Boat Buying Tips for the First Time Boat Buyer
By Tom Terrell
Getting started
If you are a first-time boat buyer this will be the beginning of an exciting new addition to your life. Boats open a whole new world of recreational possibilities that will bring pleasure and relaxation to you, your family and your friends—heck, even the dog will like it!
Buying a boat can be a challenging experience. It’s best to start by assessing your own interests and the level of commitment you intend to make. Boats can be expensive and time-consuming, so understanding how deep you want to get into the boating lifestyle is important.
So, dream a little and then ask yourself (and your spouse or anyone who will be a partner with you in using and enjoying the boat) some simple questions. Be honest with yourself so you go in the direction you really want to go.
What do you imagine doing with your new boat?
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Exploring
- Cruising
- Camping
- Diving
- Trailering
- Living aboard
What experience level do you have with boats?
How many people do you want to be able to carry? How many would you expect to routinely accommodate? Are kids part of that picture?
Do you want to trailer a boat, or keep it at a marina or on a mooring?
Who will maintain your boat?
The answers to these questions will help you determine what kind of boat is best for you. If you aren’t sure of what your goals are but just know you want to get into boating, talk to other boaters who have experience. They’ll be glad to help you sort through your questions and develop answers that will point you in the right direction.
The Boat
Of course, boating requires a boat so let’s talk about boats.
Once you’ve settled on your goals for owning a boat, it’s time to think about specific boats.
- How big a boat do you need?
- Is inboard or outboard (if a powerboat) better for your purposes?
- If a sailboat, what rig will be best? Keel vs. centerboard should be considered, as well as type of auxiliary power.
- What overall features do you need and want? Remember, what do you really want to do with the boat?
- Should you buy new or used?
If you are looking at used boats, should you have a professional survey done or have some other boating professional give you assistance? Dealers of specific brands might be willing to perform a buyer’s inspection for you, for a fee. It’s well worth checking with them for information on specific makes and models.
Do a little research on the boat model you are considering. Talk to other owners, dealers, boat brokers, and of course, search the internet. You’ll probably find information on your boat there fairly easily—and don’t ignore bulletin boards or chat rooms. I found valuable information about a specific diesel engine on a marine bulletin board. Also, pick up one of the many fine boating publications available. Go to one of the boat shows that may be near enough for you to get to. Some are held indoors, while others are "in the water" shows. One of the best small boats I ever bought was found at a winter indoor boat show. Whether at a show or privately, try and get a ride on a boat similar to what you are interested in to see if it meets your expectations. And, if you’re not in a big hurry, rent a boat similar to what you are looking for so you can spend some time getting a feel for it.
If you are seriously looking at a used boat, ask for the owner’s records to get a deeper sense of the boat’s condition and level of maintenance. If you are buying a used boat from a dealer, ask for any records or an inspection summary.
Finally, the one question we all hate to ask—"how much can I really afford?" Like the funky blues song says, "Don’t let your eyes get bigger than your pocket." Reassess whether you are buying the right boat for your needs. There’s little point in paying more for a boat that exceeds your requirements, and it will be very frustrating to buy a boat that is less than you really want because "the price was right". There’s a boat out there that will fit both your needs and your budget.
Part of your research should be making sure that you’re paying the right price for the boat you want. For many makes and models of boats there are pricing guides, such as NADA Boat Pricing Guides (available online) and others, to help bracket the amount you should be spending—and of course there are dealers that you can mine for price information. For those less common and "one-off design" boats you’ll have to work a little harder to determine what a fair price should be. Again, dealers might be helpful, but brokers are going to be a better source of information on value. In the end, don’t let "gotta have it" overrule "can’t afford it". Boating isn’t any fun if you’re worrying about the cost.
There are a number of ways to finance a boat if you need to. Start with your own bank to consider an equity loan, or look up any of the local and nation-wide boat financing companies. Again, create a financing scenario that doesn’t leave you feeling that the price to get into and use your new boat detracts from your enjoyment of it. Also, make a rough estimate of a budget for using your boat for a season including fuel, dock or mooring, supplies, repairs, winter storage etc. Better to be realistic about all those costs up front than get a surprise later.
Congratulations—you found a boat and bought it. Now what?
If you are new to boats take the time to get your feet wet. You’ll probably want to ask someone with experience to go along for a ride or two to help you get familiar with your new boat. Even if you are an "old hand," having someone along can make a difference. I’ve been around boats all my life, but when it came time to run a classic 36-footer for the first time off the dock I called in an old friend and first-rate boat handler to go with me. I didn’t hit anything and having him along made that first short trip relaxing and enjoyable—just what boating is supposed to be.
Taking a boating course is a wise choice to get you off on the right foot. The United States Power Squadron (www.usps.org) or other boating schools are a smart first stop for learning about boats and boat handling. Boat U.S. (www.boatus.com) is an excellent resource for boating information and education. Keep in mind that some insurance companies will offer a discount if you have completed boating courses, so ask your company before you commit. Getting your spouse, partner or family involved in a course will increase their enjoyment of using the boat, and provide that peace of mind that comes from knowing that more than one person is capable of handling the boat if needed.
Boats and boaters, of course, require "stuff," like fenders, books and official publications, fishfinders and fishing gear, foul-weather clothing, cup holders, dishware, boat shoes, extra rigging and running lines, row-locks, you name it! There are a number of national marine supply houses like West Marine that can fulfill just about any of your boat supply needs. Boat U.S. also has an excellent on-line store. There are many others to be found just by typing in "boat supplies." Boats are very well represented on the internet.
Getting started in boating can seem a little challenging at first but, by taking your time, doing your homework, picking the minds of other boaters, and having a clear vision of what you want to do with a boat you will find it’s more fun than you imagined. So, get started on it today and get into one of the best forms of outdoor recreation there is—boating! Be careful—you may get hooked for life!