®
Fall 2025
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can be even more important when buying a used boat, because buyers don’t know what kind of life the boat has had. A dealership’s service center can clear that up with inspections and reports of those inspections.
Access to More Options and Warranty Coverage Dealerships typically offer a range of both new and used boats, all in one place. This gives buyers the flexibility to compare models, pricing, and features side-by-side. For new boats, factory warranties come standard, while some used models may include extended service plans — added protection that private sellers rarely offer; but dealerships can make that an easy step with the purchase.
SIMPLIFIED FINANCING OPTIONS
Marine lending can be complicated. Dealerships streamline the process by offering in-house financing or connecting buyers with lenders that specialize in boats. This saves time and ensures buyers get terms that suit their budget.
SEAMLESS TRADE-IN PROCESS
For those upgrading, dealerships offer a clear advantage: the ability to trade in a current boat, yes, even when buying a used boat. Rather than trying to sell the old one independently, buyers can apply its value directly toward a new or newer or different make or model—making the upgrade process much simpler.
FOR SELLERS:
NO HASSLE, NO GUESSWORK
Many dealerships offer consignments sales. The seller brings in the boat, decides on the sales price and is basically a set it and forget transaction. The dealer does the work. Selling a boat privately comes with its own set of headaches — fielding calls, dealing with no- shows, negotiating with low-ballers, and ensuring paperwork is in order. Dealerships handle all of
that, letting the seller step back while professionals manage the sale, including the DMV paperwork! More on that below.
MORE EXPOSURE AND FASTER TURNAROUND
Dealerships know how to market boats effectively. From professional cleaning and staging to photos, videos and listings across trusted sales channels, such as WesternBass, they help generate serious buyer interest and often close deals more quickly than a private sale could.
Assistance with Paperwork and Legal Compliance Selling a boat comes with paperwork—back to the DMV – title transfers, tax documentation, and sometimes smog or inspection requirements. A dealership ensures everything is filed correctly, protecting both parties from potential issues down the line.
SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE SELLERS TOO
Even if someone chooses to sell their boat privately, dealerships can still help. Many offer transaction assistance, including mechanical inspections, escrow services, and paperwork processing. Those same professional inspections, detailing and services that the dealer can help the buyer with, can be utilized by the seller prior to the private listing. Having all of this in order beforehand to show a buyer can add a layer of trust and professionalism that can make a
private-party buyer feel
more secure and help seal
the deal.
As part of the Skeeter pro team, Monroe is a trusted voice in both bass fishing and boat buying. He can be found at C&C Marine in Modesto, one of the boat dealerships in California that support WesternBass along with Anglers Marine, Limit Out and Last Chance. As always, we ask site users to support those that support us in bringing you the WesternBass.Com Magazine, site, forms and free classifieds. •
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