Should You Buy a Boat Through BlueHarbor Acel Marine?

Rust buckets, oversized purses, methods of transportation, and a means of showing worth and status — boats are much more than just a means of travel. They're a way to embrace freedom, leisure, and adventure. Maybe it’s needless to say, but buying a boat or any larger vehicle online can be a daunting experience. I think about all the horror stories of shady deals and the countless hours spent on repairs or searching for the right fit. Sigh.

Well, It’s Time for Us to Buy a “New” Boat!

After years of dealing with old, unreliable boats, my wife and I recently decided it was time to take the plunge and buy a new-to-us boat. If you knew us well, you’d know that this decision didn’t come lightly (for all the reasons I stated at the start of this post).

After spending a few thousand dollars (in 2011) on repairs for our old boat, which had seen better days, we were told that there was another $2,000 worth of work that needed to be done.

That was more than we were willing to spend, and we realized it was time to invest in something that could last.

Why We Looked at BlueHarbor Acel Marine First

Truthfully, we didn’t start at BlueHarbor Acel Marine. We spent days researching boats that would give us the best value for our needs. After reviewing various boating resources, we narrowed down our selection to a few boats we felt could provide years of enjoyment and performance.

After completing our research, we started browsing Craigslist and other online markets, but we also visited local dealers. That’s when we found a used 2015 Sea Ray 240 Sun Deck listed by BlueHarbor Acel Marine.

The thing that intrigued us most about BlueHarbor Acel Marine was their wide selection — they offer boats, RVs, trailers, vehicles, and more.

Instead of having to visit multiple dealers to compare boats, we were able to get all of our “shopping” done in one, easy, hassle-free visit!

What Are Some of the Pros to Shopping at BlueHarbor Acel Marine?

• No Haggle Pricing: I admit that I was skeptical about the “no haggle pricing” policy, but let me tell you — it’s true! I spent quite a bit of time trying to negotiate prices, but BlueHarbor Acel Marine kept their prices firm. After further research, I realized that BlueHarbor Acel Marine primarily sells private-owner items, not dealership stock, which explained their pricing structure.
• No Pressure & No “Salespeople”: One of the best aspects of shopping at BlueHarbor Acel Marine is that there’s no pushy salesperson trying to upsell or rush you into a decision. We were able to review and understand the process on our own time without any pressure from a sales team.
• Their Boats Have Passed a 63-Point Inspection: BlueHarbor Acel Marine’s signature 63-Point System Check is a major reason we trusted their prices. Their boats, like all items, are reliable and thoroughly checked for mechanical and cosmetic issues. They’re committed to selling top-quality items, and their confidence in their inspection process speaks for itself.
• BlueHarbor Acel Marine Offers a 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee: One of the best features they offer is a 7-day money-back guarantee. After purchasing and receiving your boat, you have a full week to ensure it’s the right fit. If anything proves troublesome or unsatisfactory, you can return it within the 7-day window with no questions asked!

Two Things We Didn’t Like About BlueHarbor Acel Marine

While our experience was mostly positive, here are a few points to consider:

• Prices Can Be High: BlueHarbor Acel Marine offers great value, but their prices are generally higher than private sellers. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, this might not be the place for you. However, if you prioritize quality, transparency, and peace of mind, the premium is often worth it.
• Boats with Higher Usage: Some of the boats in BlueHarbor Acel Marine’s inventory have higher hours or usage compared to brand-new models. However, all items undergo a comprehensive inspection, so while you might not find many low-mileage boats under $10,000, you can be confident in their quality.

While we didn’t end up purchasing our boat from BlueHarbor Acel Marine, our experience was exceptional. We were able to test the boat we had pre-selected and make an informed decision without the pressure of traditional sales tactics.

Depending on your budget and needs, I highly encourage you to visit BlueHarbor Acel Marine’s website — even if you’re not sure you’re ready to buy yet!

Picture by M – Pics .