What Boat Should I Buy

Getting The Most Out Of A Boat Survey

After you receive the survey report, compare it with the information you researched and sourced for yourself. By doing this, you not only check for the quality of the survey, but you learn about the important factors that need to be in working order for a boat to pass inspection.

Be sure to arrange beforehand the stipulations that state only partial payment will be due if the survey is abruptly stopped for any reason. This includes the surveyor finding crucial evidence that the boat is deemed unfit for use or purchase.

Benefits Of Learning How To Recondition A Battery

After equipping yourself with all the information that you need that will help you pick the best suitable marine battery for your boat. It is important to remember that at some point, the perfect power cell you purchased will eventually die. With this, the most affordable option you have is to attempt to revive it or recondition it, which is a lot cheaper compared to purchasing a new replacement battery.

Availing this service can also be pricey, but doing by yourself will be a lot cheaper. So it is very beneficial for you if you can learn how to carry the process of battery reconditioning.

In This Ebook We Will Cover:

• New or Used Evaluation of pros and cons, as well as estimated pricing.
• Annual Expenses A rundown of common annual expenses and fees.
• Monthly Expenses We gathered the most common monthly fees related to boat ownership and added it all up for you.
• Other Alternatives What if ownership isnt right for you? There are other alternatives, and youll find them all right here.

There is a wealth of information in this book for anyone considering getting into the boating lifestyle, and it is absolutely free. At the end of the book we have also included a boating budget worksheet to help you add up all the costs and make an informed decision. We hope it helps you make the best decision possible and get you off on the right foot!

Leave A Comment

Recommended Reading: Best Mildew Remover For Boats

Where Will I Keep The Boat

Will you store your boat near your home or somewhere farther away? Unlike a car, which you can keep just about anywhere, a boat requires a slip or mooring so you can park it. While slips are typically about four to five times pricier than moorings, they offer better protection from harsh weather conditions and other boats.

If you live in a cold climate, youll need to haul the boat each winter and store it in dry boat storage. Storage costs vary dramatically by location and how large your boat is. Youll need to do research locally to find the best fit for the size of boat you own, and for the amount you want to spend.

Secured Vs Unsecured Boat Loans

Secured boat loans generally use the boat itself as collateral on the loan. If the liable owner does not make payment on the vessel for any reason, it can be repossessed by the lender to earn back their money. Secured loans have higher limits, lower interest rates, and longer repayment terms. The standard secured boat loan repayment period is 15 to 20 years.

Unsecured boat loans dont use anything as collateral, which results in lower borrowing limits, higher interest rates, and shorter repayment terms.

Read Also: Sell Your Boat Fast

Taking Advice From Internet Trolls

When researching a boat purchase, be careful about putting too much weight on negative comments found on Internet forums. Writers often have an ax to grind or are upset with a dealer and have transferred that displeasure to the product. Some posts are even made by boat or engine dealers or employees against a competitive brand. In some cases, a legitimate complaint is no longer valid because the company has changed hands or has corrected the problem.

Be careful about taking advice from forum trolls. Some take great pleasure in mindlessly bashing brands that are not their favorite.

What Is A Boat Surveyor

Boat surveyors, sometimes referred to as marine surveyors, inspect vessels to ensure they are up to standards and in proper working condition. A surveyor is extremely knowledgeable and should offer advice and recommendations for buying a new or used boat. Boat surveyors evaluate nearly everything about the boat, including:

• The Hull
• Vessel Stability
• Tonnage

You May Like: Is There An Expiration Date For Banana Boat Sunscreen

Reasons You Should Own A Boat

Whether you are a famous celebrity or not, you should buy a boat. Here are the secret reasons why life is better as a boat owner.

The irresistible draw of boating is clear to celebrities, as we explained in our article on whyJohnny Depp, Alan Jackson, and Billy Joel own boats, and it’s clear the rest of us boat owners as well. But it may be difficult to understand for those who dont already own boats. Does that include you, dear reader? If so, allow us to introduce you to five indisputable scientific facts which will explain why you should go out and buy yourself a new boat, post-haste.

Alan Jackson is such a dedicated boater, he even puts on a yearly Aquapalooza concert which you can only get to by boat. As you can see, he does attract quite a crowd.

Heres the actual Boating Additional Life Span equation, for you mathematicians:

BALS = 1.3 x + – ouch

2. Family Matters3. Save the Environment4. Fame5. Enjoyment

Liked it? Share it!

Where Do I Buy A Boat

There are three ways to purchase a boat:

• From a dealer
• Through a broker
• Privately

While dealers have agreements with manufacturers and represent new lines of boats, brokers sell used or brokerage boats. Dealers typically offer warranties and support, and rarely sell used boats. While a broker may offer you support throughout your ownership experience, they dont have the same obligation as a dealer, said Flannery.

