Who Will Fix It When It Breaks
Who is going to do basic maintenance on the boat each spring and fall? Who will do major projects like an electronics upgrade or an engine replacement? With the boom in boat sales as a fallout of COVID, yard work and mechanics are at a premium. Before you buy the boat, its important to have a plan to both protect and improve your investment.
Hypothetically speaking, its July and there is a red-hot bite going on offshore and you have one engine down! Whos going to fix it and when? If youre connected and have good to great relationships with yards and mechanics which you have cultivated over the entire year, you have a chance of being up and running in a week. If you have no relationships and start calling around, you will be lucky if your back running in a month!
Buy the boat this winter but absolutely create a relationship with a yard or independent mechanic or both and give them some winter work! It never hurts after buying a boat to have a professional go through the entire boat and identify problems that must be addressed now as well as issues you should address at your own pace. My approach for 25 years has been to spend my maintenance money proactively in January or February, which is both cost-effective to me and also helps create a positive relationship for the future, so my call will be answered!
Types And Categories Of Anchors
There are several different types of anchors available to choose from and most boating specialists will recommend you choose two varieties to ensure anchorage for your boat should one not hold in a particular seabed, to reduce swing in a crowded harbor or in adverse weather conditions to hold down the boat and keep it put. Generally, as wind speed doubles the force on the boat increases by four two anchors will be required to stabilize the boat.
Fluke / Danforth / Lightweight Anchor
The most popular type of anchor is the fluke anchor. This anchor is also referred to as the Lightweight or the Danforth. The fluke anchor is lightweight, and easy to stow. It holds small boats well in mud and sand and it is the most common anchor used on small boats. They tend to be some of the cheapest anchors, so this may also contribute to their popularity with recreational boaters.
Not all fluke style anchors are created equal though. The angle of the flukes to the shaft and size of the flukes vary and should be considered depending on the seabed. For example, wider flukes and larger shaft angle can perform better in mud bottoms than longer flukes with a smaller angle as this allows for more suction to be created by the mud and less chance of the anchor pulling out.
Plow / CQR / Wing / Delta
Claw / Bruce Anchor
Grapnel Anchor
Mushroom Anchor
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
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Before Buying A Boat Choose The Right Size
When you are in the market to buy a boat, important considerations in choosing a boat include use, price, and size. The trick to buying a boat is to purchase one that is large enough to suit your needs without breaking your boating budget. The larger the boat, the higher the price tag and operating costs. Your answers to the following questions will clarify the ideal size boat to buy.
Boat Types: The Top 10 Different Styles Of Recreational Boats
When shopping for a boat, one of the first questions you might ask is What type of boat is right for me? To answer that, its helpful to know your options.
But that may prove to be a daunting task, considering that Wikipedia lists no less than 190 different categories of boats, from Airboats to something called a Zille.
To make things easier and more practical, weve narrowed down that list to the top 10 different types of recreational boats.
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Be Prepared To Compromise
Before we start looking at the types of boats you can choose from to suit your needs, its worth mentioning that your boat-buying journey will involve a fair amount of compromise. While you might find your dream boat out there, at the perfect price, in the right location, chances are that at some point youll have to make a compromise. Before you get going, write a list of the things youre not willing to compromise on, and try not to be too rigid. Youll open yourself up to frustration and disappointment if you create an unrealistic list of must-haves.
Another point to consider is to not get too hung up on an exact model or design. Instead, focus your search on the condition and equipment of the boat. These factors will allow you to keep within budget because, as any boat owner knows, the purchase price is just the beginning. You might find the exact model youre looking for, but it needs work, while next to it is a boat which is in better condition but is a different class or model. The same can be said for location. The perfect boat in the wrong place isnt necessarily the perfect boat. Keep your mind open and be flexible.
Search For Misspelling And Synonyms
Use variants of your search terms
Craigslists listing data is garbage in, garbage out. For example, if a seller lists their 30 ft Hunter as a FREE Sail Boat incorrectly spelling sailboat, it wont show up in a search for FREE sailboat.
Very often people use variants of brand names. For example, youd want to search both Chris-Craft and Chris Craft.
