Can you envision yourself captaining your own boat this summer? Here in Delafield, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by many pristine bodies of water, not the least of which is massive Lake Michigan – a boat-lover’s dream. If you’re in the market for a new watercraft, you’ll no doubt want to add it to your list of places to visit, whether for fishing, cruising, skiing, or sailing. Although boating season may still be a few months away, ‘tis the season for boat shows, and we here at Billy Brown Insurance want to help you make the most of your shopping experience. Continue reading to learn how you can find the right boat to suit your family’s needs and protect it for years to come.
Boat Type
You’ll have many different types of boats to choose from at the boat show. In fact, some Wisconsin shows feature hundreds of boats in one place. It would be impossible to tour every one of them in a single day. What you can do, however, is narrow down your preferences before you start to shop. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you intend to entertain people on your boat?
- Will you spend most of your time fishing, or do you simply want the option to fish?
- Are you or a member of your family interested in water sports?
- Do you like the challenge of sailing?
- Do you have room to store a large boat, or will you need to find alternative storage?
These types of questions can provide direction in your search for your next boat. They can help you determine if you need a large boat, or if a small one will suit you fine. They can also give you insight into the type of boat you might need. Some of the more popular choices include:
- Catamarans
- Bass boats
- Ski boats
- Personal watercraft
- Bowriders
- Pontoons
- And more
Budget
Boats are not inexpensive. Not only is there a steep entry point with the initial price, but there are also maintenance and repair costs that continue so long as you own your watercraft. Be sure to budget for every possibility when making your purchase. Keep in mind that used boats are more affordable, but they are at higher risk of mechanical failure. If you opt for a new boat instead, you might pay for the watercraft, but you’ll also benefit from a warranty and dealer benefits that may take care of any out-of-pocket expenses.
Dealer Research
Choosing a dealer is not as simple as finding a great deal. There will likely be many different dealers at any boat show you attend. Do your research to find out which ones have a good reputation and which ones have negative reviews from past customers. When you are making a purchase as big as a boat is, you only want to work with companies that are known for their honesty, reliability, and customer service.
Don’t Forget the Boat Insurance
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a boat and completely forget about insurance until it’s time to get out on the water. That could be a big mistake – especially if you are relying on your home insurance to cover any damages that could happen during transport or storage. The truth is homeowners coverage for watercraft is highly restrictive and may not extend to a boat of your size or motor at all.
Don’t risk losing your investment. Contact the team here at Billy-Brown Insurance to discuss your options for coverage. We can help you find a boat insurance policy that is personalized to your needs and risk profile, with coverage for:
- Boat damages
- Personal property
- Special equipment
- Passenger injuries
- Towing and special assistance
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- And more
For more information or to request your free Wisconsin boat insurance quotes, contact our office today.
