Bass Pro Shops®/Cabela's® Boating Center™ is the largest volume boat retailer in the world. We are the home of America’s Favorite Boats, the world’s largest Mercury® outboard retailer and a proud retailer of TRACKER OFF ROAD™ ATVs and UTVs.
Bass Pro Shops® and Cabela's® Boating Centers are more than just boat stores —we makeup a nationwide network of quality dealerships that support everything about your boating and off-roading lifestyle. Whether you’re shopping for a new boat or ATV, looking for parts or service, want to stock up on gear or just want advice, we have you covered. We’re also here for your repower and outboard motor shopping needs.
New to boating and want more insight into the sport? Want to learn how you can help protect the environment while off-roading? Need info on fishing with kids? As your premier source for all things boating and off-roading, we are happy to help answer all your questions in our Learning Center blog.
Both new and pre-owned options have distinct benefits worth consideration — especially for first-time buyers. New boats offer the latest features and warranties, while quality used boats can deliver excellent value and lower upfront costs. Factor in total ownership expenses, like maintenance and insurance as well; these differ by boat age and condition. Evaluate your budget, desired features, and long-term plans to choose the best boat and ensure confidence in your buying decision. Of course, everyone wants that factory-fresh new boat, and even if your budget allows for it, there are still valid reasons a pre-owned boat may be your best option. Every boater's situation is unique; weighing the pros and cons of each option will help you make an informed decision that matches your needs and boating lifestyle.
In the auto industry most popular models get refreshed or undergo redesigns about every five years on average. It takes that long to complete research, design concepts, prototype and test before a new model is done and ready to roll out to market. This process is a bit different for boats. Sometimes the timeline is shorter for boat models, where features, accessories, and restyling can change from one model year to the next. Even hull designs evolve to continually maximize performance. For boaters, this means new boats often reflect the most current advancements—whether it’s improved stability, fuel efficiency, or enhanced onboard systems; updated designs might just include small tweaks that improve comfort, safety, and ease of use. Manufacturers are quick to respond to customer feedback, so when browsing new boat inventory, you are likely to find models equipped with cutting-edge electronics and innovative layouts that just weren’t available a few years ago.
Marine electronics and digital accessories are constantly evolving, with manufacturers releasing improved versions every season. This means when you purchase a new boat, you can expect the latest technology already onboard—from state-of-the-art navigation systems and touchscreen displays to advanced fish finders and integrated sound systems. Having these features not only enhances your boating safety and experience, but also increases convenience and connectivity on the water. Modern new boats often support seamless upgrades and are pre-wired for future accessories, ensuring your investment stays up-to-date longer. While used boats may still offer useful tech, only a new boat guarantees that all systems are current and compatible, giving you the advantage of both innovation and reliability.
Imagine a new boat with the latest hull technology, interior, and standard features. Now imagine that same boat equipped with the horse power, optional accessories, and color that you want. Along with shopping new condition boats, many manufacturers also provide the option to custom build the models in their lineup. In fact, your perfect boat might not even be available anywhere close at the moment, so building your own and ordering from the factory means you can configure your rig to your specifications and be the only prospective buyer to have sat in the driver seat. Dream it from the pin stripes and hull colors to the motor and accessories; your boat will get delivered factory-rigged and ready for the water.
Financing a new boat through a dealer is designed to be straightforward and allow you to focus on choosing the right features to begin your boating adventures. The dealership where you buy your new boat can make the finance process a breeze; most maintain excellent relationships with lenders, which can help you secure competitive interest rates and flexible loan terms. This often results in a faster approval process and convenient paperwork, saving you time and hassle as a buyer. Having just one transaction for both the boat and the loan often makes this the easiest course. Above all, the dealer wants to pave the way to make sure you enjoy trouble-free delivery of your new boat.
There is no previous history to uncover because you are the first owner. You control the care and maintenance from the beginning, writing the boat’s biography by following your routine to maximize your boat's lifespan and preserve its value your way. There are no worries about hidden problems appearing later on, and if taken care of it will last for years. Owning a brand-new boat means every system and part is unused, reducing the likelihood of unexpected maintenance. This fresh start gives you peace of mind and a sense of pride, knowing your boat’s condition and story from day one.
