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