At some point in life, the allure of boat ownership can strike, especially if you live in warm and sunny Florida. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from purchasing your first boat. If you do your homework first, you can shop with confidence. Here are some things to consider as a first time boat buyer.

Make a List

Make a list of your own needs. What will you be using your boat for? Fishing? Cruising? How many people will you want to accommodate on your boat? Will you want to spend the night on the water? Need a galley? Will you spend most of your time on inland waterways or will you want to be comfortable on the open ocean? Your needs will determine the type of boat you inevitably choose:

  • Fishing boats have open cockpits enabling anglers room to move around. They can be basic or as decked out as you want, but they will always have a place to accommodate the fisherman foremost.
  • Cruising boats are designed for traveling and comfort. These can run from day trip boats to long distance and overnighting.
  • Watersports boats are designed for particular sports such as skiing. Know your sport and then choose the boat that meets those needs accordingly.

Equipment

What type of equipment will you want on your boat? In today’s market, you have a myriad of bells and whistles to choose from and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Make a list of your must-haves and then build from there.

Ask Around

Before you buy a boat, ask around. Join online forums. Ask questions of boat owner friends. Go to boat shows. Your best education is from actual boat owners. Most will be willing to share their trials and tribulations so you can learn from others’ mistakes before you make your own.

New or Used

When you begin to look for your boat, you will find that there are a lot of used boats on the market. This is when it’s especially important to know your needs. Don’t be seduced by a lower price for a used boat without considering the risks. Like used cars, a used boat can hold hidden problems just waiting for an unsuspecting buyer. Consider hiring a professional marine surveyor to protect your interests before buying a potential problem. If you are considering a new boat, consider that the greatest depreciation takes place in the first year.

Consider Size

Choosing your first boat based on need is your first decision. Your second consideration should be size. After the first year of boat ownership, many first time owners find that they are looking at a larger vessel so you may want to consider a slightly larger model at the inception. You also will be limited on size if you are looking to trailer your boat. In that case, you will be limited to sizes up to thirty feet.

Consider Storage

Where will you be keeping your boat? Can it be trailered? Do you have a convenient waterway behind your home with a sufficient dock or lift or will you need to keep it at a marina? What are the costs involved if kept at a marina? What services do they offer? If you are keeping your boat at home, what are your safety plans in case of a large storm? What will you do with your boat during off season?

Consider the Cost of Ownership

There is a reason many boat owners say their boat is a large hole they throw money into. Boat ownership has associated costs that you may not have considered. Other than the initial cost of the boat itself, you should consider yearly taxes and registration, maintenance, fuel, storage, and insurance.

Always keep in mind that your boat is a large investment. Make sure you have the right insurance. After purchasing your first boat, call us to discover how we can help you protect that investment.

Call 1-800-585-1665 today to request a quote from InsureAnyBoat.com