Still Not Sold On Buying A Pontoon Maybe Try One Of These Two Options:
- Try a seasonal rental pontoon. We offer pontoons for seasonal rental at both Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill Marinas. Thereâs no cost of ownership, itâs as simple as reserving the boat and taking it out. Ask us for more details.
- Consider splitting the cost of a new boat amongst friends and family. This has become a common option for people in recent years and offers a great way to lower your cost of ownership while also owning a boat. Joint financing is available as well.
Why Are You Buying Your Boat
First decide how youll be using your new vessel. It may sound silly, but one of the most important things to consider first when you are deciding what boat to purchase is your why. Simply put: why are you buying your boat? Are you purchasing it for leisure? A boat for fishing? A boat to offer charters to paying guests in order to earn money and develop a new revenue stream? To sail around the world with your partner or spouse? Or just for a casual booze cruise here and there with your buddies? This is the absolute most important aspect to consider when deciding what boat to purchase, because it will dictate everything else along the way.
Once you know the answer to this question, making a decision on which type of boat to buy should be an easier process.
Inboard Motors Versus Outboard Motors
Which type of motor is best for your boat?
Now lets take a look at inboard motors versus outboard motors. For most trailerable-boat owners, outboard motors mounted on the transom seem to be a winner all around. Generally speaking outboards have higher top speeds, are easier to maintain and easier to fix overall. They come in either 2-stroke or 4-stroke versions.
However, if youre looking to do long-distance cruising or water sports, such as wake boarding or racing, you may want to consider boats with an inboard motor. These motors are enclosed within the hull and are often just modified automotive engines.
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Where Will You Use It Is It Suitable For That Area
You may covet that enclosed pocket sportfish, but if youre doing your fishing along the rocky shores of Cape Anne, perhaps a center console with 360-degree casting ability is a better choice. If you like back-bay fishing, then maybe a low draft boat with a Minn Kota trolling motor and Spot Lock is a better choice.
What Type Of Gas Should I Use In My Outboard Motor
- Always use marine grade fuel, and not fuel from a gas station. Why? That fuel from the gas station will have ethanol in it. Ethanol is great for the car that you drive every day, but for a boat that might not be run often , itâs a recipe for a clogged carburetor.
- When ethanol rests in a tank for an extended period without agitation, the ethanol goes through what is called âphase-separationâ and will end up with a layer of water on top of your gasoline. It can also loosen sediments within your fuel tank that get sucked into the carburetor.
- It requires a technician to pull your boat from the water, remove and âboilâ the carburetor to remove sediments. Itâs our techâs least favorite thing to do.
- The good news is that you should be able to find marine grade fuel at your local marina. Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill Marina exclusively offer ethanol-free fuel. Yes itâs more expensive than the gas station. But trust us, a little extra cost is worth saving a major headache.
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Affordable Sailboats You Can Live On
Sailboats can be a relaxing option for your live-aboard vessel. Sailboats come with an open deck and oftentimes have plush cabins situated in their hull.
Some of the appeals of a live-aboard sailboat are that you will spend less money on gas. They are also quieter than their motorboat counterparts.
If you choose to live-aboard a sailboat, you will want to make sure that you have a motor available in case you do not have a cooperating wind.
Does Boat Insurance Cover A Blown Engine
Boat insurance covers a blown engine under some circumstances. Check that with the insurance company issuing the policy. Many policies will cover a blown engine when the cause is a manufacturers defect, but not if is due to normal wear and tear.
Contact an independent agent for assistance with all of your boat coverage.
TrustedChoice.com Article | Reviewed byJeffrey Green
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Am I Buying For Todays Needs Next Years Needs Or My Needs 3
That sweet little center console is so very tempting. It will go 40 knots and get you where you want to go quickly. It will be great for fishing and your little kids will love tubing behind it. So what if it has a porta-potty, no bow protection from seas, and minimal sun protection. Fast-forward to teenagers four years down the line, and its no surprise that getting soaked and peeing in a glorified bucket doesnt match their expectations.
