The beauty of boating lies in the fact that this activity is one which can be enjoyed your whole life. There really are not too many activities which are as much fun as going out on a body of water and captaining your own ship, regardless of whether it proves to be a yacht or even a canoe. There are practically countless varieties of boats out there from which to choose, and this action proves considerably more difficult than does purchasing a car, for example. This articles goes through the steps to buying a boat.
Planning Your Activities
You should first come up with a working list of activities that you think you will do with your new boat once you have it. Among these are fishing, sailing, racing, water skiing, cruising, scuba diving, portaging, over night trips, hunting, and even wild bird photography. Once you create this list, go through and place numerous check marks next to the activities which are most interesting to you and your family.
Picking out Propulsion
Next you have to decide on the means of propulsion for your craft. Will you prefer a sailboat, a rowing vessel, or an outboard motor driven craft? For those who plan on a lot of water skiing, you had best buy a power boat. If you are someone who loves the feel of the wind whistling through your hair, then go for a sail boat.
Working Withing Your Budget
You will have to be sensible and work within your budget. Many have called boats holes within the water where you pour your money. Keeping a sailboat in the water can cost upwards of $3,500 per year for taxes, slip fees, and insurance. This is before any maintenance is even taken into account. Some power boaters say that they have spent in excess of $200 on gas for the boat for only one day. This budget will help you decide how big and what type your boat will be, as well.
To Buy A Used or A New Boat
Determine if you will purchase a used or a new boat. This mostly boils down to budget constraints. New boats certainly include warranties which have a great variety of items and duration that they cover. Boat makers have gone out of business in the past, so you will want one that will still be in business if your warranty needs honoring. The National Marine Manufacturers’ Association comprises of numerous reputable boat makers, many of whom are featured at one of a number of different boat shows around the United States. These are good places to look at the many kinds of crafts, and prices, on offer. Reputable yacht brokers or dealers are similarly helpful.
Private party sales make sense for those pursuing a used boat. For those of you who decide on a used boat, make sure that you get it surveyed by a good marine surveyor. He will be able to look over the hull, as well as to check out the whole boat from stern to stem. If he offers you a number of recommended repairs, use these as negotiating points on the boat price.
Considering Boat Maintenance
The maintenance costs for boats range all over the board. This has a lot to do with the decision to purchase used or new. Experts will say that you ought to plan towards $50 per year per foot in order to maintain a sound vessel. Should you go with a new boat, remember all of the paraphernalia that you will have to purchase up front, such as a marine radio, fire extinguishers, flares, dock lines, swim ladders, anchors, and other items.
Methods of Payment
You will have to choose whether to buy the boat for cash or credit. There are examples where it does make sense to finance the boat. Some boats’ interest payments are tax deductible. This is true for your boat if is has sleeping quarters, a toilet, and a galley.
First Boat: How to buy a boat without getting burnt
Discover Boating: How to Buy a Boat
- How to Buy a Used Boat?
- How to Choose a Boat?
- How to Park a Boat?
- How to Live on a Boat?
- How to Operate a Boat?
