July 20, 2024

Practical Advice for Families Looking to Enjoy Boating Without Breaking the Bank

Family boating is a wonderful way to create lasting memories, bond with loved ones, and enjoy the great outdoors. But let’s face it, boating can be expensive. From purchasing a boat to maintaining it, the costs can add up quickly. However, with some smart planning and a bit of know-how, you can enjoy all the benefits of boating without straining your budget. This guide will show you how to find the best deals and make boating an affordable family activity.

We’ll Cover:

  1. Setting a Realistic Budget
  2. Choosing the Right Boat
  3. Buying Used vs. New
  4. Financing Options
  5. Maintenance and Repairs
  6. Finding Affordable Gear and Accessories

1. Setting a Realistic Budget

Before diving into the world of boating, it’s crucial to set a realistic budget. Take a close look at your finances and determine how much you can comfortably spend without putting a strain on your wallet. Consider all potential costs, including the purchase price, maintenance, fuel, storage, insurance, and gear. Creating a detailed budget will help you avoid unexpected expenses and keep your boating experience enjoyable. Our online boat loan calculator will help you estimate your payment might be, although a word of caution: these terms are not official and a full application needs to be completed to provide you with accurate terms.

2. Choosing the Right Boat

Selecting the right boat is key to staying within your budget. For families, it’s important to choose a boat that suits your needs without going overboard on features you don’t need. Consider the following boat types that are family-friendly and budget-conscious:

Center Console Boats: Perfect for fishing and versatile enough for family outings. They offer plenty of space for gear and passengers, and easy access around the entire boat, making them ideal for fishing trips and active people.

Bowriders: Great for water sports and casual cruising. Bowriders are the most sporty of these options, and have an open bow area with seating, providing extra space and comfort for passengers to enjoy the ride.

Dual Console Boats: These boats offer a combination of comfort and functionality. With seating areas in both the bow and stern, dual console boats are perfect for families who want to enjoy various activities, from fishing to lounging. Their layout provides ample storage and deck space, and provides easy access to different parts of the boat. 

When choosing a boat, remember to consider the size and engine power. A larger boat with a powerful engine may offer more features but will also come with higher costs.

3. Buying Used vs. New

One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to buy a new or used boat. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s essential to weigh them carefully.

Buying New:

  • Pros: Latest technology, warranty coverage, customizable features.
  • Cons: Higher upfront cost, rapid depreciation.

At Longshore boats we often have closeout models that are discounted, but still new. Savings you thousands of dollars on a brand new boat. Take a look at our closeout boat sales page for more information.

Buying Used:

  • Pros: Lower purchase price, less depreciation, potential for great deals.
  • Cons: Potential for hidden issues, limited warranty, older technology.

For budget-conscious families, buying a used boat can be a great way to save money. Look for well-maintained boats from reputable sellers, and consider getting a professional pre-purchase inspection before making a purchase.

4. Financing Options

If paying for a boat upfront isn’t feasible, financing can be a helpful option. Many dealerships and financial institutions offer boat loans with competitive interest rates. Here are a few tips to get the best financing deal:

  • Shop Around: Compare offers from different lenders to find the best interest rates and terms.
  • Consider Loan Terms: Shorter loan terms may have higher monthly payments but will save you money on interest in the long run. Here at Longshore Boats we offer loans up to 240 months.
  • Check Your Credit Score: A higher credit score can help you secure better financing options. Our financing partner, Elite Recreational Finance, does a soft credit pull when you inquire.

Longshore Boats offers various financing options to help you get on the water without breaking the bank. Be sure to explore all available options and choose the one that best fits your budget.

5. Maintenance and Repairs

Keeping your boat in good condition is essential for safe and enjoyable outings, but maintenance and repairs can be costly. Here are some tips to keep these expenses manageable:

DIY Maintenance: Learn to perform basic maintenance tasks yourself,  cleaning the boat, and checking for wear and tear. This can save you a significant amount of money over time.

Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your boat for any signs of damage or wear. Addressing minor issues early can prevent them from becoming costly repairs.

Seasonal Maintenance: Properly winterize your boat if you’re not using it during the off-season. This includes draining the fuel system, adding antifreeze, and covering the boat to protect it from the elements.

