| How can I make sure I choose the right boat? | | | | upgrade within three years anyway. |
| Think about what you need, don't need and what | | | | Rule of thumb! unless money is no object, or you |
| you would like. Narrow down your choices to | | | | have a desire to own everything from new, go |
| short lists of categories, makes, features etc. Ask | | | | for a second hand boat! it makes sense. |
| yourself, what will I be using my boat for? | | | | Test drive time! |
| spending time with family & friends, | | | | Did you know you can test drive a boat? see the |
| socialising, entertaining, racing, cruising, fishing | | | | way it handles and feels on the water! bring the |
| (saltwater or freshwater?) sailing, holidays | | | | family with you, get a feel for the environment |
| (sleeping), watersports etc, do your research on | | | | you will be using it in! take it out to sea. Ask |
| this, a lot of people don't think this far ahead! | | | | questions, get the family to ask questions, find |
| speak to people who are involved in boating, | | | | out as much as possible. |
| involve yourself in the community! more often | | | | Time to buy! |
| than not they will go out of their way to help. | | | | Discuss the options with your dealer, should you |
| Visit boat shows and boat dealers | | | | pay cash or finance? what are the added benefits |
| Now you have a narrowed down idea of what | | | | of finance? a good dealer will go out of their way |
| your require, visit boat shows and boat dealers | | | | to help you find the best package available. This is |
| (google search either) get on board the boats, get | | | | also the time to be sure you understand the |
| a feel for them and don't be afraid to ask | | | | additional costs of boating, it's not just the |
| questions (no matter how silly or obvious) if you | | | | fibreglass! |
| are new to boating, tell the dealer that! chances | | | | Accessories, water toys & safety gear |
| are they will be extra friendly and helpful. | | | | Operating costs (petrol) |
| Do I buy new or used? | | | | Maintenance and upkeep |
| This really depends on the person buying the | | | | Storage (if a trailer in your garage or backyard is |
| boat, if you have the money and intend on | | | | not an option) |
| keeping the boat forever (or at least a long time) | | | | Insurance |
| then buy it new! however if you feel you are on | | | | All of these are common sense but not a |
| a budget and new to boating then purchase a | | | | everyone thinks about these additional expenses |
| second hand craft, a boat will probably lose half | | | | when purchasing boats, all of the above apply to |
| it's value in two years without many effects on | | | | almost anything you buy. One thing for sure, the |
| the appearance or condition. Just because a boat | | | | cost of owning a boat is nothing compared to the |
| is pre owned it does not mean it is "used", | | | | benefits derived from owning and using one! |
| generally speaking boats spend 90% of their life | | | | Last but not least, enjoy! |
| out of use, sitting in the water or garage. | | | | There is a world to explore.... |
| Statistically speaking, most new boat owners | | | | |