Picture this scenario: you are excited as you think about that new boat you want to purchase so badly. You will use it for your adventures with friends and family. Suddenly, a wave of reality hits you ? you have no idea where to get started. There are tons of boats out there ? so where do you even begin? Thankfully, several tips and tricks will set beginners to their boats. Here is what you should do:
- Pick a type of boat
This first step is to pick a type of boat for your upcoming adventures. How? Answer the following questions:
- What will you use the boat for overall?
- Will you be alone or with friends and family?
- How do you wish to transfer your boat?
It is paramount that you give an answer to all these questions. Leaving one out might cause problems for you later as you pick.
- New or used?
When considering buying a boat, weighing the pros and cons of both new and used boats is important. While purchasing a new boat may be tempting, it’s worth noting that it can be quite costly. On the other hand, there are plenty of used boats for sale that can be purchased at a lower price point. Buying a used boat can be a wise decision for many buyers as it allows for cost savings while still offering many of the same benefits as a new boat. So, if you’re in the market for a boat, consider all your options and pay attention to the many great used boats for sale.
- Check for certification
You are one step closer to finishing the deal. After you pick a boat, the next thing to do is to check for its certification. You have to make sure that the water transport is licensed and certified by the appropriate organizations and agencies. You can do this task by asking your dealer or attending boat agency shows. You also have the option to look for the certification logo plate. You can find this piece near your boat?s helm.
- It?s time to shop
Now is the perfect time to shop for your ideal boat. You have all the areas covered, so you can now purchase one. You have the option to visit boat sale yards or even online. Both methods will get you somewhere. However, looking for boats online might have the upper hand. You can peruse the dozens and dozens of websites, such as Red Beard Sailing, that sell them and other water travel transportation.
- Negotiation
You are almost there. There is no need to pay for a boat?s total selling price. That is where negotiations can take place. You can get in touch with a dealer that has discounts. Or you can straight up work on your dealing skills. Visiting the dealer?s website will also give you a hand to make sure you are not overpaying. Google also works if that last option fails to yield any results. You can see if a dealer?s listing is pricey or not.
- Conduct a survey
There are several kinds of boat surveys. Each one has a specific function. There is no need to conduct a survey for a new boat. However, things are not the same for used ones. On top of that, a survey allows potential buyers to check if a used boat requires repairs and maintenance. A survey will also help in determining a boat?s actual market value.
- Trial run
It is also a must to take your potential boat for a spin. This part of the boat buying process is something you should not omit at all. Taking a boat out in the waters comes with specifics as well. You have to consider the following:
- The role of driver and passenger
- Actual sea conditions on the trial day
- Consider the purpose of your boat
- Check for glare issues as you drive to and from the sun?s direction
- Ask about horsepower deals
- Onboard storage
- And so on
These factors play a significant role in your test run. One way or another, they will happen once you get to the waters for good.
- Seal the deal
The boat is finally yours for the taking! Buying a boat is different from purchasing a car. You do not have to worry about additional fees, such as dealer fees, transportation, etc.?
You can also request any accessories that may come with your new boat. Ask for safety gear, additional storage, and so on. It may be a different scenario if you plan to look for boat sporting goods. That aspect will depend on your search entirely.
It would be wise to ask your dealer for anything else you might have missed during the boat buying process. But after all that, you are good to go.
You have to ensure that you have a boating license as you take to the waters. It would be awkward to see yourself without one as you hit the waves. But you have the option to take a boating course online. Speaking of online, you have the internet to learn more about how to improve your boating knowledge and skills.