The first leisure activity that comes to mind when summer is around the corner is – boating. Buying boats for the unending boating seasons is a significant thing that changes our exhilaration. Let’s consider here a few boat-buying tips before you go out to shop for your boat:
- Your budget
- Boat size
- Boating activities you want to try
- Fuel efficiency and requirements
- Frequency of use
- Maintenance cost
- Storage options
Determine Your Budget
Boats come with different specifications; the cost will depend on these specifications. Also, the boat size may depend on whether you are an amateur or professional boater. If you are thinking of buying the best boat that suits your pocket, clearly defining your budget is essential. Besides purchasing the vessel, there will also be some additional costs for insurance, maintenance, fuel, and storage. Realistically speaking, buying and owning a boat in the long term will cost more than a vehicle!
Boat Size
One of the best tips in boat buying guide is – considering the boat size. Where you want to use the boat and the size of the body of water. For the open sea, using a small boat could be treacherous, hence opting for a bigger boat to handle the rougher water is crucial. Smaller boats are good for lakes, rivers, and narrow seas as they provide quick and easy maneuvers.
New Boats or Pre-Owned Boats?
If you are buying a boat for the first time, investing less would be wiser as long as it is not compromising your safety. Thoroughly research the shapes and sizes of the boat before making the final decision. You can check out power boats, small fishing boats, pontoon, sailboats, center consoles, V-Hulls, power catamarans, and rigid inflatable boats.
Also, there are different types of hulls like laminate hulls, that enable better maneuver. Moreover, considering the fuel efficiency and operational difficulty level should be significant factors in a new boat buyer guide. For speed junkies, buying a motorboat would be a wiser choice.
Many boaters like to upgrade their vessel once they become proficient. If you are choosing to buy a used boat, inspecting the boat thoroughly is key to a good purchase. Often, old boats are less used as the boater upgrades to newer versions, making them longer lasting. However, you should always check for potential maritime misuse or previous damage just like cars. A marine inspection by an experienced professional is always a good idea.
Consider Fuel Requirements & Boating Activities
There are plenty of activities you will like to enjoy with boating like fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, riding tow toys, snorkeling, and scuba diving. For more speed, a powerboat is an essential requirement. The powerboats cost more! The small boats are more important if you are thinking of sailing through the speedy waters of a swift river in the hills. A traditional wooden row boat or sail boat do not require fuel, but may be ideal for close to shore fishing activities or a dock-side sunrise/sunset view. However, it will never be as speedy as a powerboat!
Maintenance Cost
Maintaining your boat regularly by cleaning and servicing helps reduce the repairing cost, and also makes the boat last longer. It keeps the boat looking like new, ensuring its aesthetics while extending its longevity at the same time.
Check Out Storage Options for Off-Boating Season
For people buying a boat for the first time, checking the storage space should be the top priority. You can consider marine storage, docks, boat lifts, and trailer storage. If you have enough space at the house and live on the water, a boat lift is an ideal way to store your boat out of the water..
Obtain Insurance & Attend A Training Course
Obtain a good insurance policy before hitting the water. Coverage is important when you are on the water around other watercraft and have passengers on board. Insurance also covers damage, medical, and liability should you harm other persons or property. Another important tip from our boat-buying guide is – familiarize yourself with the navigation rules. For exploring the waters, avoid going into unmarked areas, and violating boating laws and posted regulations.
Check out the Life Mate to get the best-suited boat accessories and take your family on a memorable trip. Enjoy refreshing fun moments with friends while fishing, tubing, or cruising on the open water.