Buying a Boat - Your Beginner's Guide

A motorboat There are some real advantages to owning your own boat. Generally boats hold their value well and can be a good investment with great rewards - whether a small trailerable boat, a traditional narrowboat, a river cruiser or an ocean going yacht.

But before you buy your boat you need to ask yourself a few key questions to make sure that the boat you are considering buying will serve your purposes.

Boat Buying Questions

What type of boat suits your personality?

Do you imagine getting from place to place at speed or leisurely sailing or cruising to your destination?

Who will use the boat?

Willl it be the family or will you invite friends? This may affect the size of the boat you choose.

What are your and your family and friend’s interests?

Do you want to water-ski, to fish, or simply go cruising for a day, weekend or longer?

Where will you be boating?

Some boats are designed for ocean use, while others are more suitable for quiet canals, rivers and lakes.

When, and how often, will you use the boat?

Will you boat year-round or seasonally?

Will you be happy with a larger boat kept in one place?

Or, do you want the freedom to explore different boating areas with a small trailerable boat?

Where will your boat be stored?

A large boat will need to be kept at a berth in a marina or a mooring. Will you be able to park your trailered boat at home?

Does your previous boating experience match the skills needed to operate the boat you want to buy?
How much can you afford to spend?

Do your research and set yourself a budget - Remember to factor in maintenance, insurance, registration fees, and instruction and safety course fees.

Do you want to purchase new boat with the reassuarance guarantee?

Finally, don’t rush the buying process, especially if you’re a novice boater. Boating entails much more than simply turning on the key and pulling away from the dock. It’s a different environment and the more time and effort you put into the proper selection of a boat, the more you will get out of it.