You are going to buy a new inflatable boat. Either you can’t find what you want or just prefer not to buy a used boat. This decision has the advantage of not having to worry about the condition; it’s a brand new boat. The process is easier, and you’ll get a warranty that will cover any troubles you may run into. At least the brand names give one, be careful when buying an off-brand “bargain.”
Why to Buy a Brand Name – A Case History (with all names changed to protect Harry)
Harry Clifford has bought a brand new Bombablaster 15 off the floor at a boat show. It really wasn’t exactly what he thought he wanted, but he found the deal too good to let go by: One half off the original retail price (a 50% sale), a five-year-warranty, instant financing, and it came with a free beer cooler.
A problem arose when Harry found the standard foot pump useless. He pumped one seat in a half hour. For an extra $122.50 plus shipping and handling, he added a working manual pump with an optional booster. Harry thought well, it means his sneakers will last longer.
The second conundrum emerged when Harry deflated his new boat and tried to put it back in its very own storage bag. The manufacturer had not been completely honest about the compact feature. It was impossible. Harry thought well, he had plenty of room, so no real problem.
When Harry took the inflated boat on the water for the first time, it was apparent that the engine, which the manufacturer had rated up to 10 hp wasn’t adequate and even his 9 hp Evinrude motor made his new boat squat in the water, as though it had an ocean liner’s anchor. Even worse, when he opened the throttle, Harry was horrified when the bow rose up so that the boat was practically vertical and considering a backwards somersault. Harry had to have a longer throttle extension, reaching to the bow where he operated the boat and had to stand to keep it in the water.
Harry, a clearly adaptable guy, tolerated his inflatable boat’s “eccentricities,” through the entire season. But he did seriously claim, all summer, that he was possessed by demons, out for his immortal soul.
When the second season began, Harry went to his Bombablaster 15 to unroll it for the first trip of the season. He was unnerved to find that the seam that connected the starboard to the floor had practically disintegrated, so the two would be disconnected.
That was it for our patient, fix-it-guy, Harry. He blew up like his boat and wrote a long and courteous letter to the distributor, asking him where, because of his 5-year warranty, he should take his boat. A month later, with no response, Harry phoned the number on the sales receipt. When the recording told him that the number had been disconnected, life changed for Harry. He still possesses the evil boat, but Harry has become an avid golfer.
Unfortunately, Harry’s experience happens frequently to new boat buyers. It’s an extremely competitive business, with inflatable boat companies coming and going (or disappearing) regularly. The reliable, long-term brand name companies that you are familiar with are the successful ones, and are holding on to their position in the market. These are the ones to patronize, and you’ll get some responsible tips and information along with a sturdy, well-constructed inflatable boat, with a warranty.
Should you be confident you’ve purchased a boat outside the U.S.A. whose company has been around, and has a good reputation in Europe, remember the real responsibility for the boat lies with the importer. If the company goes out of business, I guarantee your imported boat will disappear.
Basically, the best advice is to determine what you want to spend (with a little leeway) on an inflatable boat, and start with a well-known brand name company.
For further information about buying a new inflatable boats visit:
http://www.inflatable-bo...atable-boat/default.php