Shop Around for Repairs: When professional repairs are needed, shop around for quotes to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Longshore Boats offers reliable, full-service maintenance at competitive rates as well as yearly maintenance for your boat.

6. Finding Affordable Gear and Accessories

Boating gear and accessories can add up quickly, but there are ways to find affordable options without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips:

Buy From Trusted Dealers: Longshore Boats offers great deals on many accessories and parts. For a quick DIY fix, stop into Longshore to pick up a certified part. 

Seasonal Sales: Take advantage of end-of-season sales and discounts. Retailers often offer significant discounts on boating gear during these times. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to see what current sales we have here at Longshore Boats.

Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can be treasure troves for finding affordable boating gear. Just be sure to verify the condition and authenticity of items before purchasing as you never quite know what you are getting. 

Bundle Deals: Some retailers offer bundle deals that include essential gear and accessories at a discounted price. This can be a cost-effective way to get everything you need.

Conclusion

Boating on a budget is entirely possible with the right approach. By setting a realistic budget, choosing the right boat, exploring financing options, and taking advantage of local resources, you can enjoy family boating without breaking the bank. Remember, the key to affordable boating is smart planning and making informed decisions.

Interested in how you can save big on a boat? Visit Longshore Boats, Charleston SC’s premier boat dealership. We proudly serve Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and West Ashley. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect boat and provide all the maintenance support you need. We offer a range of boats from trusted brands like Robalo, EdgeWater, and Chaparral. Contact us today to learn more and start making unforgettable memories with your family!

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What our customers say about us

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Cliff McCann
October 25, 2024

Hector made the boat buying experience fantastic. He is a consummate professional. He is always available for consultation and always has the answers. I highly recommend him if you are looking to buy a boat.

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Amanda Stockton
September 21, 2024

Longshore Boats in Charleston, SC exceeded our expectations with their exceptional service and top-quality Chaparral 21 SSIOB. Our sales representative, Thomas Drayton, was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and made the entire buying process a delightful experience. From start to finish, Longshore Boats demonstrated their commitment to customer satisfaction, and we highly recommend them to anyone in the market for a new boat.

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Keagan Stockton
September 21, 2024

Great boat, great price, great service. Love it. Thanks you Thomas

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Liam Stockton
September 21, 2024

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We are first time boat owners and Thomas Drayton took care of us every step of the way. Knowledgable, professional, easy to work with. Closing took about five minutes…so easy!!! Highly recommended.

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David Billingsley
September 17, 2024

…. I recently purchased a used Edgewater 185 CC from Longshore Boats and I’m extremely happy with not only the boat, but with all my dealings with them .. My initial email contact was promptly answered by Hector Chavarria from sales, who not only answered all my questions, but did a FaceTime walkthrough of the boat .. throughout the entire buying process he made himself always available and followed through on all my requests .. a big “shout out” to Bennet for promptly dealing with a title issue for the trailer and also to Rose for her efforts .. buying a boat online can be a daunting and perilous experience ! .. not so with the folks at Longshore Boats ! .. A big “Thank You” to them all from an old man up in Pennsylvania fishing for those walleye and steelhead ! …. d. billingsley

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Barbari Griesse
September 9, 2024

We had an exceptional experience working with Hector during our boat purchase. From the start he was knowledgeable, attentive and went above and beyond. His expertise made the process smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend working with Hector!

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Dan Cremer
September 9, 2024

Hector knows his trade and helped me to make an informed decision. My favorite part is that service doesn’t end at the sale. He regularly checks in with me even 6 months after we completed the sale. I have piece of mind knowing that I can always reach out to him with questions and advice.

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Frank Bowdoin
August 11, 2024

What a great time we all had when Longshore Boats invited us out to Bulls Bay Island for an afternoon of fun, food and games. Anchoring at an island and having food and drinks cooked fresh for everyone, come on it doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks for a great day Longshore crew. You show your customers a great time.

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Matthew
August 2, 2024

Great buying experience! Thomas was great to work with!