This story is talked about every season: the perfect boat for this years needs comes along, and your all set to jump on it. A year later, you realize its the wrong boat, and look around to trade up. My advice is that before you embark on a major purchase like a boat that you take the time and ask yourself how you and your friends and family will use that boat two or three years down the road. A boat purchase is a purchase of a depreciating asset, which loses some percentage of its value the minute you bring it home, and greater percentages year over year. Even if you flip the boat for the same price you paid for it, ancillary costsbrokers fees, taxes, repairs, outfitting, and the likeare lost expenses.
What Affects Used Boat Value And Price
There are a number of factors that determine the value of a pre-owned vessel. The most obvious ones include size, age and model. After that, there are more subtle elements like condition, location and equipment.
Condition divides into three general categories. Mechanical , rigging , and cosmetics
Boat location and condition are big factors in the value and asking price for boats for sale.
As previously mentioned, location will increase or decrease the price as well. In areas where boats are highly-concentrated such as lakes, rivers and the East Coast of the U.S., prices may be somewhat depressed due to a larger supply. However, selling a boat where there is a small population can also decrease the number of buyers and the price may adjust 10-15% downward. Use in salt or freshwater also affects the value since freshwater boats often have fewer corrosion issues.
Finally, the way a boat is outfitted makes a difference. Updated electronics are attractive and will raise the appeal of a vessel. However, electronics become obsolete quickly, so a savvy buyer will not put much of a premium for these if they are getting older. If the vessel has advanced electronics including AIS, satellite communications and radar, these will generally raise the price because they arent typical upgrades.
Boat electronics, navigational and communications equipment can add value to the vessel making them worth more in the eyes of interested buyers.
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Buying A Used Boat Less Than 16 Feet In Length
All motorized boats, and sailboats over 12 feet in length, are required to be registered in Wisconsin. See General Information on Boat Registration for more information.
To register your boat, you will need to provide the information from previous owners certificate of registration in addition to your application and fees. Verify the hull I.D. number listed on the certificate of origin matches the hull I.D. number on the boat.
Including A Survey In The Purchase Contract
If the boat passes your inspection and you decide to buy the vessel, you and the seller should sign a purchase and sale contract. The contract should identify the boat, as well as state the price, the terms, the closing date, and whether your obligation to buy the boat is contingent upon a satisfactory survey. Often, a purchase and sale contract gives the buyer a set amount of time to arrange for a survey of the boat. If you’re satisfied with the surveyor if the survey deadline passes and you didn’t get the survey doneyou commit to closing the sale or forfeiting the deposit. With most contracts, if the survey turns up anything you don’t like, you can back out of the deal.
Keep in mind that a survey will not normally include a survey of the engine, drive train, and generator. Though, you could arrange to have those items inspected separately.
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Boat Engines And Motors: Propulsion System Considerations
Do you have the need for speed? I mean this answer is obvious dont we all! But besides just top speed, boat engines are quite possibly the most important factor to consider when buying a boat. This is because they are usually the most expensive part of your boat, and because they determine how far you can go, how fast you can get there and how much you can carry. Researching boat engines will be a critical part of choosing what boat to buy.
If youre buying to cruise around a river or harbor, a 25-150 horsepower single engine will do you just fine for most scenarios. But if you plan to be out on the open waters its smart to consider getting a boat with at least two engines for safety and redundancy. On a boat with two engines, you are not only moving more powerfully through the water but you are also much safer at sea. If one engine happens to break down, you have a backup engine onboard. This is always an important factor when considering having others on the boat.
How Much Should The Listing Price Guide My Offer
Listing prices for boats, cars or homes are just an initial request. Savvy sellers/brokers may have priced a boat accurately and the sale may be quick and the amount will be close to the initial request. However, poorly researched and unrealistic listing prices can be thousands of dollars off the mark. Do your research first, consider the condition and outfitting of the boat and then make a reasonable offer. Dont be swayed by the listing. If the seller makes only a small concession in a counteroffer, walk away. Its not unusual for initial offers to be 20% lower than the asking price.