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What Is The Right Type Of Boat For Me
Recreational, cruising and fishing boats come in many sizes and shapes, each designed for specific use and level of comfort. To make sure you select the right one, you should consider the intended use, style, configuration, size, and price range. Where your boat will be used and how it will be stored should be critical considerations, as well.
The types of boats and yachts tend to fall into three general categories, although more than one activity can be enjoyed on many.
The principal reasons buyers purchase boats are for:
- Fishing
- Watersports
Here is a brief description of just a few of the many types of boats available.
What Budget Do You Have
Ultimately, what you buy comes down to the budget that you have. All the above factors are all well and good, but if you cant afford, not only the purchase cost but the upkeep, itll soon turn from a dream to a nightmare. Be realistic about what you can afford, and make sure you take into account all the ongoing expenses, from berthing to maintenance to insurance. To help you plan your budget check out our guide to creating a realistic budget or see ways of cutting the cost of boat ownership.
Have you considered yacht co-ownership? Your luxury purchase will cost less initially, your upkeep costs will also be significantly lowered, and should you decide to enter into your boat syndicate through a dedicated yacht share company – the maintenance and upkeep will generally be taken care of by them. If you want to experience the worlds oceans, in the most beautiful and luxurious fashion and share the cost of this wonderful lifestyle, then yacht co-ownership may well be for you. You will also get more boat for your money. Check our the we are listing. Find out how syndicates could work for you.
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What Size Boat Do I Need
Boat size mostly depends on two factors: 1) how many people you want to fit on your boat comfortably and 2) how you will use your boat. There is a dependency on the first factor. Not all boats can fit 20 people. Some smaller boats like a ski boat or a bass boat typically hold 2-6 people comfortably. Here are some examples of the typical sizes of a boat based on the activity:
- Offshore Fishing: 30 feet and up
- Inshore fishing: 15-20 feet
What size boat do you need for ocean crossing?
If you are planning on traversing the oceans and seas where the waves and waters can get fairly rough, you should consider looking at boats 30ft and up. A boat this size will better handle the choppy and unpredictable water and currents, as well as longer trips offshore. A dealer or factory rep should be able to help you discern the right size boat for your needs and budget.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Impulse Buys
When Elizabeth and Rory Brooks came to make their first yacht purchase, it was an impulse buy that led them to classic FeadshipHeavenly Daze. We were in the South of France chartering a motor yacht, and it broke down, says Elizabeth. And so we were stuck in the marina at Port Cogolin. There was this boat moored next to us, which was a very pretty classic yacht, and my husband persuaded the captain to talk to their captain and we had a look around. That yacht, of course, was Heavenly Daze and, as Elizabeth explains, “The first thing you fall in love with is very often the right thing.
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Why Buy A Second
It is a good idea to purchase a second-hand boat if your aim is to eventually buy a new, larger boat in a more high-end design. Choosing to start out with a competitively priced second-hand boat is the perfect way to familiarise yourself with how to handle a boat and to get the necessary practice before making your next investment. Not only that, having a second-hand boat that matches your sailing project will also guarantee you memorable days out with family and friends.
The Antares 11 Fly is the ideal family cruiser
As you can see, there are as many motorboats as there are sailing programmes. The first and most important step in buying your boat is therefore deciding exactly how you want to use it. Another vital point is to choose a boat model that is appropriate to your level of sailing experience, to ensure you get maximum enjoyment and to create lasting memories.
Would you like help in choosing your future motorboat? BENETEAU boat dealers will be happy to help you choose the boat best suited to your needs and desires, and to welcome you to our family of sailing enthusiasts.
Where Will You Store It Each Winter
Ah the joys of boats in winter in the Northeast. An opportunity to spend money on a boat wrapped in plastic and covered with snow!
So, you bought a new and bigger boat. Where are you going to store it? In your yard, in a secure lot? At a marina, either inside or outside? Regardless of your location, each comes with its own set of challenges. Winters are rough, and wherever you decide to leave your boat, it needs to be protected from the elements, and it needs to be properly winterized.
Once you get past 20 feet and into dual engines, multiple mechanical and water systems, winterizing a boat becomes the better part of a days labor. Then add shrink wrap for four hours more fun! Doing it yourself is completely straightforward if you have the tools, the time, and the weather!
