| Experienced boat-based fishers have perfected | | | | and luxuries will dictate the price of your deep sea |
| the processing of buying a fishing boat into a fine | | | | fishing boat. It's a good idea to surf the Internet |
| art. But for the first-time buyer, buying the right | | | | to get some ideas about what you want and |
| fishing boat can be a difficult and imposing task. | | | | what you're willing to pay for. |
| Here are some tips that may help: | | | | 3. Does the fishing boat have a good warranty? |
| For dedicated fishing enthusiasts, a fishing boat | | | | Without a genuine, comprehensive warranty, your |
| has only one true purpose - fishing. But there are | | | | new fishing boat could end up costing you a mint, |
| subtle factors to consider in making your buying | | | | no matter how big the savings you got on |
| decision. | | | | purchase. Warranties vary greatly, so you should |
| 1. How will you use your fishing boat? | | | | read it carefully and compare it to others available |
| Where will you fish? Will you be taking your boat | | | | on the market. The warranty can cover costs of |
| out for deep sea fishing? If so, you'll need a | | | | repairs on a new fishing boat and may provide for |
| sturdy hull to withstand the waves and constant | | | | replacement of faulty parts. Buying a used fishing |
| rolling. And your craft will need plenty of room for | | | | boat directly may save a lot of money at the |
| supplies and fuel. But if you're planning on fishing | | | | beginning, but buying a new fishing boat from a |
| inland on lakes or reservoirs, you can afford a | | | | reputable dealer may give you the best insurance |
| smaller, less hardy craft. | | | | against long-term maintenance costs. |
| When do you plan to fish? Will you be taking your | | | | 4. Is your fishing boat certified? |
| fishing boat out for sunrise fishing or for overnight | | | | The National Marine Manufacturers Association |
| trips? There's little more joyful experience fishing | | | | (NMMA) provides certifications that guarantee |
| at sunrise from a simple row boat or motorized | | | | your fishing boat meets the agency's standards |
| fishing raft. Overnight trips require space for | | | | for safety. Their certification covers fuel and |
| sleeping and meals and must provide shelter from | | | | electrical systems, steering, flotation, and |
| inclement weather. | | | | ventilation - included in manufacturing regulations |
| 2. What can you afford to spend? | | | | established by the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition to |
| Fishing boats can get very expensive, especially | | | | the Coast Guard regulations, NMMA certification |
| those that are capable of long trips on heavy | | | | also indicates that the craft meets the more |
| waves. And if you want comforts and fancy | | | | stringent standards of the American Boat and |
| accessories, you may be looking at a steep bill. | | | | Yacht Council. |
| The more simple fishing crafts like kayaks and | | | | No matter what type of fishing boat you plan to |
| fishing utility boats can be had for less than a | | | | purchase, you should do your homework. Know |
| thousand dollars. A simple inflatable fishing raft | | | | how and when you'll be using your craft, and learn |
| may be as little as $100 to $150. A good kayak | | | | how to identify its important safety and durability |
| will costs around $500 or $1000. | | | | features. Consider the benefits and consequences |
| But if you're intent on deep sea fishing or more | | | | of buying a used or new fishing boat to make |
| luxurious fishing on your local lake, expect to | | | | sure you get the most from your hard-earned |
| spend thousands of dollars, maybe even tens of | | | | money. And check out the warranties and |
| thousands. Size, speed, sleeping accommodations, | | | | certifications - they may save your life. |