Trial by Sea: Boat Dealers in Nebraska Gives Sea Trial Tips for Buyers

Buying a boat is much like buying a car. It doesn’t matter if it’s new or used; you have to take out for a spin to test its seaworthiness. During the test drive, buyers will have to evaluate the boat’s capacity from speed and maneuverability to ride quality and onboard systems. This is known as a sea trial.

Boats are huge investments, and thus you should never say “Yes” to a deal without conducting a sea trial. Here are some handy tips from reputable boat dealers in Nebraska like White’s Marine Center for serious buyers out there.

Do Your Homework

Just because it’s your right to take the boat out for a ride before you buy, doesn’t mean that you should sea trial every boat that has a “For Sale” sign on it. Not only will that be a complete waste of your time but you might also get on your dealer’s nerves. Before you set out to sea trial a boat, you should already know what to look for. Research on the different types of boats for sale in Nebraska, and take note of aspects such as horsepower, engines, manufacturers, models, size, and even the price range that would fit your budget beforehand.

Exterior and Interior

Give the boat you are buying a good look from the exterior to the interior over before you cast off. If you are a seasoned sailor who knows his way around boats, you should do fine inspecting the boat all by yourself. Bring along someone who really knows boats if you are buying for the first time. While you are inspecting the boat, take this opportunity to ask the seller or dealer important questions.

Take the Helm

Normally, sellers will give buyers an opportunity to take the helm and steer the ship if they have boating experience. On the water is where you really want to test the boat, hence the term sea trial.  While you are steering, you should get a good idea of quality of the boat’s power, marine electronics, stability, fuel burn rate, visibility from the helm, roll period, ride quality when going to the sea and back, and other boat features. Your time steering the wheel might be limited, though, so try to make the most of it and take a mental note of anything you notice.

Sources
How to Sea-Trial a Boat, Boating Magazine
How To Conduct A Sea Trial, Boats.com