| Buying a boat can be challenging, so it's also | | | | such as mooring/storage fees, maintenance, fuel, |
| important to consider the responsibilities that | | | | mortgage or finance, insurance, registration costs, |
| come with it, such as the ongoing maintenance | | | | and taxes. |
| and care. | | | | Will it be a new or used boat. New boats are |
| There are several questions that need to looked | | | | going to be more costly, but there is the boat |
| at before leaping in and purchasing that first boat. | | | | manufactures warranty that comes with it. Used |
| In order to decide on the type of boat to | | | | or second-hand tend to require more attention |
| purchase - be it a flat bottom, sailboat, pontoon, | | | | and care, but it can be possible to pick up a great |
| jet ski, Jon boat, bass, or jet boat - it's important | | | | bargain. |
| to establish the main purpose of the boat. Is it | | | | With a used boat look for signs of neglect. If the |
| the intention to go fishing, to experience the thrills | | | | deck seats appear faded or the hull's paint is |
| of a water-sport event, or a relaxing weekend | | | | showing signs of wear on a two or three year old |
| getaway. These factors will help in determining | | | | boat - this could be an indication of lack of |
| whether its the more leisurely pace of the | | | | maintenance and care. If signs of neglect are |
| sailboat, or the fun and excitement of a power or | | | | apparent on the outside what is going to be found |
| jet boat. | | | | on the inside, especially to the boats engine or |
| Is it the intention to use the craft on a lake or | | | | machinery. |
| river, is it inshore or is going out to sea the vision. | | | | If buying a pre-owned boat it's always a wise |
| Also is the water craft going to be used | | | | investment to have a survey carried out by a |
| year-round or is it more seasonal. If seasonal, | | | | qualified marine surveyor. This report ought to |
| were is the boat going to be stored throughout | | | | indicate the structural integrity of the hull, as well |
| the off-season. | | | | as the condition of the machinery and its |
| Who's going to be using the boat; is there space | | | | equipment. And a on-water test drive or sea trail |
| to accommodate all those that wish to be | | | | will help to establish the handling and performance |
| onboard. A Jon or bass boat is ideal for one or | | | | of the craft. |
| two on a fishing trip, while a pontoon or deck | | | | Once it comes to buying a boat its important to |
| boat is more suited for a gathering of family and | | | | remember that boats do require attention and |
| friends. | | | | maintenance on a frequent basis in order to enjoy |
| When calculating the cost of the boat, don't | | | | that long lasting fun on the water. |
| forget to take into account the related costs, | | | | |