Boat Dealership near Houston, TX
With a wide selection of boats from a variety of manufacturers, Boats Etc. is guaranteed to have just what you need; whether you're riding in the bay, lake, or ocean! Make the trip to our location in La Porte, TX, near Pasadena, Pearland, and Beaumont and we'll show you why we're the best boat dealer in Texas!Boat Buying Guide
There are many questions to consider when buying a boat: should you buy, lease, or finance? What type of boat suits your needs? What kind of a license do you need? Luckily, at Boats Etc., we've got you covered. We have the best selection of boats for sale near Houston, TX! Visit us today at our dealership in La Porte, TX and see for yourself.
Financing Options
Despite being a little spendy, boats can actually be quite affordable. Consider all the things you would spend money on throughout the month; family vacations, activities, dining out, morning coffee trips, etc. You can easily take those things you'd typically spend money on throughout the month and put it towards financing a boat! To stretch your money even further, you can consider buying a used boat as well for extra savings. If you're looking to finance, you can do so with a boat dealer or a marine lender. Many boat dealers offer in-house financing options through a financial specialist. There are also financing options available through the National Marine Lenders Association, a national organization of marine lending specialists that know the ins and outs of the boat business and can give you competitive, easy financing options.
Size and Activities
If you're looking to purchase a boat, you have to consider what you'll use your boat for. The two main factors to consider are the size of the boat and activities you'll use it for. Do you typically travel and vacation with lots of people? Chances are you'll want a larger boat. If you do decide on a larger boat, you'll need an equally large vehicle to be able to tow all that extra weight. Typically, a big diesel truck is required to tow a 40-foot race boat, but an SUV or pickup with a V6 or V8 engine should do the job for other boats. What type of location will you be primarily driving the boat? Large bodies of water will benefit from a bigger boat and smaller waterways will benefit from a smaller boat. Storing your boat in a marina? The size of the boat will directly affect the monthly storage costs. The activities you plan to perform also impact the type of boat you'll purchase. If you primarily plan on fishing, then go with a fishing boat. Cruising or doing more recreational activities? Go with a boat with more storage and versatility.
License and Learning to Drive
A boat license is required to drive a boat in 41 U.S. States as well as Canada. However, if you are a certain age and can show proof of completing a boater-safety course, you may not need a boat license. A boater-safety course may also be beneficial as it can reduce your boat insurance rates. Learning to drive a boat is very similar to learning how to drive a car. New boaters should start off slowly and gradually learn new things as they improve. Despite being similar to driving a car, it's a bit different as there are no painted lines on the water. You're also driving on an ever-changing and uneven surface of water. The current of the water, as well as wind strength and direction, can also affect how a boat is driven. That's why it's recommended to start with a boater-safety class that covers all the basics of boat driving.
Ready to buy a boat? Browse all our inventory at Boats Etc. in person. You won't find a better selection of boats for sale near Houston, TX! Our friendly, customer-centered staff are ready to help find the boat that's right for you! Stop by our dealership in La Porte, TX today.
