Everything That You Need to Know About Buying a Boat
Buying a boat is a hugely exciting process, but if you have never bought a boat before, you can quickly find the shopping experience becomes confusing or even overwhelming. This guide is here to help by showing you all that you need to know about buying a boat to help you find the right model that offers you the very best value for money.
How to Find Your Ideal Boat
When it comes to finding your ideal boat, there are a number of considerations that you will need to make. These considerations will help you to make the most informed decision when it comes to buying a boat.
Should You Buy New or Pre-Owned?
One of the first considerations you will need to make when you are buying a boat is if you buy a new or used model. Buying a new boat is ideal for people who have a bit more money to spend. This is because buying a new boat will provide you with the latest technology and a warranty that protects you if you experience a malfunction.
If you are looking to buy a used boat, this does not need to mean that you are sacrificing on quality. Finding a high-quality used boat is possible, especially if you are buying from an experienced owner.
What Size of Boat Should You Buy?
When it comes to deciding what size boat you should buy, there are a number of factors that can impact this decision. For example, you should ask yourself where you are going to be using your boat. If you are going to be motoring on lakes or rivers, then you should not have a boat larger than 40 feet.
When you are working out what size boat you should be purchasing, you should also consider how many passengers you are going to be carrying. Are you going to be using your boat as a quiet fishing getaway for some alone time, or are you hoping to host your friends on deck? You should also ask yourself how much time you are planning on spending onboard. If you are planning on staying overnight, then you will need more amenities and space like a cabin and a gallery.
As Marine Engineering explains, there are many different ways and purposes that you can use your boat for. Making sure you think clearly about how you intend to use your boat is vital when looking to find yourself the perfect model.
Set Your Budget
The next step when you are buying yourself a boat is to set yourself a budget. This step is critical and should be completed before you start shopping to ensure you don’t get your heart set on a model that you cannot afford.
When you are purchasing a boat, you should make sure to consider both the upfront and the running costs. The running costs associated with owning a boat include storage, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and finance repayments. You should make sure that these running costs do not account for anything more than 10% of your total income.
