| Buying a new boat: | | | | best for you, negotiate deals and arrange financing. |
| Are you planning on purchasing a new boat? Whether | | | | Test Drive: |
| you are a first time boat owner, or have been | | | | Like a car, a boat should also be taken for a test |
| navigating the waters for decades, there are a few | | | | drive. Once you think you have found the boat that |
| steps you should take. As exciting as it is; buying a | | | | you would like to purchase, it is a good idea to see |
| new boat is not something that you should just jump | | | | how it handles on the water. Here you can see if you |
| into. | | | | enjoy the way that it rides, and if it is right for you. |
| You need to decide which boat is right for you and | | | | There are certain tests that you should do while out |
| your needs. Take into consideration what you will be | | | | on the water. Check to the engine to see if they are |
| using the boat for, who will be going with you, and | | | | warm before turning on the ignition. If it is, the |
| where you will be taking your boat. You can find this | | | | owner may have started it up prior to your arrival. |
| information buy reading articles about different types | | | | This would be done to hide the fact that the boat |
| of boats, researching boating websites, and looking | | | | may have trouble starting. The bilge should be |
| through boat review magazines. Boat shows are an | | | | checked at the beginning and end of the test drive |
| excellent way to learn about boat styles, sizes, | | | | for any oil leaks. While in the dock, maneuver the |
| engines and equipment. Reading opinions and | | | | boat around in forward and reverse to check for |
| experiences that other people have with boats may | | | | response time. Check for bow steering while at slow |
| sway your decision or give you ideas. | | | | speeds, and record how long it takes the boat to |
| What size should I get? | | | | plane at high speeds. Take several turns; wide and |
| Deciding what size boat you need is important. You | | | | tight at various speeds. If the bow of the boat |
| do not want to get a boat that is too small for the | | | | bounces on straight runs, adjusting the trim should be |
| intended use, or one that is too big for just taking | | | | able to fix the problem. Check to see how smoothly |
| you fishing. Bigger boats will usually have more | | | | the boat handles waves and wakes. You do not |
| amenities such as cabins, toilets, and galleys. | | | | want side to side rolling. You should also be observing |
| However, this means that there are more systems | | | | how well the gauges and instruments are working, as |
| that need to be understood and maintained. Some | | | | well as the oil pressure. The engine should be run long |
| boats are too big to be trailered, which leads to | | | | enough to check for overheating. |
| transportation issues. They will also take more gas to | | | | Purchasing the boat: |
| operate. | | | | Make sure to check around for prices and follow blue |
| New or Used? | | | | book pricing guides. This will help you negotiate the |
| Decide whether you want a boat that has never hit | | | | best price for your boat. Once you have the price |
| the water or one that has had a little experience. | | | | you are satisfied with, have the owner put it in |
| Buying both new and used boats has its pros and | | | | writing. This will eliminate any problems with price |
| cons, like anything else. Whether you are buying new | | | | changes before the sale is complete. This agreement |
| or used; shop around before making your big | | | | should also list terms, as well as the accessories that |
| purchase. | | | | are included in the price. If you are buying a new |
| If you buy a new boat, you know that it does not | | | | boat, contact several lenders to get the best deal on |
| already have problems or repairs that need to be | | | | financing. |
| made. If anything goes wrong with the boat once | | | | A few more things after the purchase: |
| you own it, it is under warranty. Buying new also | | | | It is a good idea to take a boating safety course. |
| allows you to custom order according to your | | | | Even if you are familiar with the water, and have |
| specific needs and wants. There are financing options | | | | been on numerous boats in the past; you should take |
| when buying a new boat, which allows for better | | | | the course. There are safely tips to follow to make |
| interest rates and deals. If you buy new, make sure | | | | sure that you have a fun and safe summer on your |
| that you address any problems that come up while | | | | boat. |
| the warranty is still in effect. | | | | You are now the proud owner of a boat that is new |
| If it is a seasoned boat that you are looking for; than | | | | to you. When insuring your boat, it is very important |
| buying used is your best option. Used boats are good | | | | to include the survey and inspection if you have one. |
| for boaters who are not sure what they want to do | | | | Register your boat and apply for a new registration |
| on the boat. If you are on a budget, buying used in | | | | sticker. Title your boat in your own name; if it was |
| less expensive than new. You may not find exactly | | | | previously owned it will need to be re-titled. Pay your |
| what you want in a used boat, which leads to added | | | | sales taxes. Get your boat inspected by the local |
| expenses to customize later. Before buying your | | | | Coast Guard and display the sticker on the port side |
| used boat, get a marine survey and have the boat | | | | window. |
| inspected. This will check for structural damage or | | | | Preparing yourself by setting a budget is important. |
| mechanical problems that the owner failed to | | | | Owning a boat can get expensive. Plan out what |
| mention, or may not have known about. They will | | | | added expenses you feel are necessary for your |
| also be able to detect whether the boat will need | | | | boat, and don't forget the cost of fuel. Following |
| repair in the near future. With this information you | | | | money saving tips will help you stick to your budget. |
| can make an educated decision on whether buying | | | | If you are not an experienced boater, your first trip |
| used will really save you more money. | | | | on the water should be with one. They can show |
| Make sure that the dealer you are buying your boat | | | | you helpful things like turns, docking and trailering. |
| from is reputable. Checking around and asking advice | | | | They will help you to feel more comfortable and |
| will only help you in the long run. It is very important | | | | confident enough to be on your own. |
| to check the dealer/seller for proof of ownership. | | | | Make sure you are equipped with the necessities. |
| You do not want to buy a boat that is stolen. If you | | | | Keep a tool kit, first aid kit, documentation, light |
| feel as though you need help researching and | | | | bulbs, fuses and manuals on board. |
| purchasing your boat, you may want to hire a yacht | | | | Get out on the water and enjoy your new boat! |
| broker. They will help you determine which boat is | | | | |