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Mark Lipsmeyer
July 30, 2024

Thanks to the Longshore team for putting on a fantastic event. We had an incredible experience and look for to next year's event. Thanks so much!

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Key West
July 30, 2024

Thank you so much! The guys in the service department, Dan McBride and Thornton Lacy, did a phenomenal job. I had company coming in for the weekend and, of course, the boat wouldn't start. It needed an ignition switch kit. The guys at Longshore Boats showed me how to remove my old switch kit, and then they fit a new switch kit into my existing bezel. The boat was up and running in no time. Thanks guys!

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Miguel Rodriguez
July 29, 2024

What an awesome event and community! Many thanks to Longshoreboats for having the event local this year, it was a blast!

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Aaron Siegel
July 18, 2024

I purchased a Robalo R160 from Hector and the entire transaction was seamless! He was an absolute pleasure to deal with from my initial information gathering call to him personally delivering the boat to my driveway! If you’re looking for a boat he’s “The guy”. Really appreciate all his hard work and time.

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Art Beyer
July 10, 2024

This was a first time boat purchase and couldn’t have gone better. Worked with Thomas Drayton who was always available to take questions and work with me through the details. Everyone at Longshore including the manage Steve and Thornton and Dan in service have been extremely helpful and friendly. I highly recommend Longshore Boats and encourage you to reach out to Thomas if looking to purchase.

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Wendy Nyberg
July 10, 2024

I cannot express enough how professional and thorough Thomas Drayton was throughout the purchase of my boat at Longshore. From the moment I showed interest in the boat, he provided me the best customer service possible. My transaction could have been a difficult one as I was purchasing the boat from out of state and then transporting it to another state. He assisted with all aspects of the sale and went above and beyond to make sure all services and upgrades I did were executed to the highest level. I have bought several boats from other dealers in the past, and hands down the service and customer first attitude was far superior at Longshore. Id like to also give a shout out to Hector Chavarria on his assistance in providing his knowledge to me on the appropriate electronics and boat trailers, etc. I’ve had my boat for a few months now and I am convinced the best choice I made on this journey was choosing Longshore and working with Thomas and Hector!

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David Troy
June 26, 2024

Hector was professional, honest and extremely responsive. I purchased a boat long distance and it was terribly unsettling to send so much money to someone I didn't know and then hope everything turned out fine. Hector never ghosted me, he always answered the phone or called back and he met all my expectations.

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Stewart Geyer
June 7, 2024

Dan went unbelievably over and above for us. New customer for life.

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Erin Simmons
May 30, 2024

We stopped by Longshore boats on a whim one Saturday morning. We got lucky and got Hector as our sales person. Hector has been incredibly helpful from searching for the perfect boat for our family to the purchasing a boat, and has continued to provide helpful information as a recent boat owner. He is honest, knowledgeable about boats and boating in general in this area. He made this experience seamless and we’re very grateful. We would recommend Hector and Longboats.

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David Stedman
May 29, 2024
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Kevin Jordan
May 25, 2024

Hector Chavarri provided amazing service when I bought a used boat from Longshore. Very knowledgeable and went above and beyond with everything he did. Highly recommended!

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jim
May 24, 2024

From selection to delivery, effortless and enjoyable. All the people at Longshore really go the extra mile. I just took my maiden voyage on my new 23cc and it was a pleasure. Steven , the general manager, even arranged for a captain to accompany me on my first trim. Dan took me thru the boat and made sure I was comfortable with the operation. Thanks guys, see you all on the water.

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Will Summers
May 24, 2024

The customer service was absolutely outstanding, the front desk guys were very knowledgeable and helpful!

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Joel Trewartha
May 16, 2024

Called Thornton and the team at Longshore for a trolling motor install. They got me in and out in less than a week from when I called them and did a great job! Highly recommended

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Martin Little
May 14, 2024

Thomas Drayton and Longshore Boats are an A+ crew. They worked greatly with us on our new Chaparral 23 SSI for us to boat with in Charleston. They made the sale very easy, and followed through on their word. Thanks!

