5 Things Every Boat Owner Should Know About Warranties

Jan. 28 2022 Boats By Katherine

You've probably gone to the store for a new toaster oven and worked with a pushy salesperson who tried to get you to buy a warranty. You thought to yourself, "Why would I buy a warranty when I could just get a new one if something goes wrong?"

We get it...experiences like these are why the word "warranty" has taken on such a negative connotation. We're here to tell you that warranties can be valuable and that every experience does not have to be so unpleasant.

It's no secret that warranties are often considered complex and difficult to understand across all industries. In the boating world, warranties are often overlooked due to their seemingly complicated nature and the number of other factors to consider when purchasing a boat.

At Seager Marine, we want to simplify the warranty purchasing process by making sure customers not only know their options, but truly understand the value behind each option. If you currently own a boat or are considering purchasing one in the future, here are 5 things you should know about warranties.

1. You can add warranties even after you've purchased your boat

Many people think that warranties can only be added at the time of purchase, but you can actually add warranties to cover your hull, engine or trailer at any time. While there are certain restrictions, many boat owners will still be able to add warranties with up to 5 year term options, even after they've had their boat for several years. In many cases, adding warranties after you've had your boat for some time is a great idea because factory warranties expire after a period of time.

2. There are warranties that can add protection to your engine

Most new engines come with a standard warranty, but there are warranties that can add protection even after that initial warranty expires. For example, at Seager Marine, we have protection plans that can be purchased at any time, even if your engine is currently out of warranty. Our coverage is quite extensive and includes towing, retrieval, pickup and delivery.

3. You can purchase warranties for a used boat

Did you know that there are warranty options available for used boats? So many people are under the impression that warranties only cover new boats, engines and trailers - and that is certainly not the case! Used boats are eligible for hull, engine and trailer warranties for up to 13 previous model years. Adding these warranties provides great peace of mind when purchasing a boat that has been pre-enjoyed.

4. Extended warranties sold are transferable to new owners

Speaking of purchasing used boats, extended warranties sold are actually transferable to new owners. This means that if you're looking to sell your boat, any extended warranty that you've purchased can be transferred to the person you sell your boat to. This is an awesome selling point and can give your boat an edge over another boat that a potential buyer is considering.

5. There are warranties that cover your trailer

Did you know that there are warranties that can cover your trailer? A regular car jack actually will not work on your trailer, so these warranties definitely come in handy when a tire or wheel needs replacement. Many of these warranties also come with 24/7 roadside assistance, so you never have to worry about being stuck on those early fishing mornings or after a late night on a holiday weekend. The trailer warranty that we offer at Seager Marine also covers the vehicle towing the trailer - a double bonus!

If you currently own a boat or are considering purchasing one in the future, we hope that you found this post to be both helpful and informative. It's important to note that we did not cover all things warranty in this post and that every boat purchase is different and needs to be looked at on a case by case basis.

With that being said, we are here to help! Even if you did not purchase your boat, engine or trailer from Seager Marine, we can help with all of your warranty needs.

Feel free to reach out to Tracey at tracey@seagermarine.com with any questions or to set up an appointment to talk about your warranty options.