Townsend, Montana
Boat buying tips from a pro
Walleye pro Dale Gilbert, of Ulm, MT |
When someone asks me about buying a boat, Townsend Marine and Lund are my first two thoughts. From about 30 years of personal experience in buying and selling my own boats, I can tell you that I have never dealt with a better dealer than the folks at Townsend Marine. One of the things that I appreciate most about Townsend Marine is that they are not going to sell something that isn't the way it should be. I learned the hard way that it is easy to cut corners and save a few bucks - that in the long run cost you a lot more. Townsend Marine will not cut those corners.
I also greatly appreciate the folks in the service department/shop at Townsend Marine. They are top notch and do a great job of taking care of their customers. They strive to do the best possible job they can in getting the job done and your boat back on the water.
Sometimes, I used to check with the shop and see what the guys that work on the stuff say about what is good to buy or not. What's great about Townsend Marine is that Brian and Dave both started in the shop and know the products they sell, inside and out. They can help you make good choices when it comes to buying a boat package.
In the marine business there is a very high rate of businesses that are here today and gone tomorrow. Townsend Marine has been around for a lot of years and is here to stay. They have received the prestigious "Presidents Award" from Lund in years past by being one of the best Lund dealers in the country. One of the reasons for this is their commitment to excellence in customer service. Service is as important as the product itself. From what I have seen, Townsend Marine not only sells the best product, but also provides some of the best customer service you can get when it is needed.
Tips on buying a new boat1) Buy from a reputable dealer - one who can service what they sell.Like Townsend Marine
2) Buy a Lund. I have had Lund boats for about 30 years. I have never sold any of the Lund boats I have had over the years without feeling some remorse at not having it any more. I have been around a lot of other boats and frankly I don't think there is a better boat made.
3) When you shop - make sure to compare apples to apples. What may seem like a minor difference can make a big difference in what you really get.
4) Buyer beware on cutting corners to save a couple hundred dollars. Saving $200 by getting a little lighter trailer can end up costing you a lot in the end with ruining tires to fixing bent axles, etc.
5) Because of the miles we travel here in MT - get a good trailer.A good bunk trailer provides better support and is very easy to load
6) Buy from someone who knows the product they are selling. The advantage in dealing with the folks at Townsend Marine is that Brian and Dave both have worked in the service department/shop and know their products inside and out.
7) If you can, get the motor the boat is rated for.Generally, a boat that has the motor with the horsepower that the boat is rated for will give you the best service. Both performance and economy. Generally, I run my motor at ½ -3/4 throttle which gives me the best possible efficiency and good performance. In the long run, I don't have to run at wide open throttle just to stay up on plane. I have always felt it was better for my equipment as well. Buying a boat? Check with the "Best in the West" at Townsend Marine. -- Dale Gilbert, Ulm, MT
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7812 Hwy. 287 South
Townsend, MT 59644
Phone: (800) 598-5700
E-mail Townsend Marine
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