Buying a boat is an exciting investment you can enjoy for years to come. However, even if you spend hours upon hours on research, watch every video possible, and read all the reviews in the world, you may still be unsure of whether a specific model is a good fit. That's where a test drive comes in handy.
What is a Boat Test Drive?
Test driving a boat offers potential boat buyers the opportunity to see how it works before making a purchase.
A test drive can help you look beyond the specs and actually experience the vessel up close and personal. Once you take a boat out on the water, you'll feel more confident about your choice to buy it. Or, you may go the opposite route and continue your search.
Follow these seven tips to make the most out of your boat test drive and find the boat of your dreams.
Learn More: Boat Capacity Requirements
How to Prepare for a Boat Test Drive
1. Gather a List of Questions
As soon as you schedule your test drive, make a list of questions for the boat dealer. By doing this, you won't forget anything that may influence your decision to purchase the boat.
Find out the passenger and fuel capacity as well as engine power to make sure it aligns with your needs. Also, familiarize yourself with the delivery process and immediate maintenance needs. Both will be important should you decide to move forward with the boat.
Also, before the test drive, ensure that you've researched different types of boats. That way, you're educated on the vessel that you'll be seeing, and determine if it is the right vessel for your needs.
2. Make Sure Conditions are Realistic
If you only plan to use the boat for day cruising on calm waters, it doesn't make sense to test it out on choppy waters. Set up your trial so that it's in conditions that are similar to how you'll use the boat regularly. Otherwise, you'll have no way of knowing whether the vessel is right for your unique lifestyle and boating needs.
3. Ask for a Walkthrough
Before you take the boat for a spin, ask a dealer to give you a walkthrough of the boat's interior and basic features. Find out how to control direction and speed, decipher fuel levels, turn on electronics, and use safety equipment. Evaluate if the boat has ample storage compartments and other amenities that you're looking for.
This is also a great time to go through your list of questions. A preliminary walkthrough allows you to maximize your time once you're out on the water.
4. Prioritize Safety
Just because you're trying out the boat and it isn't officially yours doesn't mean you can disregard boat safety. Be sure to put on a life jacket and consider the weather conditions before you go out. Also, follow all local regulations and familiarize yourself with the location of all safety gear to keep yourself, the boat, and others safe while you're test cruising.
5. Let the Dealer Start Your Boat Ride
Once you're ready for the test drive, let the dealer drive the boat initially. This can give you the chance to learn how it's done and ask for assistance if necessary. If you're an experienced boater, you may skip this step. However, it's definitely a smart move if you're a novice and may need some extra instruction.
6. Focus on the Right Features
As soon as you're in the captain's chair, pay attention to certain features that can make or break your experience. The boat should be responsive and relatively easy to steer, especially when you have to change directions or drive through tight spaces. Gauge your comfort level while driving it when you approach waves and choppier waters.
Also, evaluate the boat's performance; look for a smooth, rather than jerky, movement. If you plan to use your boat for watersports or similar activities, the engine should be pretty strong. In addition, observe how the boat stops as it should slowly but slowly decelerate as you pull back on the throttle.
Don't forget to consider the comfort of the driver's seat, as you might spend hours on it. Ideally, the seat is adjustable with good support and an intuitive controls layout that works without any issues.
7. Perform a Post-Drive Evaluation
Your job isn't done once you complete the sea trial. Sit down and take note of your findings and experience so you can gather your thoughts and determine the next best steps.
This is also a good time to compare the boat you demoed to other models. By doing this, you can solidify your decision to take the plunge and buy or keep looking. Don't ignore your gut feeling. If something tells you the boat isn't for you, rest assured, there are countless other options out there.
Ready to Schedule a Test Drive? Check Out Discover Boating's Boat Finder and Dealer Finder Tools
The hands-on experience you'll gain from test driving a boat can help you ensure your vessel meets your standards before signing on the dotted line. After a successful test drive, you can be confident that you've found the right boat for you.
Now that you know how to test drive a boat, use our handy boat finder and dealer finder to explore various models and find dealers in your area.
Before you know it, you'll be a boat owner enjoying life on the water. Good luck with your search!
