Thinking about buying a boat? If you have an interest in boats and sailing, then this can be a fantastic investment and one that enriches your life. There is nothing quite like heading out on the open water on your very own boat and sharing the experience with loved ones. However, buying a boat is also a large financial and lifestyle decision to make and one that should not be made lightly. This post will look at a few key considerations when buying a boat that should help you to make the right decision and get the most out of your boat.
Work Out Your Budget
First, you need to work out how much you can afford to spend and whether or not you can afford to buy (and keep) a boat. Keep in mind that it is not just the cost of the boat that you will need to factor in, as you will have various running costs including insurance, maintenance and repairs, storage and fees to factor in. This is why you need to sit down and work out how much you could comfortably afford to spend on your boat each month.
New Or Used?
Following this, you will also need to decide whether to buy new or used. It will depend on your preference and budget, but many decide that a used boat is best because it is cheaper, and you get more for your money. Just be sure to thoroughly check over the boat and get a marine survey for peace of mind.
Type Of Boat
You also need to determine what type of boat will be best for you. This will depend on what you want to do with the boat, what kind of body of water you will use the boat on and how many people you will have onboard at once. Runabouts (also known as bowriders) are the most popular type because they can easily be trailered, and you can comfortably fit up to 10 people with storage.
Storage
You should also make a plan for where you will store the boat when it is not in use. Even if you have a garage, a boat can take up an enormous amount of space so you might be better off hiring a storage unit (ideally close to your local body of water). This will provide protection from the elements and give you somewhere secure for storage, preventing the boat from taking up space in your garage.
Transport
Transportation can also be a challenge when you have a new boat. While you can trailer the boat in many situations, there are likely to be times when you need to arrange transportation whether this is when you buy the boat or a long-distance journey. You can compare boat transport quotes to take a boat from A to B so that you can save money while still getting the boat moved by a specialist company.
These are a few of the main considerations if you plan on buying a boat that should help you to make the right decision and enjoy the benefits of owning your own boat.