Private sales of boats work much the same as private sales of cars. Its up to you as the buyer to do your due diligence and have the boat checked out before you purchase from a private seller.

Read Also: Mildew Stains On Boat Seats

How To Buy A Used Boat

Whether youre eyeing an old, beaten-up fiberglass skiff for crabbing, a gleaming fishing boat, or youre dreaming about a rugged trawler that will help satisfy your dreams of cruising to the islands every winter, buying a used boat is an excellent way to stretch your boating dollars. By purchasing a previously owned vessel, you can often get a much nicer, better outfitted vessel than youd be able to afford compared to buying new. There are a number of advantages for buying a used boat, to boot.

Still, used-boat buying is not without its pitfalls. In many cases you wont have a new-boat warranty to back you up if something goes wrong, and used boats are, well, used. Much like a home, they can have all sorts of hidden deferred maintenance issues that can make your ownership experience less than pleasant, especially if youre not particularly handy. Arm yourself with the following bits of knowledge ahead of time, however, and buying a used boat can be a fun and affordable way to get out on the water.

Before going any further, take our quizzes, Used Boat Buying: Are You Ready For This and Used Boat-Buying Quiz, Part 2: Still Ready? to see if youre cut out to be a used-boat buyer. If youre not no worries! Just make friends with someone whos already gone down that path, and all youll need to bring is your cooler and your fishing rod.

Another good resource to peruse before getting started is our Five Boat Shopping Mistakes to Avoid feature.

Spotting A Bad Deal When Buying A Boat

There are lots of ways to spot a bad deal when buying a boat, but the easiest and cheapest is to play detective with your eyes.

Take a look around. Is there corrosion on interior hardware? Look at the hinges and drawer pulls, is there rust? Is there an interior waterline inside a locker or hidden behind something?

Check out the pumps, lamps, and breaker panels is there any damage or corrosion? These are all indicators that the boat has gone through an event that caused severe water damage and is most likely an ill-advised investment.

If the boat is in a seemingly good condition, yet there seems to be fresh paint on anything from the walls to the hull, it could be an indication that the seller is trying to hide something. New furniture and cushions could also be a tip-off that there has been some interior damage. If you spot any of these things, make sure to have a full professional inspection done before proceeding.

When inspecting the hull, pay close attention to a few things. A dishonest seller may have patched a broken hull with filler rather than fiberglass, which can end up both expensive and dangerous if it goes unnoticed. If you find a spot that you suspect has been poorly restored, give a tap with your knuckles and listen carefully. If the area produces a different sound than the rest of the boat, it is worth further inspection.

Don’t Miss: Best Boat Cover Material

What Types Of Boats Are There

This might seem like a silly question, but its actually a bit more cumbersome than you might expect. A boat is a thing that floats and thats it, right? Wellyes, but also there are literally dozens of different types of boats that are differentiated by their purpose for floating on water. For example, there are boats for fishing, boats for watersports, boats for long-term trips, boats for cruising, boats for going fast, boats for the open ocean, boats for lakes, boats with engines, boats without engines you get the idea. There are a lot of boats to choose from. In this section, we are going to briefly cover some of the most popular types of boats on the market to help you narrow down your search and find which type of boat might be a good fit for you.

Bass Boat

Unsurprisingly, a Bass Boat is a boat made specifically for catching bass fish. These boats are equipped and designed for catching bass and other panfish, usually in freshwater. Modern bass boats feature swivel chairs, which allow the angler to cast their rod from any position in any direction. The boats have storage bins for bait, rods, and lures in addition to live wells where the fish can be kept alive while you continue to fish. Bass Boats are traditionally outboard boats and some have a trolling motor, which allows you to cruise at a very slow and consistent pace. They are usually aluminum or fiberglass.

Bowrider

Center Console

Cuddy Cabin

Cruiser

Fishing

Performance

Pontoon

Ski Boat

Yacht

How Do I Employ A Surveyor

Surveyors are registered with the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors , and you can acquire a list of certified surveyors in your area directly from the SAMS website. Many surveyors are hired through word of mouth, though, so dont hesitate to hire on a recommendation if you trust the source. Before agreeing to hire a surveyor, you should consider the following:

• Do they have experience surveying similar vessels?
• What will their survey include?
• How long will the assessment take to complete?

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mildew From Boat Seats

What Are Some Boat Manufacturers Currently On The Market

There are a surprising amount of boat manufacturers currently on the market. Some specialize in one type of boat while others focus on many types of boats. Some are considered affordable while others are considered a luxury.

• Princess Yachts
• Hatteras

This is not an exhaustive list of all the boat brands that are currently on the market, but it is a good starting place to do some research. For a full list of all boat brands available, head over to Discover Boating.

What Are The Pontoon Brands To Avoid

This question is often asked but does not have an easy answer. While certain brands are better than others, there is not really a certain brand to avoid.

Any pontoon manufactured since the year 2000 has been held to high standards and follow the safety ratings and regulations.

