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Boat buying advice
So you’ve decided to buy your first boat.
Congratulations! Because 2/3 of the earth’s surface is covered by water, your new boat will let you visit a lot more of the planet, much more than you can visit by car.
Size matters
The size of the boat is an important consideration.
The bigger the boat the more features it usually has, including cabins, galleys (kitchens), heads (toilet areas), and so on.
The downside to bigger boats is they have more systems to understand and operate, and they may not be trailerable, and of course, they also cost more, both to buy and to operate.
When you’re first getting started in boating you want the experience to be as fun and easy as possible.
For that reason, we recommend your first boat be no larger than 22-24 feet, but make sure any boat you buy is certified to carry all the passengers and gear you plan to bring aboard.
New vs. used boats
As with a car, there are pros and cons to both new and used boats.
Is a new boat the way to go?
As with a car, there are pros and cons to both new and used boats.
The reasons for shopping new first are likely obvious:
You know every piece of the history of your boat and its motor.
If something goes wrong, you have a warranty to rely upon; you do not have to focus on all of the restoration or repair projects - allowing you to get out on the water right away; and finally, you often can order the boat custom to your needs and tastes.
Financing a new boat often allows you to negotiate much better interest rates as well. You will also gain insight into which type of boat is best for you, by shopping new.
As with a car, the depreciation will be highest in the first season of use.
On the other hand, dealers indicate that more likely than not, problems do creep up with new boats that need to be addressed in the warranty period, so you should definitely consider warranties and interest rates when comparing new and used boats.
Used boats: Things to consider
Used boats can be a viable option, especially for the individual who doesn’t know what he or she wants to do on the boat, or for families with tight budgets.
Even if you are considering buying a used boat, it is a good idea to shop new first - boatshows are a great opportunity to see what is out there and to create your short list of the critical or important traits of a boat.
You will use this list to narrow down the vast amount of used boats available.
Once you find your boat, but before you buy - get a marine survey of the boat.
There is no question that the expense (approximately $8-$10 per linear foot) will be money well spent.
Often, structural defects or mechanical problems on boats that are old or have not been cared for properly, may be difficult to detect.
A marine survey is sort of like a home inspection, the surveyor will thoroughly inspect every part of the boat - from the engine to the electrical system, the hull to the dash - and give you an analysis of the results.
Depending on the results, you can benefit from this information with power to re-negotiate the price of the boat, knowledge to step away from the deal altogether if needed, or the peace of mind knowing that nothing will need repair in the foreseeable future.
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