Sunday, February 25, 2024

What Kind Of Boat Should I Buy

What Is A Boat Show

WHAT BOAT SHOULD I BUY?

Boat shows usually take place annually, usually in the winter months . They are like conventions. Imagine a huge open area with dozens, if not hundreds of the latest models of boats of every kind. Boat shows range in size, one of the largest taking place in February in Miami , to smaller boat shows that can be held in malls or parking lots. Boat shows usually charge an entrance fee. You can expect to meet experts on different types, styles, sizes and brands of boats. So if you just want to browse and see some of the most popular and up and coming boats in person, a boat show is a fantastic place to start. Check out this comprehensive boat show calendar to see if there is a boat show near you.

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.

The Big Compromise: Creature Comforts

Most inexpensive liveaboard boats do not have hot showers and laundry. They also have tiny bathrooms, kitchens, and hardly any storage.

If you cant bear the thought of giving up bubble baths, then living on a boat is not for you. If, however, the idea of a minimalist, multi-purpose, stacking dish set cranks your gears then youre probably on the right path.

Bear in mind, that some boats will be better set up for living aboard than others .

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Think About All The Costs Of Owning A Fishing Boat

Understand that there is more to owning a boat beyond the purchase price, fuel and insurance. You will also be paying registration fees, purchasing safety equipment and perhaps paying to moor your boat at a marina. You can count on various other expenses as well. Keeping in mind the total cost of owning a boat now will help you avoid unpleasant surprises later.

What Types Of Boats Are There

What kind of boat should I buy?

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

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Typical Cons Of Getting A Pontoon Boat

  • Speed:It is rare that you will find a pontoon boat that reaches high speeds. Depending on what engines you get, you can increase the speed, but a pontoon is not meant for high speeds. On average pontoon boats can reach between 28-35 mph.
  • Rough Water:While pontoon boats are generally safer than v-hulled vessels, in extreme weather they can become very dangerous. Make sure you know how to handle a pontoon in rough or high water.
  • Wake:Pontoon boats have twice the wake of a v-hulled vessel. This might not be important to everyone, but you will have to keep a closer eye on your speed in a no wake zone.
  • Handling:Pontoon boats are easy to handle but you will not be able to make turns as tight as you would in a v-hulled boat.
  • High Engine Noise:If you have a pontoon with outboard engines, these can be noisy. Especially if you get large motors or even multiple motors on your vessel.
  • Which Boat Should You Buy

    Ive owned six boats in the past 40 years. Ive cruised and raced them, crewed in countless regattas on other peoples boats and more. I can and do talk boats forever. I love them all: sail and power, dinghies and superyachts.

    So, people often ask me what type of boat they should buy. My unequivocally firm answer is that you should buy the boat you can afford. And by afford, I do not mean the biggest boat that you have enough cash on hand to purchase. I mean the boat that you can afford to purchase and then properly maintain, without being shocked by the size of the invoices from the boat yard.

    If you buy a used boat in anything less than showroom condition, count on 15 to 20 percent of the purchase price annually for at least three years, says David Doody, general manager of Safe Harbor Capri in Port Washington, New York. After that, it could be between 10 and 15 percent. If you cant afford it, buy a less-expensive boat.

    RIght: The author factored in the cost of maintenance before buying a 1993 Sabre 38 Mk II sloop .

    Far too many people fail to realize just how big of a maintenance budget needs to be factored into any purchase decision, Doody says. When we send a yearly yard bill, they are shocked. A $400,000 fishing boat can easily have a yard bill of $40,000, he says. Things break, systems need replacing, electronics go bad. Sometimes it is even a safety issue. The last thing you want to do is head out with compromised engines or propulsion.

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    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.

    Specific Features To Consider

    WHICH BOAT TO BUY?

    After you have narrowed your choices to a particular type of fishing boat, you can start considering a few specific factors:

    • The number of fishing rod holders.
    • The size and capacity of the baitwell, if you use live baitfish.
    • The size and capacity of livewells, if you plan to participate in individual catch-and-release tournaments.
    • The size and capacity of the fish boxes, if you are going to eat your catch.
    • The presence of specialized gear such as outriggers, downriggers or electric reel plugs.
    • The number of built-in tackle boxes.

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    Determine What You Want And Expect From Boating

    The first thing you should do is figure out what you want to get out of boating. That can help steer you in the right direction and narrow your choices.

    Often, it boils to your style. Some people prefer to cruise around at a leisurely pace. Perhaps, you might enjoy fishing or swimming. Others might opt for speed for tubing, waterskiing, or wakeboarding. Maybe youd like to entertain and host parties on the water. Youll find models geared toward specific uses and others for general use.

    Also, think about where you will keep it and if you will transport it. Trailering a boat is an affordable alternative to renting dock space at a marina. However, you will also need a vehicle capable of towing it and youll have to get a hitch installed if your car doesnt have one.

    Getting one is only the start. There are other expenses too, such as insurance, maintenance-repair, and fuel. Its essential to think about the entire picture to stay on budget. Owning a boat costs money. It also involves work whether you trailer it or have it docked on the shore.

    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.

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    Types Of Watersports Boats

    Fish & Ski Boats: Designed for fishing and watersports, fish and ski boats offer the best of both worlds and are ideal for families that enjoy watersports. Most feature a sunpad area that can convert into a fishing platform.

    Size: 16-22 feet

    Ski Boats: For the waterski enthusiasts, these motorboats are made to tow 1 or more water skiers and feature powerful engines.

