By definition, a Marina is on the water already. If your talking about a
marine dealer off the water, they probably won't allow a test drive unless
they have a demo model and then they will take it to the lake and launch w/
you. If used, then you will probably have to haul yourself.

Most dealers don't allow test drives on new boats since they have to install
a battery, fuel, oil, and check out first. Then if you don't buy it, they
have a used battery, engine w/ fuel that has to be conditioned and possible
winterized. You might actually be an honest person who is ready to buy
based on the ride but a lot of people just want a ride knowing that they
really want something else.

--
Tony
my boats and autos - http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com


"alincoln" wrote in message
om...
Hi all,

New to the boating scene. I am in the market for a bowrider, 18-19'.
I have been reading all the literature I could find and have been
walking thru marinas over the last month. I have one question posted
already on boat manufacturers and materials they use, but another
question has come up...

Now that I'm ready to start test-drives on these things, what can I
expect from the marina/sales team. For instance, am I required to
have a vehicle with the trailer hitch so I can tow the boat to a boat
launch? Or is that something the marina should be doing? Or does it
vary depending on how much money you're spending on the boat?

thx,

adym

Any boat dealer that is near the water and will not allow you to take a
test drive should be avoided. I have not found one that was not willing
to drag a model that I was intested in to the nearest lake for a test
run. (except one)

Capt Jack R..

Tony Thomas wrote:

By definition, a Marina is on the water already. If your talking about a
marine dealer off the water, they probably won't allow a test drive unless
they have a demo model and then they will take it to the lake and launch w/
you. If used, then you will probably have to haul yourself.

Most dealers don't allow test drives on new boats since they have to install
a battery, fuel, oil, and check out first. Then if you don't buy it, they
have a used battery, engine w/ fuel that has to be conditioned and possible
winterized. You might actually be an honest person who is ready to buy
based on the ride but a lot of people just want a ride knowing that they
really want something else.