Instead of looking at a certain brand you will want to look at the overall workmanship of each boat.

Check for things such as:

• Whether or not the rails and decks were screwed in or bolted through. Bolting will last longer and will have lower maintenance costs.
• Look at the brackets and welding for signs of damage or patching.
• Look at the engine and its condition.

You can also look for a brand that fits your needs and budget. Some brands are more expensive and offer more luxurious options, but most brands will hold up and provide fun for you and your family.

Recommended Reading: How To Keep Birds Out Of Boat Lift

Think About The Activities You Enjoy

What do you like to do on the water? Do you want to spend the entire day fishing, or would you prefer to go water skiing? Is a relaxing cruise across the bay your idea of fun, or do you prefer to blaze across the water at maximum speed? By understanding what activities you enjoy, youll be better equipped to choose the right type of boat.

A Complete Guide On Boat Types: Which One Is Right For You

If the water beckons you, youve found your people at Germaine Marine. We specialize in all things boats, and we can match you with the kind of boat that lets you spend a day your way on the water. Many people wonder, What kind of boat should I buy? And with so many options to choose from, the decision can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of boat types that vary by shape, size, and capacity for everything from sailing to fishing to water sports to daytime and overnight cruising.

As you peruse each boat type below, you will find it easier to choose the right boat for you by considering your use for it, how much time you have to spend on the water, and how many people you regularly bring with you.

Recommended Reading: Boat Mold Cleaner

Not Consulting A Spouse Or Significant Other

This is a very big no-no. Consult the spouse early and often. For most couples we know, the spouse has veto power over large family expenditures. Get buy in before proceeding. Consider letting a spouse select the boat for best results. Many people use the videos and Captains Reports on BoatTEST.com to introduce their spouses to the boat of their dreams to start a discussion.

To ensure a happy purchase, consult a spouse or significant other throughout the buying process. This guy didnt consult his ex-girlfriend before buying this performance boat which is strictly a one-trick pony. It has no sleeping accommodations, doesnt entertain well, is hard to maneuver around the dock, makes a lot of noise, and is difficult to fish from. Now, hes out looking for a new girlfriend.If the spouse isnt into a boat built specifically for bass fishing, dont bring home a bass boat. They are specifically designed for certain kinds of fishing in certain locations.

What Is The Nmma Certification

Prospective boat buyers should be on the lookout for the NMMA-Certified Using ABYC Standards label present somewhere on the boat. While the US Coast Guard standards are often recommended, NMMA certification is broader as it incorporates the standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council. There are plenty of benefits to having your boat or yacht NMMA certified, which you can view HERE. NMMA certification is designed to help boat manufacturers comply with industry safety and construction standards, and federal regulations. NMMA certification covers over 30 specific standards and includes the following:

• Fuel Systems
• Electrical Systems

Read Also: How To Clean Boat Seats Mildew

What Kinds Of Boat Loans Are Available

Maskery explains that there are three basic steps to follow to get a boat loan. First, identify the price and exact boat you want. Then, figure out the price and the boat insurance you need. Lastly, initiate the purchase.

While the average boat loan is 10 years, you can find loans for 12, 15 or 20 years. Most boat purchases will require that you put down 10-20% upfront. You can put down more if youre able to and if you want to reduce your monthly payments. Check out LendingTrees boat loan calculator to determine how much you can afford.

Consider The Size Of The Power Cell You Are Going To Purchase

To be able to select the right battery for your boat and your needs, you also have to make sure that you determine the right size of battery you need. We mentioned earlier that size of battery you are going to purchase would have to depend on how much power your boat needs. It means, the larger your boat is and the larger its electrical load it has, the larger size of power cell it needs to keep up with its demand. To guide you on this aspect, you can refer to the battery size section of this article above.

You May Like: Aaa Trailer Coverage

Finding Boats For Sale

Where to shop for new and used boats. It goes without saying that there are many places to find both new and used boats for sale. From the junkyard to the showroom boats are everywhere, but where is the best place to find the right boat for you? These days its very common for many buyers to buy a boat online, or at least to begin the process of searching online.

Boat Trader is the go-to destination for buyers across America to find both new and used boats for sale by dealers, as well as by private sellers all over the U.S. With over 100,000 listings throughout the country, and advanced search filters to help you narrow down your search, Boat Trader offers the most extensive selection of boats to browse and choose from, including: fishing, ski/wake, pontoon, center console and long-range cruising boats and yachts. There is also a way to setup up Search Alerts on Boat Trader that will help you look without looking so you are immediately notified if any sellers list a boat that matches your specific criteria.

You can also consider boats.com as the place to research boats, read reviews, and search for dealer-represented boats. Many trusted experts in the marine industry review boats for boats.com including a library of helpful boat review videos and boats in action on their YouTube channel, which can help you narrow down the models that youre considering.