Do you believe all the marketing hype boat salesmen toss around? Of course not, but it can be tough to separate the truth from the talk.

It is axiomatic in the marketplace that some salesmen and manufacturers bend the truth a bit. But sorting it out can feel much like navigating a political campaign, where candidates care more about selling themselves than selling the truth – and everybody has some kind of information to back their claims.

GARMINPower isn't the only variable that determines how deep a fishfinder can detect.

So let's dispel some of the sales-driven misconceptions – myths and facts – that can make buying boats and marine gear confusing.

AD CLAIM: "Our boat is wood–free, so you never have to worry about rot."

REALITY CHECK: Sure, there's a kernel of truth to this often–heard statement. Rot is indeed a thing of the past in all–composite boats. But modern pressure–treated marine plywood, such as the Greenwood XL commonly used in high–quality boats like Grady–White, Tige, Maxum, Pursuit and Blue Wave, doesn't rot, either.

In fact, Greenwood offers a no–rot lifetime guarantee on its marine ply. Several other companies make similarly treated products, which also do not rot. On top of that, virtually every boatbuilder that cores important areas like stringers and transoms with marine plywood also encapsulates it in fiberglass. So while it's true that no–wood boats don't rot, neither do most of those currently built with wood in them.

But wait – there's more to this story. When wood is used as a coring material, it has some incredible assets, such as excellent sound– and vibration–deadening properties. Because it is porous, it soaks up resin, and bonds well with fiberglass. It's easy to shape, cut, bend and warp into whatever form needed. It is one of the strongest boatbuilding products available for its weight. In short, it's an excellent raw material for boatbuilders. Boats with ply–cored stringers rarely suffer from that drumming sound you'll hear when a lightly built boat slams down on a wave, and they also have excellent rigidity.

LENNY RUDOWThe salesman says that boat has 316-grade stainless steel? Of course it does!

Does that take away from all–composite boats? Not at all. Modern boatbuilding materials and methods do allow a builder to make an excellent boat – one that's usually lighter yet doesn't sacrifice strength – without using wood. But don't let those builders mislead you. The bottom line is that both construction methods are excellent when applied by a knowledgeable, competent, quality–oriented boatbuilder, and neither assures you a trouble–free boat when the builder is sloppy.

AD CLAIM: "Our boats have 316–grade stainless steel fittings, which are the most corrosion–resistant."

REALITY CHECK: This may be true, but it is also true of virtually every boat out there. The only boats that don't use 316–grade stainless steel are those designed for freshwater use only, and the least expensive on the market. Don't fault a builder for letting you know what it uses, but don't let them make this a selling point, either.

AD CLAIM: "You need a cabin if you want the perfect family boat!"

REALITY CHECK: Although most dealers and brokers would have you believe a cabin is a necessity for kids and spouses, this simply isn't true. Spend a day on a center– or dual–console with kids, and it becomes immediately apparent. Foot for foot, the open–console design provides far more deck space to spread out, and lessens the chances of accidental hookings, bumps, and other close–quarters accidents.

LENNY RUDOWNo one anchor is best for every situation. You need a few.

On an average 23–foot walkaround, for example, you'll have enough cockpit space for three people without feeling cramped. On a 23–foot center console, there's room for three in the cockpit plus three more in the bow area. And besides, on the deck is where you want kids, not in the cabin. Children – especially young ones – like to go in and out of the cabin repeatedly, often as a game, with the cabin providing a hiding space. Walking up and down a sharp set of stairs in a rocking boat is just asking for trouble. Plus, the kiddies may tuck up into the V–berth where you can't keep an eye on them.

Luckily, manufacturers recognized the need to incorporate family features into open boats years ago. Nowadays just about every center console over 21 feet has a head built into the console, and you can find them on boats as small as 19 feet. Side console boats also feature heads, usually placed in the passenger's side console. That takes care of the single biggest complaint about small open boats, family–wise.

Meanwhile, T–tops and biminis provide shade, another prerequisite for family boating. Transom showers and built–in tow eyes increase your family fun options to include swimming, wakeboarding and waterskiing. So before you choose a cabin–equipped boat, try taking the family out on an open boat and see how well the day goes. If you stick mostly to day–tripping, watersports, fishing and short hops across the harbor, a cabin is not a necessity.

AD CLAIM: "Our boats are unsinkable."

REALITY CHECK: Yeah, sure. But when you're looking at boats 20 feet and under, they all are. In fact, U.S. Coast Guard regulations require any boat in that range to float in an upright and level position when swamped. So the manufacturer is tooting its horn over a truth that can be applied to all of its competitors, too.

AD CLAIM: "She's got a top speed of 16 knots."

REALITY CHECK: If the boat's top speed is 16 knots, the only time you may go that fast is on the sea trial. In the real world, boats have full tanks, loads of gear and passengers, the bottom may be less than clean and sea conditions may vary a lot.

On a sea trial, the tanks may be only partially full, the bottom is apt to be spotless, there are likely only two or three people onboard and you are probably cruising in nice weather. Plus, the salesman driving knows the boat and the local waters – he or she is a pro.