Choosing your first boat is a thrilling and liberating experience that allows you to explore the vast opportunities; from casual weekend cruises with the little ones to extreme water activities. However, choosing the most appropriate boat for personal use can sometimes be challenging, particularly for first-time buyers. 

Since there are a lot of opportunities and a lot of money can be spent there, one must be prepared. Here we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to purchase your initial watercraft, the types of boats available in the market, and how to decide on the budget among other useful tips.

Determine the Type of Watercraft That Fits Your Needs

However, the key factor that cannot be underestimated before entering boat ownership is the choice of the vessel that reflects one’s lifestyle. We have various kinds of boats depending on the work they are to be used for. If you are a fan of fishing, then widening your choice to fishing boats such as center console or bass, would be a good idea. But if one wants leisure and family outings, a pontoon boat or a bowrider can be the most suitable. 

Sailing boats provide a quiet, wind-assisted ride, and power boats afford a fast, thrilling experience specially meant for water sports freaks. Focus a while on how you will want to utilize the ship. Knowing your main boating activities is a useful step towards making some choices and ensuring your watercraft meets its function.

New vs. Used: What’s Right for You?

When you are a first-time boat buyer, one of the chief choices you will make is whether to get a new boat sales or a secondhand boat. Each of the two options has its advantages and disadvantages as presented below. New boats are outfitted with the latest technologies and can come with full warranties, and the confidence that your vessel is in its best state. 

Nevertheless, some new boats are relatively expensive generally and the depreciation can be considerable within the first few years. On the other hand, used boats are relatively cheaper and mean you can acquire more boats than if you had to buy a new one. Most used boats are sold in good condition but buyers should assess the condition of the boat or get an independent surveyor to assess the boat.

Set Your Budget and Explore Financing Options

Boats are available for purchase for as low as a few thousand dollars, but can cost as much as several hundred thousand dollars, so setting a budget is crucial. While developing your budget, you shouldn’t focus only on the cost of buying a boat but other costs like insurance costs, maintenance costs, registration costs, and the cost of storing the boat. The cost of fees and other charges involved are usually overlooked by most first-time buyers, hence it is important to consider them when making your estimations. However, if paying outright is not possible then multiple payment structures are available.  

Watercraft

Ravii Suri