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10 Important Questions to Ask at your Local Boat Show

Feb. 6 2026 Boat Buying & Ownership By Captain's Marine

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* two minute read *

Attending Boat Shows is an exciting way to meet your local dealers, but if you intend on buying,
it's important to come prepared with the questions that actually help you GET TO KNOW who you'll be relying on.

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The Boat-Buying Experience is Different from Buying Other Vehicles
Boats are individually crafted, which means they require:
• Expert and specific care and upkeep
• Routine preventative maintenance
• A hands-on team who will be there (and fast), if something goes wrong
Your time on the water is limited! Having a reliable crew to solve your problems quickly should be top priority.

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You Already Know the Standard Questions to Ask
Which are usually: "What brands do you carry" and "Why should I buy at the Boat Show"
• Captain's Marine carries a boat for every buyer, and
• You should buy a the Boat Show because
A) It guarantees you're prepared in advance for summer, and 
B) It saves you money with dealer and manufacturer incentives.

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But we need to get down to the nitty gritty questions, the stuff that really matters - so we present you with:

10 Important Questions to Ask at your Local Boat Show

PEOPLE & RELATIONSHIPS:
1. What does follow-up support look like after the sale? 
2. Who will I be working with after I buy? (You should meet the Sales, Service, & Parts people who will guide you)

SERVICE:
3. What does the service experience look like after the sale and do you offer a concierge style service?
4. Do you have an in-house service department? How big is it? How many certified marine technicians do you have on staff?
5. What are your turnaround times during peak season?
6. Will I get priority service as a customer who bought from you and what does that mean?
7. How long has your Service Team been here?

DELIVERY
8. Will I receive a full walkthrough and on-water orientation?

PARTS:
9. Do you carry the parts and accessories I need to enjoy my boat (or am I going to have to order them online)?

REPUTATION:
10. What's your reputation and what does the local boating community have to say about you?

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BONUS EXCLUSIVE RESOURCE:
Click the Image Below to Download our Printable Dealer Scorecard
Print it out, bring it to the boat show, and see who checks off all your boxes!