| Planning on buying a boat in the near future? If so, | | | | always keep in mind that when you are boating, you |
| take a few precious moments and read up on my | | | | are on the water, now as silly as this sounds, many |
| tips and tricks. Boating entails a whole lot more than | | | | folks forget that you just can't pull off to the side of |
| having fun with your friends on the weekends at | | | | the road and get off- LOL! Your boating decision is |
| your local lake. | | | | somewhat final... at least for the moment. Try to find |
| Ask yourself seriously what you know about boats | | | | a boat that will meet more than one requirement in |
| and what you want out a boat. Do you know an | | | | your budget and you will have hit the boating |
| outboard from an IO or maybe an inboard motor? | | | | jackpot. |
| OK, let's take this one step at a time. | | | | For instance, we like to fish and cruise and in addition, |
| 1. What do want to do with your boat, fish, cruise, | | | | love to spend up to 3 months at a time on the |
| go fast or slow and easy, day trips, hang out over | | | | water. We have a 43 foot boat with a fly bridge |
| night or longer? | | | | that gives us the room and flexibility to do just that, |
| 2. How many people do you plan on taking with you | | | | but if we just want to go shelling in the shallow back |
| boating? Just you and a significant other or a whole | | | | waters then we can't do that easily. |
| crowd? | | | | Visiting boat shows can be a great source of |
| 3. Are you handy mechanically? Boats, even new | | | | information and you can check out all types of new |
| ones, break down at the most inopportune moments. | | | | and used boats at the same time. All of this gives |
| New boats are probably under a warranty, but if you | | | | you an idea of what you should be looking for in a |
| are in the middle of the ocean when it breaks down | | | | boat and once you know what will meet most of |
| you still need to know what to do. I've never seen a | | | | your needs then you can fine tune your search. |
| dealer mechanic rush out to a particular location. | | | | Looking online is an awesome way to find a great |
| 4. What does your budget look like? Planning on | | | | deal on a boat. There are tons of boat selling sites, |
| financing or paying up front for the whole enchilada? | | | | especially used boats for sale. Even eBay is a terrific |
| Always keep in mind that boats need insurance, a | | | | place to pick up some great deals and of course, |
| place to stay, be it a trailer in your backyard or a | | | | when you price out any boat, find out if there are |
| wet /dry slip and of course FUEL! Even sail boats | | | | any selling fees involved or if you are dealing directly |
| need fuel for when the wind isn't blowing. | | | | with the owner. |
| 5. Do you know how to run a boat? Believe it or not, | | | | When you find what you are looking for make sure |
| in the United States, you do not need a "boating | | | | that you have someone who is experienced with |
| License"... any fool can get behind the wheel and set | | | | boats go with you to really check it out. For a larger |
| sail! A Coast Guard Auxiliary course... usually held | | | | boat you will probably want to have it surveyed so |
| nights or weekends is the perfect way for you to | | | | all of this needs to be considered when you finally |
| get your feet wet, pun intended, in the world of | | | | make that decision. |
| boating. | | | | Buying a boat is a big decision so take your time and |
| Once you have these basics established, then you | | | | enjoy the journey, once you are hooked on boating |
| can visit a local marina to get a real feel for what | | | | chances are that this won't be the last boat that you |
| you are looking for. You need to jump on board | | | | buy! |
| several boats and see how they meet your needs... | | | | |