Advice with buying new boat

[tltrsvp]

Hey guys,
I'm looking to buy a 2009 challenger 180 se with 255 hp and recently went to my local dealer. He had one in stock and offered me a great price. The boat was still wrapped in plastic so we scheduled a date for me to come and look at the boat minus the plastic. Everything looked great but here is my question: Is it common to take the boat for a test drive (sea trial) prior to buying? I know that must seem like a dumb question as someone should always take a car out prior to buying but am not sure that this is still true for boats. I am a first time buyer and have not asked the dealer yet ( I will but wanted to hear from you guys first). What is the proper procedure for this? Thanks!

 

[rdollie]

Yes, it is common to insist on a sea trial. Some dealerships will only do it as a condition of sale as they only want to invest in committed buyers but in this economy it shouldn't take much to convince a salesman to meet you at a boat ramp with a boat if it isn't too far from the dealership.

Don't be afraid to have a condition of a successful seatrial written into the sales contract if you can't get a test before you're ready to buy. I've done this not just for sea trial but also for garage fit (good thing as I realized I couldn't quite fit the boat in the garage so waited a few months longer and bought a bigger boat since I'd have to pay for storage anyway.)