A Beginner’s Guide

First-time boat buyers can find themselves overwhelmed by options. Before looking into specific vessels, find out what to look for when buying your first boat.

Taking the plunge into the exciting world of boat ownership is a big moment. The new craft will offer ample opportunities for creating enjoyable memories with friends or family, but a boat is a serious investment. Read on to find out how to find the best one to suit your needs.

Finding a Boat That’s the Right Size

Boat size affects price, and unsurprisingly, larger vessels cost more money. It’s not worth cutting corners if a smaller boat won’t meet all of the family’s needs, though. Choosing a boat size requires accommodating all potential intended uses.

Boaters who intend to stick to rivers or lakes can usually purchase smaller crafts than those who plan to head out on the open sea. Solitary fishing enthusiasts need less space than buyers who want to use their boats to host social occasions.

Some people may even need to be able to sleep on board, which means the boat will need a cabin and other amenities. Vessels of this size can create some extra complications in transportation and storage, so be sure to have a plan in place.

Deciding on a Sailboat or a Motorboat

Most modern boating enthusiasts purchase motorboats as their first vessels. Learning how to sail is a much more challenging and involved process, and sailing offers boaters less control than piloting a motorboat.

Sailboats and motorboats differ greatly in the types of technology on board. First-time boaters should look for simpler setups that they will be able to use with confidence. Remember that you can always upgrade to more sophisticated technologies after learning the ropes.

Purchasing New vs. Used Boats

Buying a used boat is a great way to save money, but only if the buyer knows enough about the watercraft can they spot serious issues. High-quality pre-owned vessels aren’t just cheaper. They’ve been around longer, meaning buyers can find more information about the models and their performance over time.

New boats come at a higher cost but offer distinct benefits. Buyers will be guaranteed a vessel with no history of damage or malfunctions. They’ll get access to the latest technology and have more control over options. New boats also come with warranties.

First-time boaters who can afford new ones should seriously consider this option. If that’s impossible, try to bring a more experienced friend along to inspect and trial used boats.

Take the Time to Do Adequate Research

Boats are never good impulse buys. First-time boat buyers need to be even more conscientious about doing their research, whether they plan to buy a new motorboat or a used sailboat.

Take the time to find out about the current boat market to evaluate prices reasonably and know what to look for to meet your individual needs. It’s never worth rushing the process.