The 7 Most Common Boat-Shopping Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying a boat should be exciting — not overwhelming. But with so many brands, layouts, and options available, it’s easy for shoppers to feel stuck or make decisions that don’t actually support how they want to use their boat. The good news? A little guidance goes a long way.
At Lakeside Marina, we’ve helped thousands of families find the right boat for the way they want to use the water. Here are the seven most common mistakes we see — and exactly how to avoid them.
1. Shopping for Only the Price, Not the Experience
Price matters, but focusing only on the number can lead to choosing a boat that doesn’t deliver the lifestyle you’re dreaming of. A slightly different floorplan, layout, or power option can dramatically change how much you enjoy your days on the water.
Avoid it:
Start with how you want your days to feel: quiet sunset cruises, tubing with kids, hosting friends, fishing early mornings, or a mix of all of it. Once you know that, choosing the right boat gets much easier.
2. Assuming All Pontoons or Bowriders Are the Same
Two boats may look similar from the dock, but small differences in layout and features make a huge impact.
A Quad Social feels totally different from a Split Bench. A Chaparral SSi and an SSX serve totally different personalities. Tidewater’s center consoles give you a whole different world of versatility.
Avoid it:
Physically sit in the seats, stand at the helm, walk through the layout, and imagine a normal day on the water. Layout is everything.
3. Underestimating How Important Storage Is
It’s easy to underestimate storage needs until the gear piles up — towels, tubes, life jackets, coolers, fishing rods, water toys, sunscreen, bags… it adds up fast.
Avoid it:
Choose a layout that has storage you don’t have to “think about” — under-seat compartments, dedicated cooler space, hidden garbage, or rod storage if you fish.
4. Not Considering Who Will Be Driving the Boat
Every boat has a personality — and the captain’s comfort is a big deal. Visibility, helm layout, electronics, steering feel, and throttle response all play into confidence behind the wheel.
Avoid it:
Make sure the primary driver test-sits the helm and considers upgrades like power steering or touchscreen controls if they’ll improve comfort.
5. Forgetting About Future Needs
Kids get older. Families grow. Hobbies shift. What fits this summer may not fit in two or three seasons.
Avoid it:
Choose a boat that gives you a little room to grow — more seating, more lounge options, the ability to tube, or a layout that adapts easily.
6. Skipping the Sea Trial
Looking at a boat online or sitting in it at the marina can only tell you so much. The real decision-maker is how the boat feels on the water — how it turns, how it handles chop, how comfortable the ride is, and how confident the captain feels behind the helm.
That’s why Lakeside Marina offers sea trials, giving you the chance to experience the boat exactly where it matters most: out on the water.
Avoid it:
Take advantage of our sea trial experience. It’s the best way to compare layouts, power options, and ride quality — and it gives you total confidence that you’re choosing the right boat for your family.
7. Waiting Too Long to Buy
This is one of the biggest mistakes shoppers make. Inventory moves fast, and the most popular colors and layouts sell out first — especially in the spring and early summer.
Avoid it:
If you see something you love, don’t wait. You can always adjust accessories or options later, but the right layout and color combination may not stick around.
How Lakeside Marina Helps You Avoid All 7 Mistakes
We know the local water, we know how families use their boats, and we carry brands built for Wisconsin boating — Chaparral, Godfrey, Tidewater, and Recon. Whether you want to cruise, host friends, tube, or fish, we can match you with the layout that fits your lifestyle.
If you’re early in the shopping process, we’re happy to walk you through models side-by-side or help you compare layouts in plain English. No pressure, no confusing jargon.
Ready to Start Shopping?
Explore our current inventory or visit us in Oshkosh to sit in a few layouts and see what feels right. A better boating season starts with the right boat — and we’re here to help you find it.