Buying a Boat: A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a boat—especially for the first time—can feel overwhelming. There’s paperwork, legal requirements, and a sea of choices. But don’t worry! At Top Notch Marine, we’re here to make the process easy, fun, and stress-free. We’ve been helping boaters like you for over 38 years, and our goal is to guide you every step of the way.
Boating is about freedom, adventure, and fun, and we believe that buying a boat should be just as enjoyable! That’s why we created this simple guide to help you navigate the boat-buying process in Florida.
When is the Best Time to Buy a Boat?
The best deals are often found during the winter boating season. Early in the year, manufacturers offer special deals and incentives, like extended warranties and cash rebates. This is the perfect time to secure a great deal with us!
How Early Should I Order a Boat for the Season?
If you want a custom-ordered boat, start the process in January or February or if you desire a different time frame generally allow 12 to 16 weeks for delivery. This gives us time to handle ordering, pricing, and any additional add-ons like electronics or bottom paint before the season begins.
Once your boat arrives, our service team will ensure it’s fully prepped and ready to hit the water without delay!
Choosing the Right Boat
There are many types of boats, from fishing boats to pontoons and cruisers. If you’re unsure which one fits your lifestyle, visit our website tool to explore your options. You can also stop by our dealership to talk with our experts and see what’s in stock! We pride ourselves on helping you choose the right boat for your needs and budget. We have a combined 120 years experience and would love to ensure you have the best possible boat ownership experience.
Can I Try Boating Before I Buy?
Yes! We recommend renting a center console, deck or pontoon boat for a day or weekend. This lets you experience life on the water before making a purchase.
How Do I Know I’m Getting a Good Deal?
Manufacturers offer the best promotions in fall and winter—this is when you’ll find the biggest savings. Some brands, like Aquasport, Carolina Skiff, Seachaser, Crestliner, Starcraft and stingray Boats, offer no-haggle pricing on select models, ensuring you get a great value.
What Are the Costs of Boat Ownership?
Boat ownership comes with costs like maintenance, storage, and insurance. To help you budget, we offer a simple service request form on our website that provides estimated costs for:
- Regular Maintenance: 20-hour and 100-hour service, water pump replacements, and more.
- Seasonal Prep: Winterizing, bottom painting, detailing, and launching.
- Repairs & Upgrades: Electronics installation, trailer maintenance, and engine tune-ups.
Can I Buy a Boat from You If I’m Not in Florida?
Absolutely! We work with customers nationwide. If you plan to register and use your boat in Florida, we handle all the paperwork for you. If you’re from out of state, we’ll guide you through the process to make it as smooth as possible.
Do You List New & Used Boats Online?
Yes! Our inventory page is updated regularly with new, used, and brokerage boats. We thoroughly inspect and safety check every used boat before listing it, so you can shop with confidence.
What Can I Expect as a First-Time Buyer?
Buying your first boat with Top Notch Marine comes with added perks:
- Expert guidance to answer all your questions and make 100% sure you are buying the best boat to fit your needs and budget. A lot of dealers say they do this but we actually do! We are the only dealer that backs up our guidance with a money back guarantee.
- FREE On-the-water orientation to help you feel comfortable operating your new boat.
- Exclusive pricing resources to help you understand ownership costs.
What Do I Need to Do Before Taking Delivery?
1. Get Boat Insurance
You’ll need marine insurance before taking your boat home. You can often add it to your auto or home policy or purchase a separate policy through companies like Boat U.S., Allstate, State Farm, Geico or Progressive.
2. Register Your Boat
In Florida, we handle all boat and trailer registrations as well as title work for you! If you’re from another state, we’ll provide guidance to ensure a smooth registration process.
3. Obtain a Boating Safety ID (If Required)
Florida law requires a Boating Safety ID Card for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988. You can take a Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)-approved boating safety course online or in person.
Will You Provide a Temporary Plate for My Trailer?
Trailer registration is required in Florida, and we’ll help you handle it. If you pre-pay for your trailer before delivery, we can provide your registration paperwork in advance.
How Do I Pay for My Boat?
We accept cashier’s checks, bank wires, and financing. If you finance, the funds typically go directly to us from your lender. Some credit unions may give the funds to you first, in which case you’d provide us with a cashier’s check or wire transfer.
Do I Need a Boating License in Florida?
In Florida, you don’t need a boating license, but if you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you must complete an FWC-approved boating safety course and carry your Boating Safety ID Card.
At Top Notch Marine, we’re here to make boat buying easy, fun, and stress-free. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced boater, we’re excited to help you find the perfect boat for your adventures on the water!
Stop by our dealership or visit us online to start your journey today!