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David Campopiano
May 13, 2024

I just took delivery of my fourth boat from Longshore Boats on Clements Ferry in Berkeley County. This one was a 246 Cayman Robalo. The Team at Longshore has demonstrated to me a willingness to work through logistics, customize the boat to your needs and make the whole experience enjoyable. My sales advisor was Hector Chavarria who found me the right boat and arranged with his sales partner Thomas Drayton to find the right buyer for my existing boat to complete the transaction. It was a win win for all of us. Longshore handled all of the paper work on both boats and provided an experienced captain to deliver the new boat with a 4 hour session on the water. It was a team effort including Stephen Parulis, the GM who helped negotiate the two party transaction. If you are in the market for a new or used boat, I strongly recommend visiting Hector at Longshore. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge in boating and fishing. As far as service, Longshore has serviced all of my boats over the years and has allowed me uninterrupted use of my boats on the water. A special thank you to Steven Ellliot for prepping the new Cayman and making it sea worthy.

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Matt Sloan
May 13, 2024

Absolutely fantastic. I was having a terrible experience with a competing firm who did not seem to want my business. I walked into Longshore and met with Hector. No appointment. Just wandered in. Hector was super responsive. He talked me out of a bad decision and within an hour solved my problem of getting rid of my existing boat and sold me a new one. I did not expect to buy a boat that day but thanks to Hector everything fell beautifully into place. He has since gone out of his way to help me with a few customer service matters. He is a pleasure to work. I love Longshore.

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Jeff Kaplan
May 6, 2024

Our family just purchased a previously owned 2021 Robalo through Longshore Boats. We got a wonderful deal and the buying process was enjoyable and stress free. Everyone on staff was great. Our Sales Rep Tom Drayton was attentive and responsive throughout the process. His ability to answer our questions and address our requests made it all possible. The boat was delivered today and we couldn’t be more pleased. We strongly recommend you visit Longshore if you are considering purchasing a new or used boat.

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Tony Scruggs
May 6, 2024

Wow! What a fantastic company to work with. First class in every aspect. The general manager Stephen Parulis was a pleasure to work with. No pressure and very honest in every respect. I purchased a 270 Rabalo and this boat is just perfect for the Charleston lifestyle. No one could match the deal, not even in a Nationwide search.

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Edward Conklin
May 6, 2024

We have been considering a new boat for almost six years. During this time frame we have talked with most the other dealers in the area, attended all the boat shows and did all the research. One thing remained consistent during this time frame, the professionalism of Longshore Boats experts. Our experience was amazing, no pressure, no overselling, always returning phone calls and texts. Following up as needed. I asked a lot of question and they never made me feel as I was overstaying our welcome. Once we decided to move forward with the purchase and since taking possession of our boat, our experience continues been exceptional. They go over and above our expectations. And they still answer the calls and questions at all times of day. When service is needed, they make it seamless. My recommendation if you are looking at a new boat, make sure you stop at Longshore boats.

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Mark Rosenberg
May 2, 2024

Longshore Boats is a first class operation from sales to service. If you are in the market for a Chaparral, Robalo or Edgewater, ask for Hector Chavarria. He has been there a while and he took great care of me with a Chaparral! Thanks Hector!.

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Craig Adams
May 2, 2024

Longshore boat dealership is a great place to buy a boat. Thomas Drayton our salesman made my experience very enjoyable! He is knowledgeable on all the products, he was hands on cleaning and detailing our boat and making sure it was safe and ready to go boating! I highly recommend buying a boat from Thomas at Longshore Boats!

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Griffin Morrow
May 1, 2024

Thomas was great to work with as we worked through the boat purchasing process. He is very knowledgeable on all boats available through Longshore! Highly recommend Thomas and Longshore!!

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Zoher Alimohamed
April 26, 2024

The whole experience buying a boat was incredible! The entire staff was so nice and helpful for us throughout the process. Highly recommend Longshore to anyone looking to buy a boat. Especially, working with Thomas was great! He was always quick to answer questions and answer calls when we needed him. 5/5 for sure!

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Tony Doar
April 25, 2024

Stephen & his team are the folks you want to sell your boat. They handled my transaction from start to finish, bringing a qualified buyer in just a few weeks. Look no further than Longshore Boats if you want to work with professionals. Thank you Stephen. Tony Doar, Charleston,SC

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sean peache
March 29, 2024

I had an amazing boat buying experience with Hector! He was honest and completely transparent through the whole process. He was professional and just a great guy to work with. If you don’t go through Hector when you purchase your next boat, you’re missing out!

