When you’re looking to buy a boat, the first person you’ll likely speak to is a boat broker. They’re knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to help—but what many buyers don’t realise is this:
A boat broker/builder works for the seller/brand. A boat buyer advocate works for you.
No matter how helpful a broker or dealer may seem, their job is to sell you the boats they have access to—whether through their stock or affiliated listings. And while that might work for some, it doesn’t always lead to the right decision for you as the buyer.
That’s where a boat buyer advocate makes all the difference.
What Is a Boat Buyer Advocate?
A boat buyer advocate doesn’t sell boats. We help you buy the right one. At High Tide Boating, we represent the buyer throughout the entire boat search process—offering independent, unbiased advice based on your needs, not the inventory available.
Our goal is simple: to help you find a boat that truly suits your lifestyle, location, and long-term goals—without being swayed by sales targets, commissions, or brand preferences.
We Start with Your “Magic 3” for how to buy a boat
Every client journey begins by defining what we call the Magic 3:
- Lifestyle expectations – What kind of boating experience are you after? Leisure, cruising, entertaining, bluewater, or something else?
- Area of operation – Will you be boating on bays, rivers, lakes, or offshore?
- Budget – What’s realistic and sustainable over time?
These three elements form the foundation of our work together. In the early stages, we collaborate closely with you to fully define your Magic 3—and only once that’s clear does the real search begin.
From there, we explore all available vessel options—across all brands, brokers, and private listings—without bias. Because we’re not tied to any stock or commission structure, our only focus is finding the boat that’s right for you.
Why It Matters When Buying a Boat
Choosing the wrong boat can lead to frustration, regret, and unexpected costs. But when you’re guided by a boat buyer advocate, the process becomes clearer, less stressful, and more rewarding. You gain:
- Confidence in your decisions
- A broader view of what’s available
- Support from someone who’s on your side, not trying to make a sale
- A boat that suits your real-world needs—not just your dreams
It’s the kind of support that leads to better long-term outcomes and greater enjoyment of life on the water.
Ready to Start Choose the Right Boat?
If you’re thinking about buying a boat — whether it’s your first or your next — we’d love to help. Let’s start with a no-pressure conversation and see if buyer advocacy is right for you.
Real Stories From Boaters Who Got It Right
At High Tide Boating, we don’t just help clients choose the right boat—we give them the tools and confidence to truly enjoy it. Months and even years after their training, we often hear how their boating journey is going. Here are just a few recent reflections:
“The 12 months passed by very quickly and we have been enjoying the boat incredibly… We’ve done a few night passages now and feel quite familiar with the boat. Slowly taking it out of our comfort zones more and more.”
– Peter, trained April | Feedback 1 year later
“We’re getting into it more and more. Most of the best times we’ve had over the last 12 months have probably been on the water. No major issues so far—touch wood!”
– Dineth, trained January | Feedback 1 year later
“Still enjoying boating—it’s become a fixation. I’ve been volunteering with BYS on their safety boats, and the lessons with Ned made handling their power catamaran trivial!”
– James, trained January | Feedback 1 year later
“I’ve recommended Ned to a lot of people—often after they compliment our docking! I tell them it’s all thanks to Ned’s great coaching.”
– Philippe, trained early 2023 | Feedback 1 year later
These stories highlight what boat buyer advocacy is really about: helping people make the right choice and giving them the knowledge and support to thrive on the water well into the future.