Owning a boat leads to incredible adventures and amazing quality time with friends and family, but sometimes there comes a time when your current boat becomes a little less inviting. Our team at Clarks Landing understands how big the decision to upgrade to a new boat can be, so we’ve put together a comprehensive list to help you determine if it’s really time to make a change.

1. Your Needs Have Shifted

Although your boat has likely served you well, it’s completely understandable if it no longer meets your needs. You might have purchased your current model at a time when you only intended to go fishing alone! As you become more familiar with being a boat owner, you might find yourself wanting more storage or a bigger deck. 

If you haven’t completely grown out of your current model but you’re still thinking about trying something else, you might be able to find a model that accommodates your past needs and future ones for an easier transition.

2. Your Skills Have Improved

Another possibility is you’ve grown bored with your current model. Whether you’re excited at the idea of newer technologies or you’re looking for a more complex model, it might be time to look for something new. As you spend more time on the water, your boating skills will improve and you might find yourself wanting a more advanced option. 

3. Your Boat Needs Too Much Work

No matter how many times you plug a hole or call your boat guy, you just can’t seem to repair your vessel to its former glory. Unfortunately some boats do have an end to their lifespan and will reach a point where repairs and replacements won’t be enough. If you find yourself continuously needing to schedule service or start another DIY repair, it might be time to consider an upgrade. 

4. Your Boat Has Become Difficult to Operate

Even though your boating skills will improve overtime, it’s also true that our style and abilities can evolve. It’s completely normal to find yourself becoming frustrated with your current setup and wanting something that’s a bit more user friendly. In those scenarios, it’s probably best to seek a new boat that can better accommodate your operating needs. For example, you may currently have a sailboat, but you’re ready to change to something a little less demanding on the water. 

5. You Realize Accessories Aren’t Enough

Many times the first solution for unhappiness with your boat is to look for accessories that can be added to your model. However, lack of accessories may not always be the problem; you just might not like your boat anymore.

Breaking up with your boat can be a bit painful, but remember, it’s not you, it’s the boat! If you’re still uncertain whether or not it’s time for an upgrade, we’d love for you to stop by to speak with a member of our team. You can shop our inventory of new and used boats to find the perfect solution for your storage, entertainment, and fishing needs. 

Visit us in Point Pleasant, NJ, or at our Maryland locations in Shady Side and Stevensville.