Buying a ferry is not an easy task, and you have to navigate through a lot of difficult procedures. So, if you are considering buying ferries for sale, you will naturally have a lot of questions to ask. Moreover, it is wise to ask questions, as rushing through the process will not help. However, you must ask the right questions to the dealer; not only will that help you choose the right dealer, but it will also enable you to make the right decision. So, if you are someone who wants to know what questions you should ask the dealer, here is a blog for you to help you out.
Top 5 Questions to Ask the Dealer Before Buying a Ferry
Find out what you should ask to ensure that you make a successful purchase.
1: What Are the Warranties?
When buying a ferry for sale, one of the most important questions that you should ask is about the warranty. If you are buying a new ferry, then usually it will come with a warranty, which covers manufacturing issues and minor repairs. However, this does not imply that buying a second-hand ferry means you have to sacrifice warranty coverage. Warranties are transferrable, so you should get the details from the dealer when dealing.
Generally, when you buy a new ferry, the manufacturer will provide warranty coverage for the issues such as the electrical, plumbing, and steering systems of the ferry and other builds that the manufacturer is responsible for. You can expect that this warranty will last for one to two years. Make sure that you note down the areas that come under the coverage at the time of purchasing the ship itself. This will give you an idea of what repairs need to be made and what sort of issues you need to watch out for.
2: What Is the Ferry Made Of?
Ships are built from different materials. And, you need to know what materials are used to build the ship or ferry that you are thinking of buying. This information will help you prepare for the wear and tear that you may have to deal with later. There are generally five kinds of materials from which the boat hulls are made, for instance, wood, ferro-cement, steel, fiber glass, and aluminum.
3: Can You Take the Ferry for a Sea Trial?
Buying a ferry without a sea trial is not recommended. A sea trial is nothing but another name for a test drive. Just like you take your car for a test drive before buying it, make sure you do the same when buying a ferry for sale. If you are buying a second-hand boat, then it would be better to do the sea trial in the presence of a marine surveyor, a professional who can give you insight into the performance of the ferry on water that you can otherwise miss.
When the boat is trailing on the water, make sure to inspect it well. Walk around and give a few thumps with your fist’s bottom. The hull should make a solid sound and feel firm. Also, it is important to note that when you start the boat, it is cold. The rotating assembly should not make any rumbling sounds. Know that everything should feel perfect, and any trouble sign should be considered a deal-breaker.
4: What Is the Price of Owning a Ferry?
This is an important factor that should definitely be considered. Besides the upfront cost or the face value of the ferry, you should also be wise to note down the cost of the trailer to haul your boat to the water and back, the insurance of the boat, and the storage cost that comes with the investment. Wherever you want to dock your boat during the sailing season, for instance, if you want to dock your ferry at a marina, then you would have to pay a monthly fee for that.
5: What Financing Options Are Available?
Finally, ask the dealer about the financing options. While many dealerships have on-site financing options, this can be helpful because you can get a loan regardless of whether you are buying a new or used boat. And, if you have a trade-in, make sure to consider how much you may have to put down to make the purchase.
Conclusion
Buying a ferry is not an easy task, and one wrong step can lead to a considerable amount of loss for you. Thus, you must know about the investment that you are about to make. Remember that before you say yes to a deal, you should assess it well and then make the decision because if you buy a ferry for sale that is not in that good condition, then it can mean double expense for you as you have to repair it later. A good shipbroker can help you make the right decision and make a more-than-satisfactory purchase.