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Tip Simons
March 13, 2024

Very friendly, professional, and thorough.

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Forrest Dangerfield
March 12, 2024

We just bought our first boat from Longshore and Hector was our salesman throughout the process. I wrote a request for additional information on the boat I was interested in on a Saturday and didn’t expect a response until Monday. However, within minutes, Hector reached out to me and scheduled a time for me to come in that day. He had the boat ready within 45 minutes and never pressured us not anything other than what we wanted. He made the experience feel comfortable and welcomed my two young children who accompanied us to the dealership. Hector coordinated with the financing companies for us and also helped get our insurance process rolling. After purchasing the boat, he also set up a personalized lesson with an experienced captain. Hector was wonderful and we highly recommend him to anyone wanting to buy a boat without feeling pressured into anything other than what you want.

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I am a very happy costumer as I had the best possible experience buying my first Robalo boat at Longshore Boats. Hector Chavarria and the team at Longshore Boats answered all my many questions and guided me through the whole process. Hector has all the important “As”: Availability, Affability, and Ability. He connected me with captains, local fishermen, and others to make my boating experience more enjoyable and safe!

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Jhoana Jimenez
February 28, 2024

bianey made ordering Robalo parts such a easy process!!

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Christopher Helmke
January 14, 2024

What a great experience we had purchasing a Robalo from Longshore Boats. Our sales rep, Hector Chavarria, helped us every step of the way answering all of our questions. Since we were coming from NY, he effectively coordinated our time to see and test drive the Robalo. Very accommodating and kept everything fast and friendly! Thank you Hector!

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CaptainWaterfront
December 13, 2023

Hector is the best! I’ve bought and sold many boats over the years and have never had anyone close to the level of care and attention Hector provided! He acted as my eyes as I had a lot of work done while I was in back home in Maryland. I knew his eye was as good as my eye and probably more critical! A true pleasure dealing with Hector, who I now consider a friend! They just don’t come any better! 10 Stars!! Thanks again for all your attention to the details! You’re a one off!! 👍🏻👍🏻

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Jennifer
December 6, 2023

Hector was super attentive and knowledgeable. It was our first time getting a boat and he definitely did a great job. Highly recommend Longshore Boats

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Jay Miles
December 5, 2023

Thanks for making my boat shopping experience seamless. Hector answered all my questions and was invaluable in recommending the right accessories for my boating goals.

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Bob Horner
December 5, 2023

I never leave reviews, but today I do it because Longshore Boats broke the bar and all my expectations. Héctor is a highly professional and great person. Thank you, Héctor, for everything.

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Carol Jaworski
August 26, 2023

Yesterday I had a minor emergency before a fishing trip and was delighted by the friendly and quick service by the service team at Longshore Boats. Shout out to Stephen in the service department, along with Mike and new guy Jason! And thank you Stephen in sales for once again pointing me in the right direction. They saved a day of fishing and once again proved that they are the best in the biz!

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Chad Cammer
August 11, 2023

Gian was very helpful.Never felt like I was being sold.Very friendly people and good service

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Jack Townsend
July 27, 2023

Called Longshore on a Friday with fueling problems on a Yamaha outboard. They had that boat out and fixed that Monday, solving a problem that another shop mis-diagnosed. Jason was very easy to work with and they were a reasonable price. Highly recommend this shop.

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Stephan Oster
July 18, 2023

Just had my first service done on my new boat and Jason handled everything like a complete professional and made the process super easy. I will definitely be using Longshore for all my service needs

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Trae Redmond
July 10, 2023

Billy Bentley with the Service department did an excellent job handling my warranty issues. His communication and follow up was top notch! Thank you!

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Mike Milward
July 3, 2023

I cannot say enough about everyone I have dealt with at Longshore Boats. Most recently I ordered multiple add-on’s to my Robalo 222 and Billy has been very helpful and courteous from the beginning to ensure he is ordering exactly what I want.