    Size: 18-28 feet

    Wakeboard Boats: The design and features of wakeboard boats enable them to create large wakes that a wakeboarder can jump from side to side often doing aerial tricks. Known as V-drive boats, wakeboard boats have their engines placed backwards in the bow of the craft, which creates a larger wake.

    Size: 18-28 feet

    Jet Boats: Similar to bowriders, jet boats have spacious seating areas in the front, as well as seating in the back. Known for maneuverability, they can be used for a relaxing cruise or a speedy ride.

    Size: 14-26 feet

    Personal Watercraft: Also known as PWCs, these craft are designed for those with a passion for watersports, such as tubing and waterskiing. PWCs usually have planing hulls, allowing them to move more rapidly on the water. Typically more affordable than a boat, some PWC models are designed to carry up to 3 riders. Find out how to buy a Jet Ski.

    Size: 8-13 feet

    How To Choose The Best Bay Boats Buyers Guide

    What Kind of Boat Should I Buy? A Beginners Guide

    Bay boats are arguably the most versatile watercraft in existence. Whether you need a boat for fishing inshore/offshore or for family use, a bay boat checks all the boxes.

    Picking the right one is, therefore, one of the most important decisions youll face. Weve outlined the most important factors to consider when choosing the best bay boats.

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    What Boat Is Right For Me

    Now that youre familiar with the common types of boats, you can figure out which kind of boat type is right for you by determining your use for the boat, your price range, the boat size you want, the engine power you need, and the best boat type for where you live. These things will be especially important to know if this is your first boat purchase.

    What Kind Of Boat Should I Buy The Different Options Explained

    • 2 minute read

    More than 12 million Canadian adults hit the water by boat last year. Boaters spend almost a billion and a half dollars on boating trips every year.

    Does the idea of owning a boat appeal to you? Whether youre looking at small boats or big boats to buy, you probably have a lot of questions.

    Are you in the market for a boat and wondering, What kind of boat should I buy? If so, keep reading to learn the different types of boats from which to choose.

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    Boat Cleaning Supplies And Methods

    Keeping your boat in tip-top shape

    Cleaning supplies are a must, as you will want to clean it down after each use, so that you maintain the highest possible resale value of the boat. If youre planning on being on the ocean, the salt can be extremely tough on your boat, so its imperative that when you come home from a day out on the water you wash down everything thoroughly. Its easiest to keep a broom, bucket, sponges, brushes and specialty marine cleaning supplies on your boat ready to go!

    What Are The Pontoon Brands To Avoid

    Boating Dreams: Looking at Sailboats. What type of Boat Should I buy?

    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.

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    Used Sailing Dinghies For Sale

    If you are on a budget and don’t mind buying a used sailing dinghy, there are also a number of places to buy from.

    Used Sailing Dinghies for sale on Facebook

    When you are in the market and want a cheaper sailboat to buy, a great option is Facebook groups. There are loads all over the world where people are selling their dinghies.

    As you can see in the screenshot above, they are pretty easy to find, just type in a search in the search bar on Facebook and filter by groups. The best part is you can really find some bargains in these groups which could potentially save you thousands of dollars.

    Again, as repeated throughout the article, please be cautious whenever you buy a pre owned boat and assess it thoroughly before handing over cash. You may also have luck on Facebook Marketplaces where there are a lot of used dinghies for sale.

    Used Sailing Dinghies for sale on Craigslist

    Another option for finding used dinghies for sale is Craigslist. This can be hit or miss and will depend on you location. You could pick a bargain here but exercise caution when browsing craigslist and always check out the boat before ever parting with money.

    Used Dinghies for sale at boat dealerships

    You can find dinghies for sale at boat dealerships too. This is the safest way to find a good quality dinghy if you are new and on a budget. You will spend a little more than places like Facebook or Craigslist but dinghies from dealerships tend to be of better quality.

    Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Boat

    Essential boat ownership questions to think about before you buy a watercraft and begin making great memories with your friends and family.

    An aerial photo of a Pursuit S 428.

    Boat ownership provides opportunities for great experiences and memories for yourself, your family, and your friends. Its a pathway to wild and open spaces, an opportunity to see and visit places you cannot get to by car. Maybe its your first boat, maybe its the next in a lifetime series of boats, maybe its your last boat this article doesnt try to suggest what boat you should buy, instead, it tries to bring up some of the basic questions you should ask yourself as you prepare to buy a boat.

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    These are not price, style, speed, and size questionsthere is plenty of advice on that. These are hard personal questions that no one wants to talk about. Owning a boat can be either a great experience or an endless sink of time and money with the enjoyment of ownership degraded by logistical and budgetary problems. As a boat owner of 35 years, I politely suggest you consider some of the questions I discuss below as part of your decision process.

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    Wet Cell Gel Or Agm Boat Battery

    Batteries can be further categorized as wet cell, gel or AGM , depending on the configuration of the electrolyte, or conducting medium, inside the battery. Each type has pros and cons you should know before making a purchase.

    About Wet-Cell Boat Batteries: The traditional lead-acid batteries we all are familiar with are wet-cell or “flooded-cell” batteries. Each wet-cell battery contains a liquid mixture of sulfuric acid and distilled water . This is the most popular battery type, primarily because the price is generally less than other types, but also because these batteries have a number of inherent advantages. For example, a properly charged and maintained, premium wet-cell battery is capable of as many as 1,000 discharge/recharge cycles. This can translate to many years of dependable service at an initial cost substantially less than comparable capacity gel or AGM batteries. Wet-cell batteries also are less likely to be damaged by overcharging and tend to weigh less than comparable gel or AGM batteries.

    The Optima® Blue Top Marine Battery is maintenance-free and completely spillproof.

    In Conclusion

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