HOW IT WORKS:

Financing: Your boat purchase can be handled in many different ways. 
The different options should all be explained and reviewed so you can make a no pressure decision, which will best suit your needs.  The terms and options can vary greatly and have a staggering effect on your monthly payment and interest paid.  There are several institutions that will help you match your wants with your budget. 

Mid-Missouri Finance & Insurance - Beth Thornsbury 573-302-0500

Insurance: Understanding marine insurance is essential to making the right decision to protect your investment.  The financial future of you and your family could be in jeopardy if the proper coverage is not in place when you need it.  Marine insurance has two major differences, they are AGREED VALUE ( meaning the company that issues your policy has agreed upon a dollar amount they will pay in the event your boat is a total loss, this policy is recommended for most situations) and A.C.V. (meaning actual cash value, the insurance company will decide this value and offer you a check in the event of a total loss) There are also other factors to consider when purchasing marine insurance such as: towing coverage, coverage in coastal and inland waters, accidental grounding coverage, hazardous spills, and underwater machinery.

Mid-Missouri Finance & Insurance - Beth Thornsbury 573-302-0500

Wake Zone Insurance - Stacy Shute 1-866-792-4149

Designated Driver: A list of available, experienced  captains will have resume’s, credentials, types of vessels they are familiar with, references, and availability, so you can select the person that would best suit your needs for a safe stress free day or night on the water.  Many people have realized the hard way that a boating under the influence ticket cost a lot more money than a designated driver.  We will be able to assist you in finding drivers for a couple hours or the whole weekend. 

Boats for Charter: Our goal here is to obtain a list of quality, seaworthy vessels for charter with a captain or without.  The use of an additional boat for a large gathering or getting out on the water for the first time can be accomplished with a charter vessel.  Chartering is a great way to spend time aboard several different types of vessels before purchasing.  The expansive views of a fly bridge may be something you enjoy, or the larger cockpit of an express cruiser to entertain friends may be more suitable. 

Tips for Selling: The number one thing to remember when selling your boat is no matter how old, outdated, or small you may think your boat is. The person looking to buy it, sees a totally different vessel.  The majority of buyers are purchasing a boat for recreation and not as a necessity, so make the initial impression of your vessel a great one.  The boat needs to be completely detailed either by you or a professional. The better the boat shows the quicker it will sell and bring a better price, remember you may have seen it every day for the last several years, but the potential buyer is seeing it in person for the first time.  Take all the old ski ropes and personal belongings out of the boat, clean the fenders and lines ( nail polish remover or acetone will clean old white fenders up very nicely, and placing your lines in a pillow case and tying the end shut will let you put them in the washer and dryer without unraveling them) The canvas tops and side curtains often are forgotten about, if you do not use yours more than twice a year put them up and clean them, the last thing you want is to unroll a bimini top to find a wasp nest or dead mouse…remember just because you don’t use it doesn’t mean the next owner won't, it may be the most important thing to them.  The propeller of any vessel and skeg of a sterndrive or outboard motor  should be free of damage and chipped paint, if yours is currently damaged get it fixed the cost is relatively low and will do wonders for the buyers perception of how the boat has been treated.  Replace any missing snaps for covers or canvas tops, the cost is minimal and can be done in a short amount of  time.  Clean the bilge, an oily messy bilge is a major deterrent to buyers.  The task of bilge cleaning is one, none of us like, however it is a must…a little tip, squirt some dawn dish soap in the bilge and some hot water, go for a little ride, and then pull the drain plug and drain it into a container to drop off for proper disposal.  The bilge pump will be a concern so be sure it does not pump out all your cleaning efforts.  Take new pictures of the boat.  Take the mooring cover all the way off and get the boat in proper light, having the boat partially uncovered or stuck under the Christmas decorations in the garage will not serve you well.  The following are some key shots to have for your ad: Starboard Profile, Port Profile, Bow looking back, Stern looking forward, cockpit looking back, cockpit looking forward, stern with running gear, cabin photos, if possible get into an elevated position such as a ladder and take  pictures.

The Detail Guy - Skip Mondry - 573-280-8947

Services: We have reviewed and approved several service providers.  The service providers we use have proven to be reliable, timely, and efficient in their respective fields. 

Mobile-Full Throttle Marine-573-480-9566

Full Service-BJ Marine-573-873-5143

Full Service-Pier 31-573-873-5283

High Performance  Nauti-Marine-618-410-3433

Clear Creek Marine Fiberglass Repair- 573-374-7400

More Tips for selling: There are a few little things you can do to make the selling process go a little smoother.  The vessel should be clean and free of clutter, if you have not started your boat in a while fire it up before the prospective buyer gets there to avoid common problems like dead batteries or lost keys.  Have additional photos with your contact info printed on the back to give to the prospect before they leave (someone will keep a picture laying around a long time before they throw it away).  If you keep your boat on a trailer make sure the tires have sufficient air (including the spare).  The boat should be uncovered before the prospective buyer arrives.  If you have air-conditioning on your boat make sure it is on and the cabin/cockpit is cool, also it is a nice touch to have the fridge or cooler stocked with cold beverages such as soda and water to offer  the buyer.

Emergency Services: 

On the water towing services

Tow Boat US             573-216-4701 /   573-216-3582              24/7 hour

Missouri State Water Patrol                             573-751-3333

United States Coast Guard                              314-269-2332

Missouri Dept. of Nat. Resources                  573-348-2442

Environmental Protection Agency                1-800-223-0425

Harts Diving and Salvage                                573-365-3382