| Ask yourself two basic questions before you do | | | | Should you choose a new or second-hand boat? |
| your boat-buying research. First, what will you be | | | | Second-hand boats are cheaper and hold their |
| fishing for? Are you looking for a quiet sunrise | | | | value longer since they've already depreciated. |
| break on the lake? Or do you want to test your | | | | You're more likely to get a dependable, |
| skill on the high seas? Second, when and where | | | | economical deal with smaller boats that don't have |
| will you do your fishing? That quick sunrise fishing | | | | a lot of equipment or features. But if you're |
| trip at the lake will take little more than a row | | | | investing in a larger boat with lots of features, |
| boat or raft. But the serious deep sea fishing trip | | | | you'll want the warranty that comes when you're |
| requires a sturdy dependable vessel with ample | | | | buying a new boat. First-time buyers may be |
| safety features. | | | | better off buying a boat from a dealer. Once you |
| Dealers of Ranger boats talk about a 5-star | | | | have some experience owning and operating your |
| advantage that applies to all boats, no matter | | | | own boat, you'll be in a better position to judge |
| who manufactures them. The five points are | | | | the value of a used boat. At the same time, if |
| quality, performance, innovation, safety, and value. | | | | you're buying a boat for long trips or high-sea |
| What materials will offer you quality and value? Is | | | | fishing, be prepared to spend thousands, or tens |
| your candidate boat made of plastic, metal, or | | | | of thousands, to get a good vessel. It all depends |
| fiberglass. Does it have a heavy-duty bilge pump | | | | on how you feel about safety and dependability. |
| and heavy-duty wiring? Will it withstand stormy | | | | Take your chances and save money or spend |
| seas? | | | | the bucks and be secure. It's all up to your |
| Here are a few specifics to consider when buying | | | | adventurous nature. |
| a boat. These are just a sample of the factors | | | | How does the boat handle? |
| that can make the difference between an | | | | As a first-timer, you may not know what to look |
| enjoyable and successful fishing trip and a | | | | for in handling when you're buying a boat. This is |
| heartache. Be sure to do more research. Visit | | | | where the experience of other boaters may |
| boat dealers and talk to people who already own | | | | prove extremely valuable to you. But think about |
| their own boat. Buying a boat can be an | | | | how easily you'll be able to launch and retrieve the |
| expensive proposition. Make sure you are | | | | boat from a ramp. Will you be able to quickly |
| well-educated so that your decision is one you | | | | attach it for towing? How much labor are you |
| don't regret. | | | | willing to invest to move your new boat around? |
| How will you tow your new boat? | | | | And if you're buying a boat with some power, |
| Your tow vehicle will dictate some options when | | | | you'll need to understand how well it maneuvers in |
| you're buying a boat. Be sure it has the proper | | | | the water. Boats aren't as easy to test drive as |
| power to get the job done. Generally, a larger | | | | automobiles, so you'll need to be certain you can |
| boat may require a vehicle that will pull up to 3500 | | | | handle a high-powered fishing boat. |
| pounds, especially where you have to travel hills | | | | Buying a boat is an exciting adventure. You're |
| and mountains. A small fishing boat, like a kayak | | | | buying much more than a water craft. You're |
| or inflatable raft, may need a special rack for | | | | buying years of pleasurable fishing experiences. It |
| your car top. Before you go shopping, be sure | | | | might be tempting to rush into your purchase, |
| you have the correct equipment to transport | | | | buying a boat that appeals to your taste. But slow |
| your new boat. | | | | down and take care that your new boat meets |
| What materials are appropriate for your fishing | | | | your needs. We can't stress enough how |
| needs? | | | | important it will be to do your homework. |
| In smaller lakes where there aren't big waves, a | | | | Surf the internet to learn about boats, to find |
| light aluminum may be perfect. Aluminum is more | | | | reviews, to listen in on forums and blogs, and to |
| forgiving of bumps and bangs than fiberglass or | | | | find out what models and brands have the best |
| wood. It's also less expensive. A light metal boat | | | | reputations. Talk to other boaters, and don't be |
| or inflatable raft will be best for early mornings on | | | | afraid to ask lots of questions at dealerships. A |
| the lake, but they won't last in the bay. For | | | | good dealer will be more than willing to invest the |
| heavier seas, you'll need more durable materials, a | | | | time to make sure you're an educated buyer. |
| sturdier craft, and a powerful motor. | | | | |