Boat Buying Tips

Buying a boat is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming! With so many available options, it can be tough knowing where to start.

Here at Clews and Strawbridge, we love helping families find their perfect boat. Read on for tips on narrowing down your search - and don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized shopping advice!

Think About the Features

You’ll want to consider both the features you think will make your voyages safer and more enjoyable based on the way you plan to use your boat.

For example:

• Fishing enthusiasts can opt for amenities like livewells, rod holders, and lockers.
• Casual cruisers will want to focus on seating configurations, entertainment systems, and so on.
• Watersports enthusiasts like water skiers and wake surfers will prefer boats that can hit high speeds and generate a large sized wake.

Set a Budget

Boats come with various distinct price tags. That's why setting a budget is crucial and helpful. You’ll want to consider how much you can spend on a boat without making too many financial adjustments and factor in costs, such as registration, insurance, fuel charges, and accessories. This will help you make a more realistic estimation. If you want to stretch the dollar, consider purchasing a quality pre-owned boat.

Consider the Size

Your ideal boat size depends on a variety of factors. 

For example:

• How many people do you hope to host on board? 
• What size boat do you feel comfortable controlling?
• How much weight can your tow vehicle handle transporting the boat to the launch pad or to storage?

If you aren’t sure what size best suits your needs, the experts at Clews and Strawbridge are here to help. Tell us about your ideal boating lifestyle and we can recommend compatible models. Our dealership is located in Frazer, Pennsylvania, and we also serve those in Philadelphia and West Chester.