Question about buying a boat

I'm seriously considering buying a boat, just trying to find the one that I think would suit my needs the best. That being said yesterday I looked at a mako that I really liked at bass pro right by my house. I really like the boat but want to test drive/ride before I commit to anything. The salesman there told me to get a test ride I would have to get financing first, which I understand they don't want to take everyone on a joy ride only serious buyers. He then goes on to tell me that I would have to agree to buy the boat to get a test ride and if I didn't like the boat I would have to purchase a different boat. My question is, is this common practice or should I go somewhere else? Also the only place they will go is to Somerville, I'm more concerned with performance on the bay since that is what I'm buying the boat for anyway.