What to Know Before Buying a Boat
If your happy place is out on the water, you may find yourself tempted to buy a boat. While a great investment for many, it’s important to remember that a boat is just that – an investment. When it’s time to go boat shopping, there are eight things you should keep in mind.
Time
Have an honest conversation with yourself about how often you use a boat. If you love sailing but don’t have time for it, don’t convince yourself that you’ll make more time if you buy a boat. Invest in a vessel only if you’ll use it often. If you won’t, consider renting a boat when the water calls you.
Additional Costs
Buying a boat means taking on fees for docking, storing, insuring and registering the vessel as well as obtaining a boating license where required. You may also need a vehicle and trailer capable of towing your new boat’s weight. Include all of these costs when looking at your boat budget.
Your Goals
What you need from a boat is largely determined by what you intend to do with it. A slow boat, for example, will work well for cruising and fishing, but it will disappoint if you want to water ski or parasail. You’ll also need a few more amenities if you plan to stay in the water for several days or weeks at a time. Knowing how you will use a boat will help you choose the right one.
Size Matters
With more room for people and their gear, bigger boats tend to be more comfortable than smaller ones. Larger boats also sail more smoothly. Note too, that you can customize many of a boat’s features, but you can’t make a small boat bigger. Before you decide to go big or go home, however, note that larger boats are more expensive to purchase, store and maintain. Weigh your options carefully and don’t buy more boat than your budget or piloting skills can handle.
The Fine Print
An upgraded boat generates far more oohs and aahs on the showroom floor or at a boat show than a base model. Sellers know this and often add a few extras to display models. Make sure you understand exactly what is included in the price of a boat. Never assume you’ll get every feature the salesman showed you.
Bells and Whistles
Speaking of extras and upgrades, don’t fall in love with every shiny gadget a boat dealer offers. Fancy upgrades and technical toys will likely need to be replaced or repaired at some point. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a few extras, of course, especially if you’re an experienced sailor who knows what you want. Try to distinguish the helpful from the flashy, however.
A Test Drive
Just as you would do before buying a car, it’s important to take a boat for a test run before you buy it. Testing a boat takes some logistical planning, but reputable boat dealers are happy to make these arrangements for serious buyers. You should do your homework and narrow your options before taking a test sail because of the logistics involved, but do take a trip across the water before making a final purchase decision.
Feel It
A boat is a major investment and one that should inspire some passion. It’s always important to make such a large purchase carefully and logically. You should never buy a boat on impulse or let your emotions buy more boat than your budget can afford. Still, a boat is something you purchase for fun. If the thought of buying a particular boat doesn’t make you at least a little giddy, it’s probably not the right boat.
