Trade-Ins Make Boats for Sale in Kansas Dealerships More Affordable
You love your trusty boat, but there’s no denying that it’s getting old and creaky. The time has finally come to look at boats for sale in Kansas dealerships.
However, since a personal water craft costs about $18,000 on average, getting a new boat is certainly a big investment. Fortunately, you can trade in your old vessel to make the price more bearable.
If you plan to finance you next boat via a trade-in, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Shiny Boats Net Better Prices
If you want to get a good price on your boat, you’ll have to invest a little in sprucing it up. An article from DiscoverBoating.com offered a tip that applies both to sellers and to those looking to make a trade-in:
A clean and tidy boat always earns a higher selling price, so invest some time and elbow grease. Scrub the entire boat and deck with mild detergent and a soft brush. If the fiberglass finish doesn’t gleam, invest in having it buffed with rubbing compound and polished with wax. On small boats, you can do this yourself using an automotive buffing wheel. If your varnish is tired, at least one coat will restore the shine. If the teak is gray, bleach it so it looks good and perhaps oil it, too. Clean the bilge, because a musty and damp smelling boat suggests rot and decay.
Check Your Boat’s Innards Too
Your boat may look good as new, but it won’t fetch a good trade-in price if it doesn’t run properly. After spiffing up your boat’s exterior, have the engine serviced, get new filters, and have the oil replaced. Likewise, have the generator serviced, and make sure that the batteries are fully charged. Also, the dealer will want to see your vessel’s maintenance records, so prepare these documents beforehand.
Set Realistic Expectations on Price
If boaters had their way, they’d love to get a literal trade-in: their old boat for that shiny new one on the show floor. That’s not going to happen, though—the most you will get is a fair offer on your vessel, which then goes towards the price of your new boat. Consult marine bluebooks like NADA and ABOS to know how much a vessel of your boat’s model and age can go for.
Go to a Reputable Dealer
Be sure to transact only with reputable boat dealers in Kansas or those in nearby states, like White’s Marine Center in Missouri. Note that they will try to ask a discount on your boat’s trade-in price. Be flexible, though; in all likelihood, you’ll be asking for a markdown on your new vessel, too.
(Source: How to Sell Your Boat, DiscoverBoating.com)