First-time boat buyers are excited about all the activities they will enjoy once they are onboard. While that’s something to focus on, you must also consider your budget and lifestyle to determine what type of PWC will suit you best.
A quick search online on the topic of “How to Buy a Boat” will present you with loads of information that will have your head spinning. So, to make it easy for you, we decided to narrow it all down to three basic factors you need to pay attention to.
Let’s take a look at them:
Consider Your Options
Choosing a boat has no right or wrong answers. However, what you intend to use it for will help you decide its size and type. For example, a powerboat is the best option if you are looking for the thrill and rush of speeding on the water.
Next up is a sailboat or a yacht that allows you to enjoy sailing and be one with nature in luxury. Lastly, we have human-powered boats that are small in size, have an outboard engine, and are typically used for fishing.
Inspect the Boat
If you don’t know much about boats, better to hire a professional for the job.
A marine surveyor is similar to a house inspector. They inspect the boat inside out and from top to bottom to find out if it meets your preferences. If you are buying a used boat, it’s important to go through this step to avoid finding any faults in it later. You will have better luck getting a good deal online. Make sure to take a friend who knows about boats with you so you don’t get ripped off.
A marine surveyor will also give you detailed information about the boat’s major components, such as the bilge, propeller, engine, fuel tank, steering, and electrical systems, in layman’s terms.
Sea Trial
A sea trial is like a test drive. If you want to know how driving the boat feels and if you are comfortable with the controls, you need to give it a go. This will also help you determine if you can handle the horsepower and if the experience justifies the price tag.
In conclusion, there are various factors you need to consider when buying a boat. Once you have decided on what type of boat you want, you need to get your boating license. Texas law requires that people born after 1st September 1993, operating a sailboat 14 feet or more in length or a motorized boat or PWC over 15 hp, must carry a boater education card. If caught without one, you will be fined.
Now that you know the basics of buying a boat, it’s time to consider getting a dock. EZ Dock Texas offers different types of boat docks in various materials, including wood, aluminum, etc. They also offer accessories that allow you to expand your floating dock and boat lifts for easy launching. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