Warranty strength is a significant factor for a boat purchase. Buying new affords you full warranty benefits. The quality construction of boats these days means manufacturers confidently back their product with strong coverage that can last the lifetime of ownership for some parts. You have peace of mind and little to worry about throughout your ownership experience. The warranties offered by the new boat brands carried at Bass Pro Boating Centers are some of the strongest in the industry.
New powerboat sales in the U.S. totaled about 238,000 units in 2024, but the pre-owned market remained the clear industry leader, with roughly 859,000 used boats sold — according to NMMA data. Like in prior years, the resale market continues to dominate boat sales. One of the primary reasons for this is likely strong demand for affordable entry points into boating.
The number one advantage of buying a pre-owned boat is lower upfront cost. Get the best deal then reinvest the savings into your boat budget. Apply those savings toward upgraded accessories, or even a repower. Many pre-owned boats already have valuable accessories or recent improvements installed, so you may even get added features without the extra expense. Boats made with contemporary manufacturing processes and materials are built to last, so investing in a quality used boat can offer peace of mind in keeping your long-term maintenance and overall expenses manageable. Used boats typically have a proven track record, which can make it easier to research reliability and true ownership costs based on other owner experiences. Additionally, buying pre-owned often means you avoid the steep initial depreciation that new boats are subject to.
Your initial dollars go further with a pre-owned boat purchase. The previous owner paid the 25 to 33 percent depreciation that hits new boats when they leave the dealership. Over time, the depreciation levels off. This means that, as a buyer, you benefit from a more stable resale value should you decide to upgrade or sell your boat later. By avoiding the steepest part of the depreciation curve, you can potentially invest your savings into upgrades, essential gear, or maintenance. For many value-focused boat shoppers, this reduced long-term loss makes used boats a smart and budget-friendly choice.
Often, the perfect new boat catches your eye as it sits impressively on the showroom floor, but the higher price can make it out of reach for many first-time buyers. However, there is usually a similar pre-owned boat available, often with low engine hours and in great condition. This boat is going to offer a more affordable way to start your boating experience. Choosing a used boat means you can get on the water sooner and still enjoy many of the features you want. As current year models become non-current, their new-condition prices tend to decrease, which creates more opportunities to find a high-quality boat within your budget. When your financial situation allows or your boating needs change, you can sell or trade-in the boat you own and upgrade to the new model you originally admired. This approach lets you enjoy boating now, while leaving the door open for future upgrades.
A quality-built boat is usually going to outlast its warranty, so many pre-owned boats won't come with factory coverage even though warranties today last longer than previous eras. Modern warranties, however, do offer lifetime coverage of specific parts of the boat, and sometimes that benefit is transferrable to a second owner. If you're shopping pre-owned boats, don't overlook the prospect of a transferable warranty. Initially warranties are a selling point to assure new boat buyers, but if the used boat you are interested is eligible for a warranty transfer, then that peace of mind adds even more value to your purchase. Read the fine print and inquire about the details of a warranty transfer.
Depending on the condition of the boat and your budget, a pre-owned boat may give you more flexibility in choosing the type of sale that works best in your favor. When negotiating the price of a pre-owned boat, paying with cash, financing, or trade-in are all possible. Having flexibility in payment methods can give you extra negotiating power and help you secure a better deal. While some buyers prefer the simplicity and bargaining leverage of cash, many lenders offer competitive rates for financing used boats to make monthly payments manageable. Trade-ins are also common in the used boat market, so you may be able to apply the value of your current boat toward your purchase, lowering your overall out-of-pocket cost. This wide range of buying options makes used boats an attractive choice for first-time shoppers and value-seekers.
