Is Fall the Right Time to Trade In Your Boat?
While there might not really be a wrong time to trade in a boat, there could certainly be a right time... and Fall may be the perfect time to make your move.
There are several reasons to consider trading in your current boat now rather than waiting until the next boating season. The boating season is far from over — in fact, especially in Texas, some of the best days to spend on the water are still ahead.
If you’ve been thinking about a boat trade-in, upgrading to a newer boat, buying a new boat, or ordering a custom boat, now is a great time to explore your options.
Let’s walk through some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the boat trade-in and upgrade process and why now could be the right time for you.
Can I Trade In My Current Boat Toward a New Boat?
Absolutely! You can trade in your current boat toward the purchase of a brand-new boat. Your trade-in value can be applied toward your next boat, making it easier to upgrade to the boat you really want.
How Does the Boat Trade-In Process Work?
Whether you find a new boat in our current inventory or want to custom build your own boat, the trade-in process is straightforward:
1. Review Your Boat’s Condition
We’ll start with a condition report to evaluate your current boat before determining its trade-in value.
2. Determine a Fair Trade-In Value
We consider your boat’s condition, lake test results, full inspection from our service team, and current market values to determine a fair and reasonable boat trade-in value.
3. Finalize Your Trade and Schedule Delivery
Once your trade-in and new boat purchase are finalized, we’ll coordinate the details and schedule delivery of your new boat.
Our goal is to make the boat trade-in and upgrade process simple, transparent, and hassle-free from start to finish.
How Much Is My Boat Worth as a Trade-In?
Your boat’s trade-in value depends on several factors, including its overall condition and current market value.
We’ll evaluate your boat and provide a fair trade-in value based on its condition and today’s market. For the most accurate boat trade-in appraisal, our team will inspect your boat to determine its current value toward your next boat purchase.
What Types of Boats Can I Trade In?
We accept most boat brands and models and are happy to discuss your current boat and explore your trade-in options.
Your boat’s condition and current market value will be considered when determining a fair trade-in evaluation.
Can I Trade In My Boat If I Still Have a Loan?
Yes. If you still have a loan on your current boat, our team can discuss your trade-in options and help you understand how the remaining loan balance factors into your next boat purchase.
What Should I Bring When I’m Ready to Trade In My Boat?
To help make the boat trade-in process as smooth as possible, be prepared with:
Your current boat, or we can discuss arranging pickup
Proper ownership paperwork
Boat title in your name
Engine title, if applicable for an outboard
Trailer title, if you have a trailer
Your preferred method of payment
Having your ownership documents ready can help keep the trade-in process moving efficiently.
What New Boats Are Available?
We offer a wide selection of new boats for sale, including remaining 2025 models, current 2026 models, and new 2027 boats arriving regularly.
Our new boat inventory changes frequently, so our team can help you explore the latest models and find the right boat for your lifestyle, budget, and boating needs.
Can I Upgrade From My Current Boat to a Larger or Newer Model?
Absolutely! We offer flexible boat upgrade options, whether you’re looking for a larger boat, a newer model, or simply a boat with more of the features you want.
If the right boat isn’t currently in our inventory, we may be able to help you find or order it.
The goal is to find an upgrade that fits comfortably within your budget while giving you the features and experience you want from your next boat.
What Types of Boats Are Available for Families and Recreational Boating?
We offer a variety of new and pre-owned boats for families and recreational boating, with options to fit different lifestyles, preferences, and budgets.
Our new boat inventory regularly includes brands such as MasterCraft, Chris-Craft, Cobalt, Barletta, and Flamingo.
Our pre-owned boat inventory is constantly changing as customers trade in their boats for newer models and upgrades. Depending on current inventory, you may find popular pre-owned brands such as Nautique, Malibu, Tige, Moomba, Axis, Sea Ray, and Chaparral, along with many other well-known boat brands.
Whether you’re looking for a family boat, wake boat, surf boat, pontoon boat, or luxury boat, our team can help you explore current inventory and find the right boat for your next adventure.
Are Pontoon Boats Available?
Yes! We regularly have new pontoon boats and tritoons available, with inventory changing throughout the year.
Pre-owned pontoon boats can come and go quickly. If you have a specific pontoon or tritoon in mind, let our team know what you’re looking for. We can keep your preferences on file and contact you when a matching pre-owned pontoon boat becomes available.
Can I Order a Custom Boat?
Absolutely!
A custom boat order gives you the opportunity to create a boat that reflects your personal style, preferences, and boating lifestyle.
What Are the Benefits of Ordering a Custom Boat?
The biggest benefit of ordering a custom boat is the ability to build it around you and your family.
