Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1059416
www.pdbmagazine.com Pontoon & Deck Boat January 2019 32 BOAT SHOW Feature | Your Boat Show Playbook Before The Show You first need to get focused and the best way to do that is to have a plan. Boat shows are great, but they can also overwhelm you with information. If you have a plan going into the convention center, it will help narrow your selection Budget How much can you really spend? Unfortunately the cost of the boat is only the beginning. You need to take into consideration dock fees, winter storage, insurance, maintenance, etc. These additional costs can add up. Plan on five to 10 percent of the purchase price for these additional expenses—annually! Knowing this up front will give you confidence while negotiating on a price. Usage What are you going to use this boat for? Get the family together and find out exactly what needs to meet. Are you planning on cruising, tubing, skiing, fishing, day tripping or all of the above? The problem with the all of above answer is you'll never be able to satisfy everyone. Be realistic and narrow your choices. Needs Create a list and compare standard equipment to options that are a must. This will help determine what you really need. If you live on a lake, then amenities like a stainless steel sink and a portable toilet might not be necessary. Your money might be better spent on a ski/tow bar for your teenage son versus a large changing room that no one will ever use. Power There are so many choices when it comes to selecting the right engine. This is a good time to ask where you plan on using the boat the most. If you have lakefront property on a two-mile lake, you probably won't need a 350hp engine. However, if you plan to hit the big lakes, maybe a larger motor would work best. At The Show While at the boat show you will see several different models of boats. Keep in mind that not every boat that the manufacturer has to offer is going to be displayed. If you see a boat you like but you're not excited about its style, ask for a brochure. The manufacturer may offer a similar boat in your price range. When you think you've found the boat for you and your family, use the following guidelines to separate the well-made from the tossed- together. The Hull Determing the quality and construction of a boat can be difficult. Some people feel that banging on the side of the boat will tell them something. The true test can be done with the eyes. Straight & True Look for a hull that is straight and even, with no dips or imperfections. Look to see if the gel coat is even and if there are any dull spots in the work. Color Bright colors stand out at a show, but on the water they tend to fade over the years. If you want a more colorful boat, look for one that concentrates color under the rubrail, where the sun will do less damage. As far as graphics, most used today YOUR PLAYBOOK By Roy Sparks T he holiday season has now passed and you're probably just starting to recover. Unless you found a boat on your driveway with a big bow on it, we'll assume that you didn't get everything on your wish list this year; not to worry. This can still be the year that you buy your dream boat. Whether searching for the perfect family pontoon or a sporty deck boat, this playbook will help you find the best boat for you. Before you make plans to hit the boat shows this winter, arm yourself with this checklist so you'll be ready to tackle the amount of information that is about to come your way.