| You've decided to join the ranks of boat owners | | | | cruising? Will you ever operate in salt water? Do you |
| worldwide, but what do you need to know before | | | | plan on pulling your boat by a trailer? All this will help |
| you head to your local marine dealer? As is the case | | | | you determine the best boat for your lifestyle. |
| in making any large-scale investment (like a boat), | | | | Find A Good Dealer: |
| there area few things you need to consider before | | | | If you know little about boats or what's entailed in |
| making such a high-cost purchase. First, ask yourself: | | | | boat ownership, then it's important to find a dealer |
| Will I Really Use A Boat Enough To Warrant The | | | | who can guide you through the buying process and |
| Expense? | | | | beyond. Ask other boat owners about dealers in your |
| Go boating with some friends. Make sure it's | | | | area who offer exceptional service. This should go |
| something you can see yourself doing every | | | | beyond selling you the boat, by also offering tips of |
| weekend - or at leas enough to justify the time and | | | | towing, winterization, and repairs. |
| expense owning a boat requires. | | | | Avoid Buying Too Much Boat: |
| Understand What Owning A Boat Really Means: | | | | Bigger isn't always better - especially for the first |
| Owning a boat is time consuming and expensive. | | | | time boat owner. The larger the boat, the harder it is |
| Seriously consider the cost of ownership before | | | | to handle, and maintain, and the more it costs to |
| investing big bucks for one. Consider the costs of | | | | operate. Start with a boat that is small, economical, |
| buying it, insurance, interest, fuel and oil, trailer, | | | | and easy to use. A used one from a reputable dealer |
| storage, repairs, setting up a tow vehicle, lodging, | | | | is even a better choice until you know exactly what |
| weekend food, extra fishing gear, skis, life jackets, | | | | size and style boat you'll be happy with for the long |
| licenses and permits, maintenance, to name a few. | | | | haul. |
| And, don't forget the time it takes to round up the | | | | Understanding the Difference Between the Asking |
| gear, get to the water, participate in water activities, | | | | Price and the Selling Price: |
| get back home, unpack, and service the boat. | | | | Just like cars, buying a boat doesn't always mean the |
| Do Your Research: | | | | sticker price is the "real" price. Most boats sell for less |
| Go to a few boat shows to see what styles are | | | | than the asking price. Do your homework so you |
| available. Visit a few showrooms and talk to a variety | | | | understand what the real value of the boat your |
| of different salespeople and current boat owners to | | | | interest in is, then be prepared to haggle for the best |
| help you decide what size boat and options best fit | | | | price. |
| your needs and budget. | | | | Buying a new boat is very similar to buying a new |
| Consider What Type Of Boat Best Fits Your Needs: | | | | car... it takes persistence, patience, some know-how, |
| The kind of boat you ultimately purchase will depend | | | | and the ability to walk away until you find the best |
| a great deal on the types of activities you will be | | | | deal. |
| using it for. Will you be fishing, skiing, tubing, or | | | | |