Ready to take the leap and purchase your very first Legend Boat? We’ve compiled all of the best tips so you’ll have everything you need to know at your fingertips. In this blog, we cover everything from the Legend Boats buying experience including shopping, financing, and everything in between. 

Smart Boat Buying Practices 

When you begin your shopping experience, we recommend narrowing down the type of boat you’re shopping for. While we carry a wide range of family and fishing boats, pontoon boats, and deck boats, knowing your boating lifestyle will help you choose the perfect boat type for you and your family. 

If you’re a family of anglers, our family and fishing boats will be perfect for you. Maybe you want space to entertain, relax, and enjoy watersports; one of our pontoons will wow you. Looking for something that’ll satisfy your need for an adrenaline rush with watersports? One of our deck boats will be ideal. Of course, if you want a little bit of everything, we have models to suit every lifestyle. 

Budgeting

Knowing your budget will help you narrow down your boat even further. You can get pre-approved for financing through your dealership. Our Legend Boats dealerships work with ToyLoan. Through them, you can get more information, including your interest rates, loan terms, and anything that could affect your approval. 

Once you know what your approximate weekly/bi-weekly/monthly payments will be, you can further plan your finances. Some things that we recommend considering include: insurance, maintenance, accessories, storage, and transportation. To protect your investment, we recommend seasonal maintenance, including Winterization and Spring Start-Up. In the winter, if you don’t have a designated space, you might consider paying to store your boat with your local Legend dealer. 

 

Financing 

Financing a boat is a little different than financing a car! It’s important to know what to expect before diving in. The first thing to note is that boat loans often exist over longer terms. Typically, you’re looking at about 20 years–which is why monthly payments can be relatively low. However, interest rates on boats do tend to be a little higher than interest rates on cars. This is because boats are viewed as higher-risk than cars. Unlike car loans, boat loans do often require a down-payemnt of approximately 10-20%. 

Recreational Loan specialists like ToyLoan, that have been around since 1994, can offer Tailored Financing Options, Faster Approvals, Higher Approval Rates, and Budget Friendly Terms. 

Can you finance through your bank? The short answer is yes. However, it’s important to note that financing through your dealership offers a number of perks. These include convenience, better rates, and pre-existing relationships with lenders. 

 

Warranty 

Our infamous 6-Year WOWranty is customized for every boat type. Our boats aren’t all made the same, so the warranty shouldn’t be the same. The 6-Year WOWranty on our all-welded family and fishing boats, riveted family and fishing boats, pontoon boats, and deck boats all look just a little different. This ensures you’re getting the coverage you need based on the boat you purchase. Explore more about our 6-Year WOWranty online. 

 

Why do Warranties Matter When Buying a Boat?

Peace of mind for future resale value: A good warranty can significantly boost your boat’s resale value. Prospective buyers are more likely to pay a better price for a boat with remaining warranty coverage, especially if it shows the boat was well-maintained and protected under the manufacturer’s plan. Plus, our warranty is also transferable to the second owner! 

Financial Protection: Warranties can shield boat owners from the potentially high cost of repairs and replacements, especially for major components like engines, which can be expensive to fix or replace. Instead of facing sudden, out-of-pocket costs, you’ll have predictable protection against mechanical failures. Plus, at Legend Boats, you have an expert team supporting you. 

Peace of Mind: Knowing that certain repairs are covered by warranty can alleviate stress and worry about unexpected expenses, allowing boat owners to fully enjoy their boating experience. Whether you’re out fishing or entertaining guests, you can relax knowing you’re protected.

Coverage for Defects: Warranties typically cover defects in materials or premature failure of major components. The warranty will ensure that everything is functioning as it should. This means you can be back on the water in  your Legend Boat in no time. 

Manufacturer Warranty or Third-Party Warranty? 

Manufacturer Warranty: Directly backed by the boat maker, these warranties often provide the most comprehensive and seamless coverage. Repairs are typically done at authorized dealers using genuine parts, and there’s often better clarity around what’s included.

Third-Party Warranty: These can be a useful option when buying used or when a manufacturer warranty has expired. However, coverage can vary greatly, and you’ll want to read the fine print carefully. Claims may take longer to process, and not all repair shops may be covered.

 

Why Should You Buy from a Dealer? 

Advantages of buying from a dealer

1. Professionally inspected boats: Boats at a dealership go through rigorous inspections to ensure they meet quality standards before hitting the showroom floor.
2. Access to new and used inventory with verified history: You’ll be able to choose from a range of boats with known service histories and previous ownership details—no guessing games.
3. Full-service support (parts, maintenance, warranty help): Dealerships often provide one-stop service, from repairs and upgrades to warranty assistance, making ownership easier.
4. Financing and insurance options on-site: Get tailored financing solutions and insurance packages right where you shop—often with better terms than a bank or third party.
5. Guidance from knowledgeable staff who can match boats to lifestyle needs: Buying a boat isn’t one-size-fits-all. Dealers can help match you with the boat that truly suits your hobbies, family size, and watersport goals.

 

Risks of buying private

1. No guarantees or warranties: Private sales typically offer “as-is” purchases, which means you’re on your own if something goes wrong after the sale. Without a dealership backing your purchase, you will have no way of ensuring that your purchase is credible or without problems. 
2. Risk of hidden damage, mechanical issues, or outstanding liens: Without a proper inspection or legal vetting, you may unknowingly inherit costly problems or even debt tied to the boat.
3. No financing support (cash or personal loan needed): You’ll have to handle financing independently, which can limit options and lead to higher interest rates. When you purchase through a dealership, there will be several options that 
4. Limited recourse if something goes wrong after purchase: With no seller accountability, you have fewer options for resolving disputes or defects discovered after the sale. Once the boat is in your possession, it becomes entirely your responsibility to maintain. 

What to Expect When Buying your Legend Boat

1. Initial consultation (discussing needs and budget): You’ll start by speaking with one of our knowledgeable Memory Makers who will ask about your lifestyle, boating goals, and budget range to help narrow down options. While you might have an idea of which model you want, our Memory Makers will ensure that the boat you choose is the perfect match for your lifestyle. 
2. Choosing the right boat with expert help: With a curated lineup of models, the team will guide you through features, specifications, and comparisons to find the boat that’s just right for you and your family. We’ll even help you add accessories like additional fish finders, a trolling motor, or even downriggers. 
3. Financing application (if needed): If you’re financing, this is where you’ll complete paperwork and explore the best terms and options available to you. You’ll work alongside an expert Business Office Manager to decide on insurance, additional warranties, and more. 
4. Final walk-through and paperwork: Before you sign, you’ll go over the full specs of your chosen boat, review warranty details, and ensure everything is clear and documented.
5. Handover and orientation to learn the boat features: Once the paperwork is complete, you’ll receive the keys and a full walkthrough of your boat’s features, controls, and maintenance tips. This ensures a smooth start to your boating season! 

 

The Legend Boats Experience

Buying a Legend Boat is about so much more than the boat itself. It’s about the boat buying experience we provide to our customers. From the minute you walk through the doors, or fill out an inquiry form online, our team becomes dedicated to helping you create a lifetime of memories. 

Boating is a way to hang out with the people you love, indulge in some quiet time, or achieve some personal best catches. Those early morning sunrises, and afternoons spent soaking up the warmth of the day are the moments we live for. 

Let’s start creating memories together.