From colors and finishes to features and options, you can add your own personal touch and create a boat that feels uniquely yours.
A custom boat order is your chance to build your dream boat from the ground up and create something that fits your family’s boating lifestyle.
What Are the Benefits of Buying a New In-Stock Boat?
Buying a new in-stock boat means you can get on the water faster, with delivery often available within the same week.
Plus, select in-stock boats may offer special savings, making an in-stock boat a great option if you’re ready to upgrade without waiting for a custom order.
Can I Use My Trade-In Value Toward a Custom Boat Order?
Yes! Your current boat can be evaluated for trade-in, and the trade-in value can be applied toward a custom boat order.
This gives you the flexibility to trade in your current boat while building the new boat you’ve always wanted.
Is Now a Good Time to Upgrade My Boat?
Yes! Fall can be an excellent time to follow through with a boat upgrade, especially with our biggest Trade Up incentives of the year.
During our Toss Us Your Keys event this Fall, qualifying customers may have opportunities to take advantage of incentives such as:
Service credits
Complimentary winterization
Storage options
Additional Trade Up savings and incentives
If you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to trade in your boat, this could be the time to make your move.
Can I Still Enjoy the Boating Season After Upgrading My Boat?
Absolutely! In Texas, the boating season doesn’t have to end with summer.
With warm weather continuing into September, October, and even November there’s still plenty of time to enjoy your new boat and get more days on the water.
Why wait until next season to enjoy your next boat?
Do You Offer Boat Storage Options?
Storage options are available at our Austin location. Ask our team about current availability and options when discussing your boat trade-in or upgrade.
How Can Upgrading My Boat Help Me Spend More Time on the Water?
Upgrading to the right boat with the features you need can make time on the water easier, more enjoyable, and less of a hassle.
A newer boat can also provide greater peace of mind and fewer worries about unexpected issues with your current boat.
Most importantly, the right family boat can give you more opportunities to spend time together, build skills, and make memories on the water.
What Should I Consider When Choosing My Next Boat?
Consider your budget, boating needs, desired features, and current market value.
If you’re trading in your current boat, remember that its value may continue to decrease over time—even if you only wait one more year. At the same time, a newer boat can offer updated features, technology, and reliability.
Our team can help you compare your trade-in value with available boats to find an option that fits your needs and budget.
How Do I Know Which Boat Is Right for My Family and Lifestyle?
Schedule a demo and bring the family!
Everyone may have a favorite feature on your current boat. A demo gives your family the chance to see what carries over to a new model, what’s been improved, and what new features could make your time on the water even better. Whether it’s under-seat storage, seating capacity, or finding the perfect spot for a lake-day nap, bring the family along and see what your next boat has to offer.
Can You Help Me Compare My Current Boat With a New Model?
Yes! We can help you compare your current boat with newer models based on features, performance, reliability, and your boating needs.
Whether you want the same type of boat with newer technology and added reliability or you’re looking for features your current boat is missing, we can help you find the right upgrade.
How Can I Make the Boat Trade-In and Upgrade Process Easier?
While we can’t control current market values or how the market affects your boat’s trade-in value, maintaining your boat can help maximize its value from a condition standpoint.
Good maintenance can also make the boat trade-in process smoother and easier.
Where Can I Trade In My Boat for a New One?
You can trade in your boat at Boat Town. Our team can help you through the entire boat trade-in and upgrade process, from evaluating your current boat to finding your next new or pre-owned boat.
With multiple Boat Town locations, we can help you find the location that’s most convenient for you.
What Boats Can I Buy With a Trade-In?
Your boat trade-in value can be applied toward a wide range of new or pre-owned boats, depending on your budget and the value of your trade.
Whether you’re looking for a larger boat, newer model, different style, or additional features, our team can help you find the right boat to fit your needs and budget.
Ready to Trade Up?
Hopefully, these FAQs answered some of your questions and helped you feel more comfortable and prepared to trade in your current boat.
And if you’ve been waiting for the right time to make your move, your time may be now.
Our upcoming Toss Us Your Keys event will be running across all three locations on October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Bring your current boat and our team can complete an on-site trade evaluation. Qualifying trades may be eligible for up to an additional $10,000 in trade-in value, plus opportunities for additional time-saving incentives such as:
Service credits
Complimentary winterization
Storage options
Additional Trade Up savings and incentives
Our sales and service teams will both be there, giving you the opportunity to get real answers about the boat you own now while starting to figure out what comes next—all in one trip.
Save Big. Save Time. Skip the Hassle.
It’s time to upgrade, start fresh, and make the most of the boating season that’s still ahead.
