I looked around and finally decided I wanted a Crestliner VT-17 with no carpet.
The dealer in BR does not carry any nor does the dealer in Bogalusa.
Their prices on their stock items were not that great either and they do not carry much inventory.
I went to Texas and the dealers over there have a lot more inventory on hand.
The dealer I bought from had so much inventory I admit it took me awhile to decide on the boat.
Found what I wanted, they had larger trollmotor, poly floor instead of carpet, and had it
in the color I wanted for less money than a carpet boat at Louisiana dealers.
Bought it and paperwork took maybe an hour and they had boat ready to go.
They waved notary and paperwork fee as I went in person to do this.
The only taxes I paid was on boat & motor.
Pay taxes on trailer where you live.
The dealer also gave me a form of what to do for my taxes and registration.
Boat and motor -
Paid Texas taxes and got a credit toward taxes I owe where I live.
I paid 3% difference in taxes which if I would have bought boat in Louisiana the taxes
would be the same.
Went to LDWLF and got my registration done no problems.
Trailer
(no taxes collected at the dealer. Taxes are paid where you legally reside on drivers license)
Went to DMW and paid my taxes on the rate where I live.
Got my plate right then and there with my trailer title.
Yes. It is a little legwork but not that hard to do and dealer gave me a sheet with what to do.
Advantage for myself was I got the boat I wanted without having to order it and pay up to $800 in shipping & misc fees extra. I also got the rebates which I would have not got if I would have ordered the boat.
warranty wise
- boat typically does not have much issue.
- If so I travel to Texas twice a month no big deal.
Motor wise
- I will use a local Mercury shop where I bought the Platinum warranty from.