Editors Note: This article originally appeared in September 2019, and was updated in April 2020 and March 2021.
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What Other Resources Help Accurately Price A Used Boat
If the boat is a popular model, of which a number were built, you should be able to find information on performance statistics and possible problems, which will impact price. If the boat is older or fairly unique, performance information may be harder to find.
There may be an online history of the model via owner associations or clubs. These will usually discuss issues that a model has experienced over the years such as engine mount failure, fuel tank corrosion, steering irregularities and so on. Brokers who specialize in that particular type of boat may also be able to offer an opinion, especially if theyve been in the industry a while and have a deep expertise.
Checking comparable models on boats.com listings, YachtWorld and Sailboat Listings will also help zero in on a fair price. Its a good idea to check your boat values with the Boat Trader Price Checker tool. Two boats may have very different values depending on upgrades, maintenance schedules and the season they are listed.
After You Buy A Pleasure Craft
Depending on the characteristics of your boat, you may need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Licence from Transport Canada.
Also, before you operate your recreational boat you may need to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or otherwise ensure that you meet the requirement for proof of pleasure craft operator competency.
For information on safe boating, contact the Office of Boating Safety or refer to the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide.
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Which Type Of Boat Is Best For You Top 10 Choices For Boaters
Cruiser, bowrider, freshwater fishing, runabout, sailboat, saltwater fishing, speed boat, trawler, pontoon, or watersports boats which is right for you? Well help you make the best choice.
Whether youre a beginner boater whos still trying to figure out basic boat terminology or an old salt who stays in tune with the latest boat design trends, you probably know that choosing the ideal boat for you and your family is no simple endeavor. Different kinds of boats can be broken down into dozens of classes, but we have simplified most popular choice into our top 10 classes of boat.Read on to learn all about each of these boat types.
Bay Boating Size: 20 To 30 Feet
For bay boating, you need a combination of size and versatility. Many bays can have large, choppy, rough waters, but rarely the type you will see in the open ocean. They also have more obstacles, such as water-way markers, buoys, and other boats. This makes a combination of size and maneuverability essential.
Great Choice for Bay Boating: 231 XS
At 23-feet, the 231 XS is a wise choice for anyone who will do a lot of bay boating. Youll be able to go out into the open water on calm days, and youll still be able to maneuver through a crowded bay with ease.
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What Are Boat Surveys And What Do They Cover
Only after an offer has been made and accepted on a boat, can the process of evaluation begin in earnest. A variety of surveys are usually scheduled including an in-water survey, a haul-out/bottom survey, an engine survey and the sea trial , which is the test drive and usually a part of the survey done on the same day.
The most common type of boat survey is the condition and value survey that is usually done for a buyer to ascertain fair market value of a vessel. It should include an evaluation of the hull, deck and structure as well as the boats systems and should be done by an accredited surveyor. This pre-purchase survey is a basic and limited inspection of the condition and operation of the boats systems and equipment. Its a snapshot in time and not a guarantee that that equipment will work in the future. Areas inspected should be easily accessible and nothing is usually dismantled in the process.
A C& V survey will include observations and descriptions of the findings as well as a summary statement of the overall condition of the boat. A report is usually generated within 24-48 hours and will include observations as well as photos. It should include fair market and replacement values for the boat based on comparable sales and industry data.
Boat Values And Prices Shouldnt Be A Mystery Heres How They Work
Understanding boat prices should be like understanding car prices, right? Just look up the NADA or Kelley blue book value and youre on your way.
Unfortunately its not that easy! Why? Because many personal watercraft and boat models arent listed in boat value guides.
Fortunately there are a few different way to go about determining what a boat is worth. Well walk you through each of these options.
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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.
