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