New boat purchase

[Galaxy24]

This is something that I heard and was wondering if anyone could confirm it.

I was told with the purchase of a new boat that it can't be sold if it isn't coast guard approved. What was explained to me that the dealer supplies you with a paddle, life jackets, throwable PFD etc which is included with the cost of the boat. Similar to an automobile dealership cannot sell you a vehicle which isn't street legal.

Now IMO this would be too good to be true that all this is included with the price of a new boat. Another way to look at it is if these items are included with the boat what a great way for the dealer to jack up the price of these items and say they are included and you never see what you actually paid for them.

Not sure if this is true and if it is true if I would actually like the idea.

Anyone have any experience with this?

[konajay]

Not sure where you live or if laws are different in each state, but my boat came with none of the above. I bought everything including fire extinguishers, paddles, life jackets, throwable device, etc. after I bought my boat. Likewise, when I traded my old boat in on the purchase, I kept most of those supplies that were still in good shape, including the anchor. It will be interesting to hear if this differs in other states.

Enough of this, what are you looking to buy?

[NICKYPOO]

I used to put these "coast guard packages" together. They are the barest of essentials. You will never use the life preservers. Any self respecting boat owner will keep them on board for legality sakes but, eventually they will be phased off your boat and replaced with some decent Costco bought vests. The fire extinguisher is an obvious must have, as is an oar. They are both generally as cheap as possible. The throwable is also cheap. I think there was also a flair and an air horn. Probably a key floaty too. Every new boat sold had one of these packages. This was in Nevada and I'm pretty sure it was required by law. It certainly was never a deceitful item for which to take advantage of a customer. The advantages of selling a new boat to somebody far outweigh the $35 worth of crap they "give away".

I carry enough life jackets for the crew +1, a fire extinguisher, two oars and a throwable (within easy reach). I got random searched last season and I ended up getting a gold star from the local Sheriffs.

[boardman74]

That may be the case where you live. It is not a requirement here in Minnesota.

[rensink]

Definitely not here either in Iowa

[JreisRZR]

I think it's more a courtesy thing. Ours came with paddle, 4 vests, throwable, anchor, anchor line and a full tank of gas. Oh and an inland surfer....
No extra was paid for any of this. And if told you the deal we got you'd probably all croak.

[Ruger761]

The hull of a powered boat boat Must be Coast Guard approved and should have a sticker this goes for any brand. Far as safety equipment it verys by state. Most brands will have a small mounted fire extinguisher on a boat just because new owners dont like drilling into their new boat to mount it, but not required for them to sell it. And most have some sort of mounted horn already. You will have to check your state rules to see what will be required for your boat once you get it.

[boardman74]

Ruger hit a great point. Regulations vary greatly state to state. When I lived in Florida it was a requirement to have 3 flares. They checked them every time and they sure better not be expired. Not a requirement here in Minnesota. NO one carries them. I am retired military and have lived alot of places and purchased boats in all of them. Never heard of this being a requirement for the dealer to provide a kit with sale. That being said many dealers provide a "safety kit", but its a thank you kind of thing and not a requirement.

[IDBoating]

I'm not sure about the "Coast Guard Approved" hull, either. I know people who have built their own boats from scratch, and the Coast Guard never "approved" them. There are quite a few custom boat builders out there too - one right here local to me - and I've never heard of them asking/begging/paying someone from the Coast Guard to come "approve" a boat.

[Ruger761]

WABoating you make a very good point there. Not sure what all they have to do on a custom boat to get it legal and registered. OK I'll take my statement back Or change it to most commercial powerboats have the sticker.
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[thtrog]

I think it's more a courtesy thing. Ours came with paddle, 4 vests, throwable, anchor, anchor line and a full tank of gas. Oh and an inland surfer....
No extra was paid for any of this. And if told you the deal we got you'd probably all croak.

A coast guard kit is a standard item, no cost listed, that's included with every new boat my dealer sells. I guarantee you did pay for the kit, gas, and surfboard unless you're dealer is in business to take a loss. Excuse me...your Dad paid for it.

[JreisRZR]

A coast guard kit is a standard item, no cost listed, that's included with every new boat my dealer sells. I guarantee you did pay for the kit, gas, and surfboard unless you're dealer is in business to take a loss. Excuse me...your Dad paid for it.

Yes you're right we did pay for it, it was probably deduced from the agreed upon/bargained price we paid, it was not written into the bill of sale, nor was it tacked on at the end the boat was simply delivered with all the equipment as an unexpected courtesy.

P.S. i appreciate the unneeded dig at me, never did i ever say the boat belonged to me rather "ours" indicating its a family boat.

[Galaxy24]

I am not that familiar with my states regulations on this topic. From what I am gathering it is a courtesy of the dealer. Thanks for the input guys!

[thtrog]

Yes you're right we did pay for it, it was probably deduced from the agreed upon/bargained price we paid, it was not written into the bill of sale, nor was it tacked on at the end the boat was simply delivered with all the equipment as an unexpected courtesy.

P.S. i appreciate the unneeded dig at me, never did i ever say the boat belonged to me rather "ours" indicating its a family boat.

I understand what you are saying, I've had this conversation with my sons. Every boat should be delivered with safety equipment and a proper on-the-water demo from the dealer, whoever pays for it. Discuss it up front with your dealer Galaxy.

[Galaxy24]

I will bring it up. They mentioned the on the water demo as part of the delivery process but nothing about the coast guard approved equipment.

Thanks again for the info.