Its not a big deal to spend a cool and clear November weekend winterizing and shrink-wrapping in your yard, but it can also be a nightmare running home from work at 6 p.m. in late November with a 14-degree night called for to fog your engine, replace the lower unit oil, blow out your water lines and so on.
If youre having a yard do it, its the same drill, except you have to remotely manage and worry about who is taking care of your systems. I have 25 years of experience with yards, and mistakes and omissions happen.
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Where Do You Go Boating
Where you go boating, the climate and weather will all play a role in helping you choose the right boat, and chances are youre already well aware of your local conditions when it comes to spending time on the water. A pontoon boat might be lovely for calm lakes or rivers, but wouldnt be a first choice for seasonal, choppy waters for example.
Where you experience a lot of rain or variable temperatures were looking at you Northern Europe and parts of the United States youll want somewhere you can take cover from the elements, such as a closed cabin space. An open-top or sleek motorboat shouldnt be high on your list unless you dont plan on using it very often. Instead, opt for a cabin cruiser or yacht for example.
It may be that youre a fair weather sailor and would prefer to travel to another country or part of the country, in which case you might be looking at buying and keeping your boat nowhere near to where you live. That of course allows you to look at different options which are more in keeping with the local climate .
In considering where youll be boating, its worth pointing out that a lot of boating on inland waterways involves towing your boat, so youll want something on the smaller side such as a cuddy boat.
Charter First To Find Out What You Like
When fashion designer Giorgio Armani set about building his first boat he was helped a great deal by previous yachting experiences. Sometimes theyd belong to people I knew, sometimes they were just chartered. Invariably they were not my style too white, too much lighting, too much marble, crystal and mahogany, he explains.
Armanis yacht, the 65 metre CodecasaMain, was far from your average gleaming white hull. Painting Maìn green was a choice made to camouflage her at sea, so it doesnt appear too flashy, he says. I designed Main entirely, taking inspiration from particular military vessels that looked very practical, and from the optimisation of space that is a characteristic of old ships. Notably, I set out to rid the decks of all superstructures that might break up the purity of line.
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Where Will You Use Your Kayak
Boats arent categorized by water type, but its still helpful to start here and think about which environment you plan to explore before you choose your boat.
Lakes: Were talking the local lake here, not Lake Superior. If the weather is fair and the destination is near, you can go with any sit-on-top or recreational sit-in boat and have fun. If whitecaps appear, then a purely recreational boat can get overmatched.
Coasts: This is where wind, waves, currents, tides and more all come into play. So having a sit-in touring boat with a rudder, fixed tracking fin or a skeg is wise. If you live in a warm environment where you dont mind going for a swim, or you plan to do some kayak surfing, a sit-on-top can still be a fine choice.
Rivers: Were not talking about technical rapidswhitewater kayaks are beyond the scope of this article. If youre floating on a river, you want a stable, sturdy craft that turns quickly. That might be a short, stable recreational sit-in or sit-on-top boat or day touring sit-in kayak.
Rivers and lakes: If you plan to use your boat in both flowing and still waters, go with a short recreational sit-in or sit-on-top kayak. These crossover boats typically have a skeg. That setup will help you turn responsively when the skeg is up and track efficiently when the skeg is down. A short boat with a rudder would also be an option, but rudders are typically found on longer boats.
What To Think About While Youre At The Boat Dealership
When you are at a dealership and think you have found the boat for you, it is your responsibility to ask for a sea trial, if appropriate and to conduct a marine survey.
What is a sea trial?
A sea trial is a marine equivalent to a test drive, with a few key differences. Most boat dealers have to schedule a sea trial days in advance so they can be sure to prep the boat for usage and have all the proper safety guidelines fulfilled. For this reason, it is frowned upon to take more boats than necessary on a sea trial. Most people take the boat they are seriously considering purchasing out for a sea trial. When you are on a sea trial, this is the time to look for any red flags. Do the things you plan to do with the boat yourself while out on the trial run. Bring the boat up to at least 30 mph, make some sharp turns, test the boat in waves, practice tying off the boat at a slip, sit in different positions, make a note of anything you find out or out of place. Test the sound system, the steering, the get-up, and really anything else you can think of that would be important to you as a boat owner.
What is a marine survey?
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