Naturally, you'll notice a difference in cost between new and used boats. New boats generally have higher prices due to their untouched condition, the latest features, and full manufacturer warranties. Used boats are typically more affordable because they have experienced previous ownership, may show signs of wear, and may lack current technology or original warranties. Depreciation also affects new boats most in their first few years, making used models significantly less expensive for value-conscious shoppers. These price differences reflect not just age and condition, but also considerations like available financing options, warranty eligibility, and the presence of up-to-date amenities. These additional factors are especially important to buyers for understanding the total cost of ownership when choosing the right boat.
A new boat will face more rapid depreciation after purchase so this can make it harder to get your initial investment back when you want to sell it. Also, think about the additional costs of registration, applicable taxes, and having to insure the new boat.
When you purchase a used boat, you're also adopting the results of a previous owner's care and maintenance routine, or lack of one. There is increased potential for headaches stemming from natural wear and tear, or hidden issues that the current owner just does not want to address. Buying from a trusted seller or reputable dealership becomes even more crucial to have confidence in your purchase and trust that you're not buying someone else's problem.
If pre-owned is for you, buy from a trusted, reputable dealer with a strong track record for quality service and customer satisfaction. Finding all of those qualities under one roof seems like it can be a challenge, but there is a shortcut to that peace of mind.
The Marine Five Star Certification program administered by the NMMA is designed to safe-guard the sales and service experience for customers. The NMMA’s research indicates that dealers who invest in this program and earn certification—which is time-consuming and expensive for the dealer—tend to deliver a higher level of service and customer satisaction than non-certified stores. We make it easy to find a certified dealer you can trust. Every Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Boating Center is a Marine Five Star Certified Dealer, and with a nationwide network of locations you can find us near you.
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Boating Centers offer a total commitment to providing the absolute highest level of customer service possible—from initial contact and throughout years of ownership. Certified sales consultants are available on site and extremely knowledgeable and product savvy. They can help anyone find exactly what they need. You can begin to shop for new and used boats for sale through our online inventory. Explore boats in stock near you!
New boats offer the advantages of the latest manufacturing standards and come with full warranties, but reliability ultimately depends on the quality and care a boat has received—regardless of age. A well-maintained, quality used boat can deliver reliability and performance on par with or even better than a new model.
Advancements in marine manufacturing mean many late-model used boats are engineered for longer service lives, with better materials and construction methods extending durability far beyond previous generations. They may still carry transferable warranties, providing peace of mind similar to buying new. For value-conscious buyers, a carefully inspected, well-cared-for used boat often represents a smart, reliable investment—especially when backed by verifiable maintenance records and existing warranty coverage.
The key is to focus on overall condition, proven upkeep, and available warranty protection rather than assuming new always means more reliable. First-time and price-conscious shoppers can maximize value and minimize risk—whichever route they choose.
This question is answered with a few considerations, and prioritizing what is important to you:
If you’re new to boating, and depending on your desired on-the-water lifestyle, you can usually spend less, test the water and then trade up with a pre-owned boat. A new boat comes with the assurance that you are the first owner and can expect factory-fresh performance right away and for years to come as long as the boat is well maintained. Think about your long-term goals as a boat owner: if you plan to upgrade in a few seasons, starting with a value-friendly used boat might make sense, but if lasting satisfaction and cutting-edge features are your highest priorities, new boats often offer more advanced options. Consider the total cost of ownership as well, including maintenance, insurance, and potential resale value, since these factors can impact your experience over time. Ultimately, choosing between new and used boats is about aligning your financial comfort, risk tolerance, and boating aspirations so you feel confident as you make your first purchase.
Considering boat ownership for the first time? Like so many others there are probably common questions that you are mulling over before you begin a conversation with your dealer. Let's talk about the top 5 questions that first-time buyers usually bring up.
One-stop shopping—shoppers like it for the savings and convenience. You can fill a grocery cart at the supermarket. But the idea of finding everything needed in one stop to go boating seems unrealistic.
Buying a boat is much different than an automobile for more than the obvious reasons. Getting you from one place to the next is the fundamental use of a vehicle. More than just a mode of transportation, a boat is your ticket to fun, from fishing and cruising to tubing, skiing and more.
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