New to boating? Tips that will help you make a good purchase
Buying your first boat is always an exciting experience. There are so many innovative options in the market, giving you the freedom to select what works best for you.
However, the options available can easily become overwhelming for first-time buyers. You also don't want to buy the wrong boat, as it can potentially turn out to be a bad investment. To help you make the best decision possible, here are 4 useful tips you should consider before opening your wallet.
1. Carefully consider the size
When buying your first boat, it makes sense to start small. A smaller boat will be easier to use and maintain, as you slowly become a pro in the water. But what if you outgrow your boat sooner than you think? Many boaters find themselves with an undersized vessel after a year or two, and they begin exploring the market again for a bigger boat.
Make sure you get a boat that's large enough to sustain your needs for at least 4–5 years. This period is long enough to enjoy a reasonable return on your investment before entering the market for an upgrade.
2. Does the boat have resale value?
Many first-time buyers don't carefully consider resale value. Remember that it's highly likely you will come across a better boat in the future after your skills and experiences have expanded. What sounds like a great deal now may prove costly when you intend to sell moving forward.
It can be tricky to find out which types of boats hold value better than others. In most cases, runabout boats with inboard engines are capable of holding value well over time. This is because they're very popular recreational boats that can be used across multiple bodies of water. Kayaks can be hit or miss in terms of value retention.
3. Determine how much maintenance will be necessary
The cost of buying a boat doesn't stop with the sticker price. You also need to consider repair and maintenance, storage, transportation, and insurance. Insurance is particularly important to have, especially as a first-time buyer. You should also find out about storage costs, whether at the pier or in your home.
4. Have the boat inspected
Remember that owning a boat comes with many different responsibilities. It is up to you to ensure that the boat is properly inspected for all safety features and operational requirements. Not all boat sellers will sell you a boat that meets industry requirements. Therefore, you should have the boat inspected in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises by professionals who offer marine services,