for family and friends. If you want to bring along more people, a deck boat offers larger deck space and plenty of seating. They can even be equipped with a small galley and head compartments.
New or Used
One of the first decisions you need to make when embarking on your boat-buying adventure is whether to purchase a new boat or a pre-owned vessel, and there are pros and cons with both options. With a new boat, you have the pleasure of knowing you’re the first owner and it is in pristine condition with all the equipment working perfectly. You can choose the options you want to suit your family’s needs. You also get new boat warranty coverage for peace of mind. Not everyone has the budget or inclination to buy new and they may choose to buy a used boat.
The immediate advantage of a pre-owned boat is the lower purchase price. You can get more boat for your money, or you’ll have cash for extra accessories, fishing gear, and travel. If a boat you like doesn’t have the equipment you want, you’ll need to add it at extra cost. Because a used boat depreciates slower than a new one, you’ll get more of your money back if you decide to sell it.
What to Look for in a Used Boat?
If you’re taking the first steps to becoming a boat owner by looking at a used boat, there are several things you should do before you part with your cash. It’s a good idea to inspect the boat’s overall condition. Walk around the boat and check for general damage to any deterioration or signs of trauma.
Look for cracks above and below the waterline and check the vessel’s gel coating for blistering. On the inside, check for mold or mildew on the boat’s upholstery, carpets, and storage areas. If there’s minor damage that can be easily and economically rectified, you may be OK to go ahead, but if the damage is more significant, you might want to look at a different boat.
Can I Check a Boat’s Blue Book Value?
Kelley Blue Book is great for getting a car’s value, but it doesn’t provide used boat values. While it’s pretty easy to get a car’s ownership, service, and accident history, it’s more difficult for boats. Its condition can depend on the climate if it has mostly been used in salt or freshwater, whether it was kept in the water or on land, and in the open or under cover.
At Bretz RV & Marine, we inspect every pre-owned boat that comes to us to ensure it meets our high-quality standards before we sell it. However, you can pay a professional boat surveyor to carry out a boat assessment. They’ll analyze every aspect of the boat to establish a valuation.
Ready to Make Your Boating Dreams Come True?
Whatever your boating needs, you’ll be able to find a new or used boat to fit your lifestyle at Bretz RV & Marine. Browse our inventory online or come visit us to check out our selection of new boats for sale today. We offer personalized assistance and a streamlined purchase process to get you closer to enjoying the freedom and adventure of owning a boat and turning your dreams into a reality.
