Are you considering purchasing a boat? Excellent news—as boaters, we heartily recommend it. We have a lot of terrific new boat reviews, as well as listings of new and old boats of various kinds. But first, let’s walk through the boat-buying process, which should begin well before you stand in front of a boat.
What kind of boat should I buy?
The very first thing you should consider is what type of boating you want to perform. Next, consider where and how you will utilise the boat you buy if you haven’t previously.
Boats are highly specialised, so what you choose should be mainly influenced by how you want to spend your time on the water. Take the time to complete your homework. Just as you wouldn’t buy an off-road car to travel on a highway, it’s critical to pick the right boat for your hobbies, preferences, and crew demands.
Before signing that purchase contract, ask yourself these questions and honestly answer them. Do you want something you can load into a trailer and transport from one canal to the next? Is the primary reason for your purchase to entertain visitors with beverages after sundown? Will you be staying overnight a lot? Do your children intend to waterski and wakeboard? Each is a legitimate reason to purchase a boat, leading you to a different ship.
Should I purchase new or used?
It just takes a little research to realise that there are many secondhand boats available at far lower rates than you would spend for an identical boat brand new. Because fibreglass and aluminium do not decay like conventional wood, today’s boats have a long lifespan.
Buying secondhand can also save you money upfront, but it also raises the variables, much like buying a used automobile.
Purchasing a boat
When you’re ready to go boat shopping, the best place to start is online. You may compare models, pricing, and even take virtual tours without ever leaving your seat. In addition, you may refine your search by length, boat type, model name, and location.
Examining the boat
How extensively should you check a boat before purchasing it? That depends, but if you’re making a significant buy, go beyond what the seller wants you to see—especially if you’re trying to find out why a specific offer appears to be too good to be true. If you’re unsure whether a particular yacht is worth investigating further, start with a walkaround.
Next, have a sea trial to discover if you love being on the water. However, there is a distinction between a sea trial and a boat trip; if all you want is a leisurely ride around the lake on a fine afternoon, hire a boat or go out with a buddy instead. Otherwise, you risk becoming known as a tire-kicker and time-waster.
What comes with the boat you buy?
What you get depends not only on the type of boat you want but also on the price you can get and whether you buy new or secondhand. Any vendor should include an equipment list, so you know how much stuff comes with the boat. You can pick a whole package or conduct your shopping for amenities. Even if you choose a package arrangement, there will undoubtedly be more “things” required before you can leave the port. Make sure you save enough money to spend on things that will allow you to enjoy your time on the water safely.
Finalising the transaction
When it comes to negotiating a price, purchasing a yacht is similar to buying everything else: the more in love you are (or appear to be), the higher the price you will pay. Purchasing a boat may be an emotional experience, so it’s crucial to take a step back while negotiating a price, checking for online fraud, and filling out paperwork—that is, until you’ve actually completed the sale.
It’s also critical (particularly in the case of a private transaction) to ensure that the owner genuinely owns her. Examine the papers thoroughly, and if the boat is being housed in a yard or marina, make sure to ask the management if there are any outstanding debts or liens on the boat.
