How to Choose Your First Boat. Buying a boat is a dream come true for many people. However, that first sweet purchase does require a whole lot of planning to ensure a truly wonderful experience. Let us check out a few key points that you need to consider before you purchase your dream vessel.
Why Do You Need a Boat?
This is what you have to determine first and foremost. If you have grown sick and tired of fishing from a floating dock, you should consider a center console fishing boat. This way, you will be able to go where the action is, instead of waiting for the fish to come to you.
On the other hand, if you are into water sports such as tubing and wake surfing, a sleek duel console bowrider might be just the thing for you.
Determine Your Budget
Boats come in all shapes and sizes with all sorts of features and each one may be more attractive than the other. This makes it very easy to overstep your budget. If you are not prepared and disciplined, it is entirely possible to end up spending much more than you can afford. Surf online for deals, go boating shows, and make sure to leave your wallet behind to refrain from making an impulsive purchase.
Make a budget and stick to it. You should look at the total cost of your watercraft, not just monthly installments alone. This way, you will be able to spend on other important stuff such as fish finders, high tech communication systems, and other accessories.
Try to Understand the Total Cost of Boat Ownership
The price that you pay upfront for your boat is only half the picture. You will have to pay for a whole lot of other stuff on a regular basis. Many first-time boat owners don’t realize that there are many hidden expenses that you won’t know about when you take a cruise on your best friend’s yacht.
For example, there will be costs of storage, fuel, insurance, and fishing gear. Apart from that, you will also need plenty of safety equipment, not to mention seasonal maintenance and repairs. If you own a seafront property, you might want to consider investing in a floating dock for boats. You should know exactly how much you will have to pay in terms of both annual and monthly expenses for your new boat before you make a purchase decision.
Inspect the Boat Beforehand
A boat may look excellent on land but that does not mean that it will perform the way you expect, once it hits the water. It is imperative that you take the boat for a sea trial to see if it performs up to specifications.
But there is something even more important than that. Do you like the feel of the boat once it is skimming the surface of the water? If your friends love it and you just feel seasick, you might consider some other vessel.
Now that you have done your homework it is time to find your very own vessel. Good luck!
